The Fourth Week of Advent
Reading: John 3:16–17
From the light of Christ comes the gift of love. Not a vague feeling, not a seasonal sentiment, but the deep, self-giving love of God that moved Him to step into our world. John reminds us that God’s love is not distant—it is embodied. It arrives wrapped in flesh and vulnerability. It does not condemn; it saves.
As we light the candle of love, we remember that Advent is God’s declaration that the world is loved beyond measure. That no one is beyond His reach. That the One who made the stars also knows our names, our hurts, and our longings.
And this love is not only something to receive—it is something to reflect. Like this wreath, we shine only because His light first shines on us. So, we pray this light draws us back into the warmth of God’s heart to shape the way we live in the days ahead.
Do join us if you can, to celebrate the love we find at Christmas at any of our festive services this week; from carols at the Anchor in Oldbury (Monday 22nd), to Crib and carol services on Christmas Eve, Midnight at St Mary’s, or a Christmas morning in any of our four communities.
If you would like to learn more about the season of Advent and our Christmas story, please feel free to join us for any of the services take a look at our Events page for more details. All are welcome!
Upcoming events
Advent and Christmas Services
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.
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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.
Services
2nd Sunday
9am Holy Communion at St Paul’s
10.30am All Age at St Mary’s
6pm Choral Evensong at St Mary’s
6pm Holy Communion at St Arilda’s
1st Sunday
9am Holy Communion at St Paul’s
10.30am Holy Communion at St Mary’s
3pm Refresh!
at St Arilda’s
4th Sunday
9am Holy Communion at St Paul’s
10.30am Holy Communion at St Mary’s
3pm Muddy Praise (Venues vary)
6pm Evensong from BCP at St Arilda’s
3rd Sunday
9am All Age at St Paul’s
10.30am Holy Communion
at St Mary’s
6pm Evening Prayer at St Arilda’s
5th Sundays
8am Holy Communion at St Mary’s
10.00am Benefice Service (unless otherwise stated)
