I don’t know about you but I find myself still greeting people with a cheerful “Happy New Year!” — even though, by late January, the moment has probably passed… but habits die hard!
So, as this is my first Weekly Email of 2026, I’m allowing myself one final New Year greeting — and then I promise to let it go.
I hope the year has begun gently for you, and that you are finding moments of grace, steadiness, and encouragement as we step forward together.
Services on 25th January
9.30am
Holy Communion at St Laurence
Matins at All Saints
Morning Worship St Matthew’s, Cainscross
10.30am
Cafe Church at St Paul’s, Whiteshill
11.00am
Holy Communion at Holy Trinity
Morning Worship at Slad
Morning Worship at Paganhill
Cafe Church at Randwick with guitarist Alun Davies
Midweek Communion
10.00am at St Laurence on Wednesday 28th January
In The News:
The House of Bishops has released a further response following the Living in Love and Faith process, and our bishop has offered their own thoughtful and measured reflections on this.
At a time when these matters can feel deeply personal and sometimes painful, the emphasis remains on holding together truth, compassion, and unity in a spirit of prayer.
https://gloucester.anglican.
Uplands Big Lunch – All Saints Centre
Sunday 25th January | 12–2pm
A warm invitation to come and share food, laughter, and fellowship at our Big Bring & Share Lunch. Bring something to share if you’re able – or just bring yourself. A lovely chance to enjoy one another’s company and begin the year together.
On Sunday 25th January at 2pm, at Lansdown Hall, Stroud will come together to remember the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirm our commitment to dignity and justice. All are welcome.
The magical sound of four cellos – from the rich textures of Renaissance vocal music to the vibrant rhythms of the Tango!
The Cellophonics return to the beautiful St Laurence Church.
They will play music from across the centuries, weaving the Fantasia for 4 voices by Henry Purcell, Ave Verum by the great Renaissance composer William Byrd and Fratres by his 21st Century Estonian musical cousin Arvo Pärt, with unpublished gems and especially commissioned work.
Further information and tickets available here
Every Sunday from 6pm until 7.30pm at The Church of The Holy Spirit in Paganhill, Engine Room for 11-18 yer olds brings together young people so that they can make new friends, grow in their gifts, and be inspired to be culture-changers in their communities.
Each week centres around a key topic for conversation tackling issues in young people’s lives.
Email barrie.voyce@
The Well Community Cafe is happening every Wednesday at St Laurence hall from 9.30 to 1.00. There will be crafts, children’s activities, refreshments including homemade cakes and light lunches and much more!
For a full list of services, events, and opportunities to connect across our parishes, please visit our website: www.stroudparishchurches.org.
We hope you will find something that nourishes your faith, offers fellowship, or simply brings a moment of peace in the week ahead. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
With every blessing,
James