A welcoming Church of England church in Rochdale

You are welcome here.
Whoever you are. Wherever you come from. Whatever has brought you here.

St James’ Church, Thornham is a warm, inclusive Church of England parish in Rochdale, open to all. We are a church family drawn together by faith, friendship and a shared desire to grow closer to God and one another.

Rooted in the love of Jesus Christ, we seek to reflect that love in the way we welcome others. Our doors — and our hearts — are open to people of every background, life experience and story. We aim to be a place where everyone is treated with dignity, kindness and respect, and where all can belong.

What to Expect When You Visit

A friendly, relaxed welcome
You may be greeted at the door, but there is no pressure to introduce yourself. You are free to arrive quietly and take things at your own pace.

Accessible worship
Our worship follows the Anglican tradition and is designed to be welcoming and easy to follow. Everything you need is provided, and you are invited to join in as much — or as little — as you wish.

No expectations
There is no dress code, no test of belief, and no obligation to return. Simply come as you are.

Worship at St James’

Sunday Eucharist
📍 St James’ Church, Thornham
⏰ Sundays at 9:00am

Our main Sunday service is a Common Worship Eucharist, with prayer, music and space for reflection. Children and young people are always welcome.

We also offer:

• Wednesdays at 10am Said Communion

• Monthly Sung Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)

• Monthly Youth Church (Year 6 and above)

• Wednesdays at 5.30pm worship for children and families

Our services are prayerful and joyful, rooted in tradition while open to new ways of worshipping together.

Families & Children

A church where families belong

Families are central to life at St James’. Children are not just welcomed — they are encouraged to take part, ask questions and feel at home.

Many families come to us through school connections, which we value as a gift and a privilege.

Music at St James’

Music plays a treasured role in our worship. Our robed choir, led by an experienced choir director and supported by organ music, enriches our Sunday services and special occasions throughout the year.

We enjoy a wide musical tradition, from psalms and early church music to works by contemporary composers. As members of the Royal School of Church Music, choir members can develop their skills through the Voice for Life programme.

Whether you sing regularly or are simply curious, you are welcome.

Caring for Creation

Caring for God’s creation is an important part of our mission. Alongside other churches in our Mission Community, St James’ is actively involved in Eco Church, working towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible ways of living and worshipping.

Life Beyond Sundays

Church life at St James’ extends well beyond Sunday worship. Our church and parish hall host a range of activities for all ages, including youth groups, uniformed organisations, community events and social gatherings.

We are committed to being a church that is active, present and engaged in the life of Thornham.

Find Us

📍 St James’ Church, Thornham
38 Thornham Lane, Royton, Rochdale, OL2 6UW

🅿️ A small car park is available at the rear of the church, with additional parking on nearby roads.

Our church hall is available for hire for community and private events.
For enquiries, please contact our church administrator:
📧 admin@sctchurch.org