St Andrew's, Dearnley

St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

To celebrate Pentecost (Whit Sunday, May 24) we have a big day, starting with a Family Eucharist and Holy Baptism at 9.30am.

We have additional Holy Baptisms at noon and at 1pm and then, at 1.30pm, we have our Whit-Walk to Littleborough, complete with brass band.

Pentecost didn’t end with the ongoing work of Jesus through his disciples, but continues with us today via the power of God at work in all who follow Christ.

In her monthly vicar’s letter, our priest-in-charge the Rev Sharon Jones writes: “Sometimes we forget, and need to reclaim, the power which Christ has invested in us.

“The power of Christ is the power to make a difference. It is a slap in the face for apathy, lethargy and indifference in the face of the sufferings and poverty of the world.

“The power of Christ, through the Holy Spirit at work in us and among us, can change the dynamics of whole communities.”

The parish rota tomorrow is: lay assistants, J Mills, H Walker; readers, G Barlow, S Topham; Intercessions, W Foote; sidespersons, P Paterson, D Knight; refreshments, Brenda, Rhona, Cynthia.

To mark the 120th anniversary of St Andrew's, which was opened in 1895, there is to be a Bible Marathon on Saturday, June 13, when the undertaking is to read the whole of the Bible in one day.

It will start at 9am and finish before midnight. The Bible will be divided into five parts, each of which will be read simultaneously by volunteers reading for 20 minutes at a time.

Please come along to support this event or to help with the reading (or both).

Refreshments will be served throughout the day and any money raised through sponsorship or other means will go to Christian Aid.

If you would like to volunteer to read please email michael.howarth@zen.co.uk; or call/text on 07977164848 or put your name on the list in the parish room.

The parish lunch for May is on Friday, May 29. You only need to inform Elizabeth if you are attending for the first time or if you are a regular who is NOT going to be there.