As I sit down to write this week’s newsletter, the rain is falling steadily outside. After such a hot, dry summer, it feels like the earth is breathing a sigh of relief. The thirsty ground drinks it in, the crops are refreshed, and for many who have been praying for rain, this is an answer to prayer. It’s a gentle reminder that God’s provision often comes in His timing, and that even the rain can be a blessing when it is needed most.
Read on for news of upcoming events and ways to share in the life of our churches together.
Sunday Services on 3rd August:
9.30 Saints Alive at All Saints, Uplands
9.30 Holy Communion at St Matthew’s
9.30 Cowshed Service at St Laurence
11.00 Morning Worship at Paganhill
11.00 Morning Worship at Slad
11.00 Holy Communion at Randwick
11.00 Morning Worship at Holy Trinity
16.00 Evensong at All Saints, Uplands
19.00 ‘Fusebox’ Informal worship at St Albans
Midweek Communion is on 6th August at 10.00 at Holy Trinity Church, next to the hospital.
Randwick Coffee Morning this Saturday!
Join us in the beautiful village of Randwick for our Coffee Morning on Saturday 2nd August, 10.30–12.30 in the church.
Enjoy delicious cakes, browse the stalls, and share a friendly morning together. Everyone is very welcome!
The Well – A Warm Welcome for All
Join us on Wednesday at St Laurence Hall in The Shambles for The Well, our family-friendly community café. It’s a relaxed space where young and old can meet, chat, and enjoy time together – perfect for the summer holidays! Whether you’re looking for a cuppa, a friendly face, or a safe spot for little ones to play, The Well is the place to be 9.30am until 1pm
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].
Save the Date – Praise in the Park!
Churches Together in Stroud invite you to Praise in the Park at Stratford Park on Sunday 31st August at 2pm.
Bring a picnic and a chair, and enjoy an afternoon of worship led by our live band in the bandstand. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends, family, and the wider church community to give thanks and praise together. Everyone is welcome!
Do visit the website at www.stroudparishchurches.org.
As we step into August, I pray that each of you finds moments of rest, refreshment, and joy in God’s creation—even in the simple blessing of rain! Thank you for all the ways you support one another and our churches.
With every blessing,
Revd James Turk
Rector, Stroud Team Ministry