St Andrew's Church, Dearnley

Photo: Peter Shrigley

Wider Welcome Parish Room at St Andrew's Church, Dearnley & Smithy Bridge

After a long break because of the Wider Welcome building work on our newly extended and refurbished parish room, our once-a-month parish lunch is now up and running again.

The first lunch will be held this Friday, January 31 and we are expecting a lot of people to express an interest as news spreads that we are now back in business.

For three courses plus tea or coffee the cost is £6 but, more importantly than that, its a perfect opportunity for people to chat, socialise, make new friends and generally enjoy the convivial company and atmosphere.

For dates of future luncheons or for more information please ring Elizabeth on (01706) 376660 or on 07939491545.

On a different theme we've launched a Prayer Shawl Ministry at St Andrew's in which parishioners are invited to bring out their knitting needles and knit shawls for the sick and housebound of the parish, who need all the help they can get in order to keep warm.

Prayer Shawl Ministry is a worldwide movement of small groups who create shawls for individuals who would benefit from this outreach of love and compassion.

Often these are people burdened with illness or sorrow, but the shawls can also be a gift from St Andrew's to celebrate a marriage or a new baby.

The purpose is to provide a garment that will allow both the knitters and the recipients to encounter God's love and presence in a tangible way - a feeling of comfort and warmth beyond what the woven threads alone would be able to provide.

Further details from Edna Burrows.

Our Fairtrade Stall starts up again this Sunday, February 2, when we have Sung Eucharist at 9.30am and Holy Baptism at 11.30am.

Parish rota: lay assistants, J Paterson, J Coomer; readers, I Larder, R Larder; Intercessions, J Mills; sidespersons, C Giles, R Fuler; refreshments, June, Vera, Dorothy.