Where have you seen hope this week? It might be in the warmer weather, in the people around you, or in something small that caught your attention. It can be hard to see hope at times, but it is often there if we look for it.
This week, I have seen it in many places across Stroud — in our schools, in meetings and conversations, and in my visits to homes and as chaplain to Marah. And although I wasn’t there for the Experience Easter schools events we held in Cainscross, I’ve heard enough to know they were full of moments of hope for pupils, staff and volunteers alike. My thanks to all those involved.
As you read this weeks email and consider what is happening across our churches in the coming weeks, I encourage you to take hold of moments of hope and make space for reflection, trusting that God meets us in both.
Services on 22nd March
9.30
Holy Communion at St Laurence
Sunday Worship at St Matthew’s church hall, Cainscross
Matins at All Saints, Uplands
10.30
Cafe Church at St Paul’s
11.00
Holy Communion at Holy Trinity
Morning Worship at Paganhill
Cafe Church at Randwick
Morning Worship at Slad
18.30
Evening Prayer at St Albans
Wednesday Communion will be at St Laurence at 10am.
Songs for the Soul concert this Friday (20th March) at St Laurence Church. Whiteshill and Ruscombe Community Choir offer an evening of music to lift the spirit, in aid of The Door, the Stroud youth charity. Tickets are available from The Door shop or on the day.
Coffee Morning at Holy Trinity Church, Slad, on Saturday 21st March, 10.30am–12pm. In the beautiful Slad valley, come along for coffee, delicious homemade cakes, a raffle, and the chance to enjoy fellowship together. Everyone is welcome.
Feast of the Annunciation – A Service of Holy Communion
Join us as we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, recalling Mary’s faithful “yes” to God. A beautiful and reflective service will take place on Wednesday 25th March at 2.30pm at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Paganhill. We will also give thanks for the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union. You are warmly invited. Refreshments will be served in the church after the service.
Lent Groups
Thursday Afternoon Lent Group – Paganhill
The Stroud Team Lent Group continues this Thursday at 1.30pm at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Paganhill. We continue our reflections with the Desert Fathers and Mothers. This week we will be exploring the wisdom of Patrick of Ireland. All are welcome.
St Laurence Lent Programme
Lent offers us space to pause, reflect, and draw closer to God. A full and varied programme at St Laurence provides opportunities for prayer, study, and fellowship throughout the season. Please click here to explore what’s on offer.
You are invited to join the Good Friday Walk of Witness, gathering at The Door shop on the High Street at 11.15am. Together we will walk, stopping to reflect on Jesus’ final hours. This Churches Together in Stroud event will conclude with refreshments, including hot cross buns, at St Laurence.
Engine Room Youth Group
Sundays, 6.00pm–7.30pm (term time only) at Paganhill Church.
For young people aged 11–18, Engine Room is a space to explore faith, play games, pray together, and enjoy fellowship.
For more information, please contact Barrie Voyce: barrie.voyce@
Dates for your diary:
Team Palm Sunday Service at 11am at St Laurence in town on Sunday 29th March.
Choral Evensong for Palm Sunday at 4pm on Sunday 29th March at All Saints, Uplands.
Team Pilgrimage on 31st May, more details to follow. Choral Patronal Festival at 4pm.
Visit www.stroudparishchurches.org.
As we continue to journey through Lent, we are reminded that we do not walk this path alone. In worship, in conversation, and in the life we share together, may we find strength in one another and in God’s grace.
With every blessing,
James