St Andrew's, Dearnley

Nativity scene

Our Christmas services at St Andrew's, the parish church of Dearnley and Smithy Bridge, start on Sunday with the Carol Service at 6pm, featuring Wardle Anderson Brass.

Earlier in the day, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we have Eucharist at 8am, Sung Eucharist at 10am and Holy Baptisms at noon and at 1pm.

We need helpers on Saturday morning in church at 9.30am to work on the making of the Christingles for the Crib and Christingle Service, complete with an appearance by the celebrated St Andrew's puppets, which will be held in Church on Christmas Eve, starting at 4pm.

The puppets had a rehearsal this week and it was soon evident that they are going to be on top form by 4pm on Christmas Eve.

Later that night, starting at 11pm, we have the traditional Midnight Eucharist and then at 10am on Christmas Day we have Eucharist with carols.

Anyone wishing to make a donation for Christmas flowers in memory of loved ones should give names and donation to Barbara Gordon, no later than in church on Sunday.
A coffee morning last Saturday in aid of Wider Welcome raised £216 so thanks to everyone who attended and to those who worked hard behind the scenes to make the event such a success.

The parish rota this week is: lay assistants, S Carmichael, C Cook; readers, S Knight, D Knight; Intercessions, S Knight; sidespersons, P Shrigley, B Kelly; refreshments, Dennis, Doris, Judith.

Our vicar, the Rev Sharon Jones, will have hard work and devotion to duty recognised in Manchester Cathedral on January 13 when she becomes an honorary Canon.

A coach to the Cathedral will leave St Andrew's at 4.15pm (£6 per head). Anyone wishing to go on the coach in support of Sharon should hand in names as soon as possible to either Jean Townshend or Ray Milligan.