As I prepared for this week’s Midweek Communion, one detail in the Gospel caught my attention. When Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, he does not ask for volunteers. He calls people by name.
Before there is any task, there is a relationship. Before there is any sending, there is a calling.
The shape of that calling changes throughout our lives. There are seasons when we are called to take on new responsibilities and seasons when we are called to care, pray, encourage, rest, or simply remain faithful through difficult circumstances.
As we move into the summer months, perhaps it is worth taking a moment to reflect: What am I being called to do—or to be—right now?
May we have ears to hear his voice and the courage to follow where he leads.
James
Sunday Services 12th July
9.30 Holy Communion at St Paul’s, Whiteshill
9.30 Cafe Church at St Matthew’s, Cainscross
9.30 Celtic Morning Prayer at St Laurence
9.30 Matins at Uplands
11.00 Sunday Worship at Randwick
11.00 Holy Communion at Slad
11.00 The Source at Holy Trinity
11.00 Morning Prayer at Paganhill
18.30 Holy Communion at St Albans
Wednesday 15th July
10.00 Holy Communion at Holy Trinity
Events:
Saturday 11th July
9.30 Contemplative Prayer at St Laurence
10.30 Open Church at St Laurence
Wednesday 15th July
9.30 to 13.00
The Well Community Cafe at St Laurence hall.
A special exhibition of paintings
entitled ‘Cider with Rosie Reimagined’ by international artist
Jeremy Houghton is taking place over the summer at Holy Trinity Church, Slad.
Paintings will be on display in the church from July 10th to
Sept 20th. The exhibition explores themes of
memory, childhood, community and rural life through a
series of paintings created in and around the Slad Valley.
The exhibition will be open every day.
You may wish to look at Jeremy Houghton’s website to
learn more about his work. www.jeremyhoughton.co.uk
A Summer ‘Hootenanny” At St Paul’s, Whiteshill
Saturday 11th July, 2026, 3pm
Whiteshill and Ruscombe Community Choir next concert a “Summer Hootenanny”. We will be joined by some special guests. Please join us for an afternoon of joyous music from a wide variety of styles.
Tickets £10 (under 11’s and carers free) available from the village shop, choir members or on the door ( door tickets cash only).
St Laurence Restored: Preserving Stroud’s Historic Heart
Many of you will know that St Laurence Church is embarking on an ambitious restoration project to secure the future of this much-loved building at the heart of our town.
Thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is now in its development phase, preparing detailed plans for essential repairs to the roof, stonework, rainwater goods and stained-glass windows. The aim is to ensure that St Laurence continues to serve both church and community for generations to come.
Latest from the St Laurence Restored Project
Please keep the project, its volunteers, and all those involved in your prayers as they work to preserve this important part of Stroud’s heritage and witness.
Thank you for taking time to read this weeks newsletter. Do visit our website at www.stroudparishchurches.org.
Whether your week is busy or quiet, may you know that Christ walks beside you and continues to call you to himself.
James