Did you make it along to the Stroud Team Picnic and Pilgrimage on Sunday 30th June? It was a wonderful day of connection, diverse forms of worship, beautiful landscapes, exercise, and generous hospitality. At the end the consensus was that the day had brought us closer to one another, to our local environment, and to God.
The weather was spot on, not too hot, and the day began early in the morning with a traditional communion service followed by breakfast in St. Laurence Church. Then over 20 of us began the pilgrimage, calling in at St. Matthews, Church of the Holy Spirit, Paganhill, St John the Baptists, Randwick, before arriving in Whiteshill for a picnic lunch. At each church there was the opportunity to rest, be still, and learn more about the church and it’s community.
The picnic lunch was an excellent affair, supported by a delicious offering of drinks and cakes from the Whiteshill community, and a time of worship based on a collection of pilgrim songs.
The second half of the pilgrimage saw us head towards Holy Trinity, Slad before turning towards Stroud, accompanied by the bells of All Saints, Uplands, as we walked along Summer Street. After St. Albans our final destination was Holy Trinity, Stroud, where we were greeted by more wonderful drinks and cakes, and more ‘pilgrim’ worship songs which provided an inspiring and fun end to the day.
Thanks to everyone who made the day possible by praying for us all, turning up, offering hospitality, helping to plan, and many other ways. It has brought us closer together and we are already looking forward to 2025!