Parish of St Cuthbert with St Stephen Darwen

19/03/2026

Thursday 19th March: Speak out with courage

📖 Acts 17:16-34

✝️ "[Paul] reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and
the devout persons, and in the market-place every
day with those who happened to be there." (Acts 17:17)

Let us pray:
🙏 Father God, help us to speak the truth into those places
which most need it with courage, conviction, and love.
Amen.

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/storage/general-files/shares/Resources/Making%20Disciples/Seasonal%20Devotionals/Blackburn-Lent-2026-A5.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQioo9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBMUTlzTUJqQmJaUXZUU2w2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhHtfQRqd7MmBQ7Qiq1eIIBI8uJfqbBtMBlj9o3I9_sKH-wNJdFrf_Vuxxnc_aem_nRzBMN25YydO-kBmwmds3A

18/03/2026

Wednesday 18th March: Freedom in Christ

📖 Acts 16:16-34

✝️ "And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and
you will be saved, you and your household”." (Acts 16: 31)

Let us pray:
🙏 Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom You offer me – a
freedom that no chains can hold, and no worry can take away.
Break the bonds of fear, pride, and guilt in my heart, and lead
me to the true freedom I can find in you alone.
Amen

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/storage/general-files/shares/Resources/Making%20Disciples/Seasonal%20Devotionals/Blackburn-Lent-2026-A5.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQioo9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBMUTlzTUJqQmJaUXZUU2w2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhHtfQRqd7MmBQ7Qiq1eIIBI8uJfqbBtMBlj9o3I9_sKH-wNJdFrf_Vuxxnc_aem_nRzBMN25YydO-kBmwmds3A

17/03/2026

The Parish Choir will be performing John Stainer's Passiontide oratio 'The Crucifixion' this Sunday, 22nd March, 6pm.

It will be a captivating performance of undoubtedly a magnificent composition of the Lord's suffering and salvation. A stunning piece of choral music, with soloists from our Tenor and Bass sections, sung in the atmospheric building of St. Cuthbert's.

Whether you've had the pleasure of hearing our choir and organ before, or maybe a new listener keen to enjoy a new experience, you are most welcome to join us. No admission charge, donations to our church and organ upkeep most welcome.

17/03/2026

Tuesday 17th March: The Guidance of the Holy Spirit

📖 Acts 16:6-15

✝️ "After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once
to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called
us to preach the gospel to them." (Acts 16:10)

Let us pray:
🙏 Lord, send your Holy Spirit to guide me so I may always
do your good and perfect will. Amen

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/storage/general-files/shares/Resources/Making%20Disciples/Seasonal%20Devotionals/Blackburn-Lent-2026-A5.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQioo9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBMUTlzTUJqQmJaUXZUU2w2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhHtfQRqd7MmBQ7Qiq1eIIBI8uJfqbBtMBlj9o3I9_sKH-wNJdFrf_Vuxxnc_aem_nRzBMN25YydO-kBmwmds3A

16/03/2026

St. Cuthbert's Quiz Night
Friday 20th March, 7:30pm-9pm, BB3 1QJ

Bring yourself, bring your team and enjoy an evening of Facts (debatable), Fun (definitely) and Friendship (guaranteed).

£3.50 pp, licensed bar, raffle and more. Cash and card payment on the night - please send a message with number of people so we can ensure seating.

See original post for more details

🎓 Thinking caps on! Join us for our next social evening - Family Quiz Night

📅Friday 20th March
🕰️ 7:30pm (Doors and Bar open from 7pm)
📍 St. Cuthbert's Church, Earnsdale Road, Darwen BB3 1QJ
💷 £3.50 per person
🍷 Licensed Bar, soft drinks and nibbles
🎁 Raffle

Please message or leave a comment to book your seat.

16/03/2026

Monday 16th March: Sharing our story

📖 Acts 15:1-20

✝️ "The church sent them on their way, and as they
travelled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told
how the Gentiles had been converted. This news
made all the believers very glad." (Acts 15:3)

Let us pray:
🙏 Loving God, give us open eyes to see the people we meet
and gentle courage to share, in our own words, what you have
done in our lives. Amen.

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/storage/general-files/shares/Resources/Making%20Disciples/Seasonal%20Devotionals/Blackburn-Lent-2026-A5.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQioo9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBMUTlzTUJqQmJaUXZUU2w2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhHtfQRqd7MmBQ7Qiq1eIIBI8uJfqbBtMBlj9o3I9_sKH-wNJdFrf_Vuxxnc_aem_nRzBMN25YydO-kBmwmds3A

15/03/2026

Our (very) popular Pop-up Community Cafe returns next month at St. Stephen's Church, Tockholes. The first one of 2026 will be Saturday 4th April.

📆 1st Saturday of the month, April - October
⌚️11am - 2pm
🫖 Tea, Coffee, homemade sandwiches, cakes and snacks
⛪️ St. Stephen's Churchyard, Rock Lane, Tockholes, BB3 0LX

If you've never been, you're missing out! Run by volunteers, serving delicious home-made refreshments, it grows in popularity every year. Outdoor seating for the Spring Sunshine or indoor option in case of April Showers. Parking can be limited so please consider parking further up the lane, nearer to the school, or at the top and walk down.

15/03/2026

We've been visited by Darwen Ducks!

They're currently keeping watch on the gates into the North Porch at church

15/03/2026

Join us in worship and celebration this Mothering Sunday as we gather to share the Eucharist together.

10:30am Sung Eucharist
St. Cuthbert's Church, Earnsdale Road, Darwen, BB3 1QJ

15/03/2026

Sunday 15th March: Fourth Sunday of Lent

📖 Acts 14:21-28

✝️ "…they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,
strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging
them to continue in the faith." (Acts 14:21-22)

Let us pray:
🙏 Dear Lord, help me to look both inside myself and my local
church. Help us identify where we might need support and
create opportunities for us to encourage one another.
Amen

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/storage/general-files/shares/Resources/Making%20Disciples/Seasonal%20Devotionals/Blackburn-Lent-2026-A5.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQioo9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBMUTlzTUJqQmJaUXZUU2w2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhHtfQRqd7MmBQ7Qiq1eIIBI8uJfqbBtMBlj9o3I9_sKH-wNJdFrf_Vuxxnc_aem_nRzBMN25YydO-kBmwmds3A

14/03/2026

Saturday 14th March: Worship God the Creator of all

📖 Acts 14:8-20

✝️ "turn from these vain things to a living God. (Acts 14:15)

Let us pray:
🙏 Lord, we know that sometimes things don’t turn out quite the
way we expect or hope for. Let us approach such situations
with open hearts, always speaking of you, knowing that in
doing so we can bring glory to your world.
Amen

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/storage/general-files/shares/Resources/Making%20Disciples/Seasonal%20Devotionals/Blackburn-Lent-2026-A5.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQioo9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBMUTlzTUJqQmJaUXZUU2w2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhHtfQRqd7MmBQ7Qiq1eIIBI8uJfqbBtMBlj9o3I9_sKH-wNJdFrf_Vuxxnc_aem_nRzBMN25YydO-kBmwmds3A

13/03/2026

This weekend we celebrate Mothering Sunday and would love to share with you!

Join us on Saturday, 10-12noon, for a Coffee Morning run by members of our Mothers Union - Tea, Coffee, Biscuits, Tombola and Raffle.

On Sunday, we will mark Mothering Sunday during our services by handing out daffodils for our mothers, those who care for us as mothers and all those who fulfil a mothering role of love, guidance and steadfast loyalty.