The Parish of Cinderford, St Stephen’s was created in 1880 covering three-quarters of the small town in its rural setting.
The church, on the approach road to the town centre, seats 250 and has disabled access. The church has a well-equipped kitchen, a separate meeting room for Junior Church, an open social area and toilets including disabled facilities. A sound system is installed with a hearing loop.
At St Stephen’s there is a broad base of worship incorporating music groups, organ and piano, using modern worship songs and traditional hymns.
A service is held each week at 11.00 am, these services are also livestreamed on the Benefice Facebook and YouTube pages. Messy Church is held on the Second Sunday of each month from 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm. Various other services occur each month.
11.00 am services are contemporary in style with worship led by a band and words displayed on a screen. Activities for children and young people are always provided at the 11.00 am services. Tea and coffee is available after the 11.00 am service each week, we use Fairtrade Tea & Filter Coffee from Traidcraft. Other services during the month may be more traditional in form.
There are various events and groups held each month, keep an eye on the Facebook page or email hello@cinderford-churches.org.uk for more information.
St Stephen’s is a certified Fairtrade Church. A well stocked Fairtrade Stall is available at the back of church selling a range of Traidcraft groceries and gifts and further items can be ordered through our Traidcraft representative Rachel Witham. St Stephen’s is proud to only use Fairtrade Tea, Coffee and Sugar at services and events alongside Fairtrade Communion Wine. The church also actively seeks to use other Fairtrade products where possible. Gloucester is a Fairtrade Diocese.
Fairtrade products are available to purchase either whenever the church is open or directly from Rachel (rachel@cinderford-churches.org.uk). You can also see the Facebook page Fairtrade at St Stephen’s for more information.
Children’s and Youth Groups meet weekly during termtime during the 11 am service, and Messy Church on the second Sunday of each month (from 3 pm – 5 pm). Please visit our Children and Youth pages for more information.
During the year, many of the congregation at St Stephen’s are involved in mid-week activities including Bible studies (Lectio Divina), Prayer Meetings and Women (SHINE) and Men’s (BoB) activities.
St Stephen’s Church, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire, GL14 2AA