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

There is a lot happening at our churches this Autumn.

Please come join us!

Tower Tours: St Mary's Church tower will be open to visitors as part of the nationwide event ‘Heritage Open Day’. The tour offers stunning views of the South Gloucestershire countryside.

What to Expect: Climb 133 uneven steps to the top, learn about the church bells in the ringing room, and view the clock mechanism.
Restrictions: No children under 8 years old due to safety concerns.
Booking: Essential and subject to weather conditions.
To book: Email thornburybenefice@outlook.com or call 01454 281 900.

JustGiving/GHCT

On Saturday 13 September 2025, join our benefice Ride + Stride Walking Group as we walk between all 4 of our churches!
It’s a fun day out, a great way to explore our beautiful churches, and a chance to raise funds to keep them thriving.

📍 Sign up sheets are at church or email the office. We can help arrange lifts etc!

We need a team of walkers, are you interested in joining us?

Chris Bloor will be leading the route. Revd Joy will join on the walk from St Arilda’s to St Mary’s, Revd Helen Hill will be joining the group from St Mary’s to St Paul’s. Revd Tom Keates will take a simple service at St Paul’s at the end of the walk.

Please contact the office to join our team: 01454 281 900 or email

thornburybenefice@outlook.com

If you are unable to do the walk or a section of the walk please still do help us raise funds for the Glos. Historic Churches Fund. You can donate via the just giving page or please use the pledge sheets at church.

Autumn Festival of Flowers and Music

Join us at St Mary’s Church for a week of music, flowers, and reflection – all are welcome, and you can come and go as you please!

📅 Saturday 13th – Sunday 21st September

📍 St Mary’s Church, Castle Street, Thornbury, BS35 1HQ

✨ Festival Highlights ✨

🎶 Come and Sing workshop & concert

🌸 Stunning flower displays depicting life in a 13th-century monastery

✝️ Holy Communion & reflection spaces

🎤 Special concert: The Gesualdo Six – Friday 19th September, 7pm

📜 Full Schedule Includes:

Sun 14 Sept: Come and Sing Workshop & Concert

16–21 Sept: Flower Festival, daily music, reflections & refreshments

Fri 19 Sept: The Gesualdo Six live in concert

Sun 21 Sept: Closing with Holy Communion & music

🎟 Tickets for The Gesualdo Six: ticketsource.co.uk/stmarysmusic or scan the QR code in the poster!

🍁 Whether you’re here for the music, the flowers, or the peaceful moments, St Mary’s will be bursting with colour, harmony, and community spirit this September. Come celebrate Autumn with us!

October

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!

Find Us
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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