Weekly Letter 24/4/25

A warm welcome to your weekly newsletter from Stroud Parish Churches.

After the deep reflection of Holy Week and the joy of celebrating Easter, we’re entering a season of hope and renewal. Easter reminds us of the new life we have in Christ, and it’s a joy to continue sharing that with you all. As we step into this new season together, let’s keep the spirit of resurrection alive in our hearts, and look forward to the opportunities for connection, service, and growth that are ahead.

We are delighted to invite you to a very special occasion in the life of our Team Ministry. On Sunday 20th July, at 6.00 pm, we will gather at St Matthew’s, Cainscross, for the Licensing and Installation of Reverend Coral Francis as our new Team Vicar. Bishop Robert will be presiding at this service, and we are filled with joy and anticipation as we welcome Coral into this new role. It will be a time of worship, prayer, and fellowship, as we offer our support and encouragement to Coral in her ministry among us. Please do come and join us for this joyful event in our shared journey of faith. Please remember Coral in your prayers as prepares to begin this new chapter in her ministry.

Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

This week, we invite you to come together in worship. Whether you’re a regular attendee or new to our community, there’s a place for you. Together, we’ll explore God’s word, share in fellowship, and seek His guidance for the week ahead.

We look forward to welcoming you at our services, where we’ll join hearts and voices in praise. If you’ve been feeling disconnected or needing a moment of peace, we’d love for you to be part of our worship this Sunday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and renew.

Come as you are – your presence is a blessing to us all!

Sunday Services for 27th April. 

9.30am
Holy Communion at St Laurence, Stroud
Matins at All Saints, Uplands.
Sunday Worship at St Matthew’s, Cainscross.

10.30am
Cafe Church at St Pauls, Whiteshill.

11am
Sunday Worship at Holy Trinity, Slad.
Cafe Church with Helen Hill and her Celtic Harp, at St John The Baptist, Randwick
Sunday Worship at The Church of The Holy Spirit, Paganhill.
Holy Communion at Holy Trinity, Stroud.

6.30pm
Evening Prayer at St Albans.

10am Wednesday Communion will be at St Matthew’s, Cainscross a

Team News:
Our Parent and Toddler group, ‘The Ark’, will be merging with our Wednesday morning Community Café, ‘The Well,‘ at St Laurence Hall in The Shambles. This transition aligns with the shared mission of both groups, and we believe it will enable us to serve families more effectively.

St Paul’s Church, Whiteshill Friday 23rd May 7pm -9pm

An illustrated talk to celebrate 400 years of Stroudwater Textile Trust

Tickets: £10 on the door or available from the Ruscombe and Whiteshill Village Shop.

Holy Trinity, Church Stroud at 3pm on 6th July

Special Service to Celebrate 150 Years of Stroud Hospital 

We are delighted to invite you to join us for a special service celebrating 150 years of Stroud General Hospital.
We will be joined by Bishop Rachel as we reflect on the hospital’s rich history and look forward to its future. The Supertroopers Choir will be performing during the service, and afterwards, refreshments will be served by the League of Friends.

Please save the date and join us for this significant occasion!

We look forward to seeing you there!

May you each go into this week with a heart full of hope, knowing that God walks with you in every moment. Let us continue to be a community of love and support, sharing God’s grace in all we do.

Blessings,

James