Summer Blessings

As another school year draws to a close, we give thanks for all that has been shared, learned, and achieved over the past months. It has been a privilege to celebrate with all our local schools throughout the year, particularly our wonderful church schools in Thornbury and Oldbury —from collective worship to R.E. lessons to Open the Book.

For those moving on to new schools, new jobs, or new chapters in life, we pray that you will go forward with confidence, knowing that God walks beside you wherever the journey leads. We also give thanks for all those who teach, support, encourage, and care for our children and young people, helping them to grow in their wonderful school values.

The summer holidays offer us a welcome opportunity to slow down, to spend time with family and friends, and to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Whether your plans include travel, days out, time in the garden, or simply the chance to rest, may this season bring refreshment for body, mind, and spirit.

Our churches remain open, and you will always find a warm welcome at our services and events. Whether you are a familiar face or visiting for the first time, we would be delighted to welcome you.

May this summer be a season of rest, renewal, and joy, and may you know God's peace and blessing in all that you do.

With every blessing,

Revd Joy Ludlow

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.

Upcoming Services, Groups and Events

Choral Evensongs

2nd Sunday of every month - 6pm

Evensong is described by The Guardian as ‘one of England's richest heritages – a living musical tradition that costs nothing to experience live’.

Every month, we hold a service of Choral Evensong so you can appreciate this wonderful and evocative institution in the ancient surroundings of St Mary’s, Thornbury.

The service has been sung regularly since the 16th Century and is based on the daily offices held in the medieval church. Music – and the choir – is at its heart, and each service taps into the rich vein of English church music composed throughout the centuries.

Because of its ancient lineage, the old forms of the prayers and bible readings are used. After the introduction to the service, the choir recites the appointed Psalm which you can follow in the Prayer Book. The Lesson from the Old Testament is read and then the Choir sing the Magnificat, the song of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The New Testament Lesson is followed by the Choir singing the Nunc Dimittis, the song of Simeon. We then say together the Apostles’ Creed, and prayers are sung by a Cantor and the Choir which end with a reflective period where the Collects are read. An anthem is sung and a final hymn concludes the service, leaving you to sit for as long as you want and reflect on the day gone by.

If you get a chance, do come along to this rarely held service and be steeped in history.

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.
Disabled access and bathroom facilities. Designated parking area next to the hall.

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