The Festival Church
A vibrant, creative space in the heart of Stroud - welcoming and full of life - a sanctuary and spiritual home - a church full of music, art and community - a lively parish church at the centre of mission and charity - a church for everyone
in the heart of Stroud.
Welcome to the Website of
St Laurence Parish Church, Stroud
You can find out all about our church and the journey that we are on by browsing our website pages using the navigation tabs at the top of this page. Alternatively, you can look for specific items by using the Search facility also at the top of the page. We hope you find it interesting and that you are able to visit us and play a part in our journey. We would love to welcome you in person.
St Laurence Parish Church, Stroud
You can find out all about our church and the journey that we are on by browsing our website pages using the navigation tabs at the top of this page. Alternatively, you can look for specific items by using the Search facility also at the top of the page. We hope you find it interesting and that you are able to visit us and play a part in our journey. We would love to welcome you in person.
10 Things to see and do at
St Laurence in 2019
St Laurence is back for 2019 with another amazing
programme of events and activities.
Here is a selection of ten things for you to see and do this year.
St Laurence in 2019
St Laurence is back for 2019 with another amazing
programme of events and activities.
Here is a selection of ten things for you to see and do this year.
|
1
Recruiting now for Stroud Refugee Aid Choir Bach's "St John Passion" Palm Sunday 14th April Hugh Barton and friends are gathering together a 100-strong voluntary community choir and orchestra for a major production of Bach's "St John Passion" on Palm Sunday, 14th April. If you are interested in participating then click on the icon below to download a copy of the application form. 
|
|
2
Youth Pilgrimage to the Taize Community in France Led by Steve and Juliette Saville Saturday 3rd - Monday 12th August Steve and Juliette Saville are leading a Youth Pilgrimage for 15-29 year-olds to the Taize Community in France in August. If you are interested in joining them then please contact us for more details. Any adults who would like to independently travel to Taize can also contact us and we will send them the necessary links. Meanwhile, do join us for our regular monthly Taize services at 6.00pm on the third Saturday of every month (the next being on the 19th January). |
|
3
Community Drum Circle with Katie Harris Katie is back with her amazingly popular Community Drum Circle. At her last event in 2018, she attracted a huge group of 75 drummers and percussionists, creating an incredible experience. This is a fun, energising event using rhythm to connect, communicate and build community, for all ages. No experience is necessary and drums and percussion are provided - or bring your own. Just turn up and have fun! 2019 dates - Saturdays, 11.30am to 1.00pm 26th January - 23rd February - 6th April - 27th April - 18th May - 15th June |
|
4
"Path of the Mystics" with Laura Gubbins Saturday 2nd February, 7.30pm An evening devotional performance of verse and stories from some of the great mystics describing the journey of our souls from darkness to light. Guided by Catholic mystic, St Teresa of Avila, we’ll journey together through the seven mansions described in her famous 16th century text ‘Interior Castle’. At each stage of the soul’s path we’ll hear loving guidance, experiences and stories from other great mystics including Rumi, Lalla, Mirabai, Hafiz, St Catherine of Siena, and St John of the Cross. Weaving deep clarity with humorous metaphor, their words describe the soul’s journey towards union with God, and the many difficulties and ecstasies experienced along the way. Free event - donations welcome |
|
5
Confirmation and Lent Courses 2019 Starting Wednesday 6th March and concluding with a Stroud Deanery Confirmation Service on Easter Saturday 20th April, 3.00pm We are thrilled to be welcoming Rt Revd Robert Springett, Bishop of Tewkesbury, to Stroud during Lent, supporting us for a series of Confirmation and Lent courses based around the liturgies of Easter, and the themes of God With Us, Living the Christian Life, the Cross and the Resurrection. If you are interested then please contact Christine in the Church Office (Tel 01453 759099), and she will keep you informed of the details. |
|
6
Sacred Comedy Festival Saturday 16th March Well, we're not afraid to push the boundaries here at St Laurence, so join us on Saturday 16th March for our inaugural Sacred Comedy Festival. Comedy workshops for adults and children, sacred comedy chatshow, and an evening stand-up night. Produced in association with Chris Head, and including star comedians Laurence Shorter, Tony Vino, Mark Palmer, Stephen Cookson, and headline act Jo Enright. |
|
7
Sam Lee's "Singing with Nightingales" LIVE Wednesday 15th May, 7.30pm Join folk star Sam Lee and special guests as they collaborate with nightingales in this immersive one-off event. This Spring, the Mercury Prize-nominated folk artist and naturalist Sam Lee is bringing the celebrated Singing With Nightingales starlit events indoors. Live broadcasting the irrepressible nocturnal courtship song of nightingales, this unique concert introduces human-bird duets in a new theatrical experience. Sam Lee’s spoken and sung narrative creates a guided imaginatory forest walk, drawing audiences into the lore of the woods with transporting folk songs. Promoted and hosted by Bellow. 
|
|
8
Corpus Christi - Stroud Team Celebration Wednesday 19th June, 7.30pm Join us for this special Stroud Team Ministry celebration of Corpus Christi, the great feast of the Western Christian Church commemorating the institution of the Eucharist. Our celebration will be in the Anglo-Catholic tradition and will be led by Revd Jeff Green. |
|
9
The Door - "Sing! 2019" Three Choirs Concert Saturday 22nd June, 7.00pm A special charity concert hosted and in aid of Stroud's The Door charity. This special 'three choirs' concert brings together the Pamoja Gospel Choir from Cheltenham, the Gloucestershire District Christian Choir, and Stroud's own The Rosary School Choir, in what promises to be a spectacular concert. 
|
|
10
Stroud Sacred Music Festival 2019 Friday 5th and Saturday 6th July Centred on St Laurence Parish Church, the Stroud Sacred Music Festival started as an idea among friends in the autumn of 2014. The aim was to create an event that promoted unity and peace by celebrating the power music has in bringing people together and breaking down boundaries. Inspired by co-founders Revd Simon Howell and Girish Patel, and backed by a whole army of volunteers, the first festival took place in the summer of 2015. No one could have imagined just how successful the festival would be, and in 2019 it will be celebrating its 5th birthday! |
Take a Virtual Tour of
St Laurence here
with grateful thanks to Andy Willis Photography
St Laurence
The Festival Church
Good On Paper Party 2019
Saturday 5 January 2019
Stroud Wassail 2019
Saturday 12 January 2019
Stroud Sacred Comedy Festival 2019
Friday 15 March - Saturday 16 March 2019
Easter Festival 2019
Sunday 14 April - Sunday 21 April 2019
Stroud Sacred Music Festival 2019
Friday 5 July - Saturday 6 July 2019
Stroud Fringe 2019
Details to be confirmed
Stroud Community Christmas Tree Festival 2019
Sunday 1 December - Sunday 8 December 2019
Advent 2019 @ St Laurence
Sunday 1 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019
Saturday 5 January 2019
Stroud Wassail 2019
Saturday 12 January 2019
Stroud Sacred Comedy Festival 2019
Friday 15 March - Saturday 16 March 2019
Easter Festival 2019
Sunday 14 April - Sunday 21 April 2019
Stroud Sacred Music Festival 2019
Friday 5 July - Saturday 6 July 2019
Stroud Fringe 2019
Details to be confirmed
Stroud Community Christmas Tree Festival 2019
Sunday 1 December - Sunday 8 December 2019
Advent 2019 @ St Laurence
Sunday 1 December - Tuesday 24 December 2019
