Festival of Hope
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Our old churches and graveyards hold so many stories and memories- as you look round, you will see lots of wonderful examples of people who inspire us and who lived through challenge and fragility. This year – from 27th April to 11th May 2025 – we mark the 80th anniversary of VE day, and so we’re thinking particularly about how that piece of history can help us live well today. Do feel warmly invited to our two events to mark the occasion- details below.
But it’s more than just an appreciation of people from days gone by. Christians today live as people of hope because we are people of faith. As you make your way around Severn Loop, you will see displays that remind us of the Easter story- our faith in Jesus Christ whose love is so deep, long, wide and high that it knows no bounds, defeated death and is company for us in every moment- now and forever. God’s love in Jesus gives us a real hope that changes our lives for the better and shows us the good ways in a world that is difficult.
So celebrate with us as we share in that hope through our creative displays around our churches. Whether it’s in the small moments, like the confusion of Mary Magdalene as she peered into an empty tomb; or the enormous moments, like the birth of the Church at Pentecost as God’s Spirit filled the people and continues to fill them today; we hope that in each of our displays you will find something that matters, that encourages you and that changes you as you journey onwards.
There are eight churches with displays- you can visit them in any order, on any day between 27th April and 11th May inclusive. Do pick up or download the map with parking details on.
Don’t forget to complete the rubbing on your pilgrim passport as you enjoy the adventure!
VE Day commemorative events:
Concert at Holy Trinity, Leaton
Sunday, 4th May, 3pm
Come and enjoy music from The Ronnies (a singing group who specialise in WWII music) as we recall the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Free tickets available from 01939 290637, or just turn up (retiring collection)
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Songs of Praise at Holy Trinity, Bicton
Sunday, 11th May, 5pm
With stories of hymns that gave us strength in difficult times.
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Hope-filled Gallery
How do you express hope? If you have a craft project, Easter display or photo that gives you hope or communicates encouragement, we'd love to add it to our gallery! We are creating an online exhibition of hope-filled images from folk around Severn Loop. If you'd like to be part of it, send us a picture (in landscape orientation), along with your name and a brief description- and we will incorporate it as appropriate. Have a look at the gallery so far. Send entries to severn.loopparishes@gmail.com
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Get everything you need to join in:
Festival of Hope Introduction in Word format | PDF format
Download your Pilgrim Passport in PDF format
Map and Parking Directions in Word format | PDF format
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‘Now these three remain: faith, hope and love.’
1 Corinthians 13.13a