Season of Harvest

Welcome to the Season of Harvest at Thornbury Benefice – Gloucester Diocese

As summer gives way to autumn, we turn our hearts to the season of Harvest—a time to pause, to give thanks, and to rejoice in God’s abundant goodness.

Here in the Thornbury Benefice, Harvest is more than just a service; it is a season of gratitude, fellowship, and shared life. We come together across our churches, schools, and wider community to celebrate the gifts of creation, to share in music and worship, and to remember those in need. From joyful festivals and concerts to suppers and school services, there is so much to draw us closer to one another and to God.

This Harvest season we are especially mindful of the blessings that surround us—our food, our friendships, our faith, and the beauty of the world entrusted to our care. As we bring our offerings and prayers, we also bring our hope: that together, through kindness and generosity, we might reflect God’s love in practical and meaningful ways.

You are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate, give thanks, and look forward with joy and hope.

With every blessing, Revd Joy Ludlow, Vicar, Thornbury Benefice

Upcoming events

Autumn Festival of Flowers and Music

Thank You for a Beautiful Autumn Festival!

Our festival truly blossomed thanks to so many helping hands. From setting up the stunning floral displays, joining in the joyful Come and Sing event, and providing refreshments throughout the week, to attending the marvellous Gesualdo Six concert — your support made it all unforgettable. We are especially grateful to our flower, music, and refreshments committees, our dedicated churchwardens, and Revd Joy for bringing everything together.

The congregations across our United Benefice in Thornbury, Oldbury and Shepperdine welcome all comers. Please feel free to come and join us at any of our services in any of our churches.

Check our ‘What’s On’ page for more details on services.

St Mary's Thornbury

A diverse community of worshippers sharing in all kinds of different services in our beautiful Grade I Listed building. St Mary’s also has an active church choir who welcome newcomers!

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St Paul's, the Hackett

St Paul's is the small daughter church in the parish of Thornbury, on the outskirts of the town on Hackett Lane. This is a small community church with a lively and enthusiastic congregation, a couple of young organists, and a simple, homely environment.

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St Arilda's, Oldbury

St Arilda's is a small country church in the village of Oldbury-on-Severn, with a passion and heart for the local community, and a small but enthusiastic worshipping congregation. This is a deeply welcoming church for visitors, walkers and enquirers, all are welcome
For more details visit the Oldbury parish website at: http://www.arildachurcholdbury.co.uk/

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St Mary's, Shepperdine

St Mary's is a small tin tabernacle on the banks of the River Severn that hosts a small congregation on a monthly basis (in ordinary times) for BCP services. Also used for regular services at Rogation and Harvest it is a building at the heart of the farming community. It is always open as a place of pilgrimage and prayer for those walking in the area.

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St Mary's Church Hall, Thornbury

St Mary's Church Hall is available to hire.
For bookings please email thornburybenefice@outlook.com or call the Parish office on 01454 281900.
Large Hall Dimensions: 11.5m x 7m x 3m tall. Small hall can be separate or included in the same hire.

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