St Andrew's, Dearnley

St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

St Andrew's are delighted to announce that Bishop Mark will be with us throughout Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday.

The Rev Mike Howarth, addressing parishioners in 'The Fisherman', says: "I would encourage you to take every opportunity to avail yourself of the spiritual feast on offer at St Andrew's."

Easter diary dates as follows:

• March 1: Ash Wednesday Eucharist 7.30pm
• April 9: Palm Sunday Eucharist 9.30am
• April 11: Stations of the Cross 7pm
• April 13: Shared meal and Eucharist 8pm, then Gethsemane Watch to midnight.
• April 14: Good Friday liturgy 11am; private prayer and reflection, noon to 3pm.
• April 15: Morning Prayer 9am; Easter Fire and Vigil 8pm
• April 16: Easter Day Sung Eucharist 9.30am

Parishioners who have Palm crosses from previous years are asked to return them to church. They will be used to make ash for the Ash Wednesday ministry.

Our next major social event is a concert by the 'Little Jazz Funk Orchestra' on Saturday, March 4. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm.

See Ada for tickets, priced £8 including supper. A pay bar will be available.

Our Quinquennial Report 2016, the first since 2011, shows the church building, fabric and ornaments to be well kept and in good order.

There are, however, two recommendations; the first to re-roof the lower roof sections above the North and South aisles within the next five years at an estimated cost of around £35,000; the second to talk to Rochdale Council about the need to treat Japanese Knotweed to the rear of the lower graveyard.

Our Parish Share Assessment for 2017 is £45,385. In the lead-up to our annual meeting in April our treasurer, Chris Longhurst, will be giving some idea of the financial targets we need to reach if we are to meet our continuing obligations.

On Sunday, February 19, we have our usual Sung Eucharist at 9.30am.