The Third Week of Advent

Reading: Isaiah 12:2–6  

Joy in Scripture is rarely about circumstances being easy. It is about God being faithful. Isaiah sings of joy while Israel stands on the threshold between fear and promise. He speaks of drawing water from the “wells of salvation,” a picture of abundance arriving in a parched land.

As we light the candle of joy, we remember that Advent joy is quieter but deeper than happiness. It is the joy that flows from knowing that God is with us—that He has acted in the past, is acting now, and will act again. It is the joy of small beginnings, of flickering light, of hope growing slowly but surely.

This candle reminds us that even in seasons of waiting, God is our strength and our song. We rejoice not because everything is fixed, but because God has not finished His work. And the world, even now, is being remade.

This week we celebrate Joy together with our schools at their end of year services, and at the weekend with Christingle (Saturday 20th, 3pm @ St Mary’s) and Lessons and Carols (Sunday 21st, 6pm @ St Mary’s) 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 through the season on our Events page. 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.

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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