It’s still holiday season, but I have to confess — my thoughts are already wandering into the next season. Diaries are filling, autumn plans are stirring, and I catch myself rushing ahead. I wish I could just stay present a little more.
Jesus, of course, was always in the moment. He never hurried past people. Never too busy to notice, to pause, to respond with compassion. I find that both deeply reassuring and gently challenging.
So this week, I’m trying to slow down — to resist the urge to plan everything, and instead to be here, now. Maybe, like me, you need that too?
Sunday Services on 10th August:
9.30 Holy Communion at St Paul’s, Whiteshill
9.30 Morning Worship at St Matthew’s church
9.30 Celtic Service at St Laurence
9.30 Matins at Uplands
11.00 Morning Worship at Paganhill
11.00 Holy Communion at Slad
11.00 Morning Worship at Randwick
11.00 The Source at Holy Trinity
18.30 Holy Communion at St Albans
Midweek Communion is on 13th August at 10.00 at St Laurence Church
Events happening this week across the team
St Laurence Open Church
Each Saturday morning, while the bustle of the Stroud Market fills the streets, St Laurence quietly opens its doors for Open Church from 10.30am to 12.30pm. It’s a simple offering: a quiet space, a warm welcome, a cup of tea or coffee, and room to breathe. Whether you need a moment to be still, to pray, to chat, or simply to pause amidst the Saturday rhythms — you’re very welcome. Why not pop in as part of your market morning?
The Well.
This Wednesday (13th) is our last Well café before a short summer break — we’ll be back on 10th September. The Well has become such a joy in the heart of the week: an intergenerational, affordable, family-friendly space right in the centre of Stroud. Open every Wednesday from 9.30am to 1pm at St Laurence, it’s a place to meet, chat, play, rest, and feel at home — whether you’re popping in for a coffee, bringing little ones, or simply looking for a warm welcome. Do come along this week if you can — we’d love to see you before the summer pause.
Team Service.
On Sunday 31st August at 11am, we’re gathering at St Matthew’s Church for our next Team Service — a joyful opportunity to come together and celebrate our shared life across the Stroud Churches. All the clergy team will be there, and we’re especially glad that Revd Coral will be presiding. If you haven’t yet had the chance to meet Coral as she begins her ministry among us, this is a lovely moment to say hello and offer your welcome. It promises to be a rich and encouraging time — do join us.
Praise In The Park.
Also on Sunday 31st August, at 2pm, we’ll be gathering again — this time out in the open! Praise in the Park is happening at the Stratford Park Bandstand, bringing together churches from across Stroud for a joyful time of worship, prayer, and the word. Bring a picnic, a chair or blanket, and come ready to sing, celebrate, and enjoy being church together in the heart of our community. It’s always a special afternoon — all are welcome!
Other news:
Exciting News from Our Youth Ministry Partners
Our partners at the youth charity The Door are delighted to welcome Ed to the Illuminate team this September as part of his internship with South West Youth Ministries (SWYM).
As you may know, Stroud Parish Churches partner with Illuminate in their vital work at Archway School and through our church in Paganhill. Ed’s placement is for 1 year and is a fantastic opportunity for both him and the young people he will be serving.
But to make this possible, Ed needs somewhere to live. Could you offer a room in your home?
Thanks to a successful grant application, there is a monthly contribution of £250 available to hosts to help with expenses.
To find out more—and to hear directly from Ed himself—[click here].
Thank you for taking time to read this weeks newsetter, For information on all that is happening across the churhes of Stroud, please visit our website at stroudparishchurches.org.uk
As summer continues — with its mixture of rest, activity, and looking ahead — I pray you find moments to breathe deeply, to be present, and to know the gentle nearness of God. Whether you’re away, at home, or somewhere in between, may you carry the peace of Christ with you into whatever this week holds.
Blessings
James
Rev James Turk
Team Rector for The Stroud Parish Churches