St Katharine's Church, Matson, Gloucester

08/09/2026

St Katharine’s Churchyard – an update

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas. We are so grateful for the care people have shown for the churchyard and, in the vast majority of cases, for one another. The feedback has been really helpful and gives us plenty to reflect on as we seek a way forward together, both as a parish and with the Diocese.

Several people have asked for a little more time to think about what they would like to do. We are going to delay the removal of items until after a meeting. We recognise that removing items can be deeply upsetting, and we would much rather take the time to listen and talk things through together.

We also understand the feelings of those who have been frustrated by items being left when they believe the churchyard regulations are not being followed. We know that people are acting from a place of care for the churchyard, and we genuinely appreciate that concern. Please, though, do not remove, move or dispose of items from graves or plots that are not your own. We ask everyone to give us the opportunity to address these matters together and through the proper process.

Matson is at its best when we care for one another, listen to one another and stand together through difficult things. We may not all agree, but we can treat one another with kindness and respect and I believe we are stronger together.

If you have a loved one resting in the churchyard and would like to register interest in a possible meeting, please fill in your details using this form.

Rev Sarah

We recognise that churches can be complex places where information is held in a number of areas and by a number of people who work or volunteer with us.We will ensure that information we hold is:Processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner.Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate p...

04/09/2026

Here's what on this week

Here is this week's news sheet. We would love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to get in touch. If you want to be added to the mailing list, then please contact the office.Every blessing and see you soon, Rev Sarah and the team.

03/09/2026

It is such a privilege to partner with these guys…

What an amazing year!!

We have been shortlisted for the Believe in Gloucester Awards 2026 - Community Project or Organisation of the Year! 🫶🏻🌳

To vote for us you can visit https://www.gloucesterbid.uk/believe-in-gloucester/ 💚

Thank you so much to everyone who nominated us and has supported us throughout this year; your engagement and time mean the absolute world.

To even be shortlisted is a HUUUGE achievement, and we're so excited for the future of BIB 💚

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03/09/2026

Praying for our school communities today

02/09/2026

From this Sunday....

Re:Creation – God’s Repair Shop

Autumn is a season when we often think about creation; the world God has made, the gifts we have received, and our responsibility to care for them well.

However creation is not simply something “out there”. We are part of God’s creation too. Our lives, relationships, communities and the world around us are all caught up in God’s work of renewal.

Inspired by "The Repair Shop", our next five-week series starting this Sunday explores how God restores what is damaged, brings balance where things have become distorted, reconnects what has become separated, helps us imagine new possibilities, and teaches us to celebrate his goodness with gratitude and generosity.

ReStore – repairing what has been damaged

ReBalance – finding healthier rhythms and priorities

ReConnect – renewing our relationship with God, one another and creation

ReImagine – seeing new possibilities with hope

ReCelebrate – Harvest – The Man with Too Much Stuff
Receive with thanks. Share with joy.

Let's discover again that we are part of God’s good creation; loved, restored and called to share in his work of renewal.

01/09/2026

24/08/2026

Rev Sarah and Ian visited Taylor House today and got to hear about all they do and meet some of the community there. Huge thanks to all for the warm welcome and the sharing of hopes, frustrations and challenges …

15/08/2026

Meeting tomorrow at 10:00 to talk about God's promises. We will be thinking about God "making all things new" and sharing communion together. All very welcome.. message the page if you would like someone to meet you.

14/08/2026

We have been receiving reports from residents across Gloucestershire that they are seeing and smelling smoke.

After carrying out investigations, we believe this is due to the significant fire in South Wales, with prevailing winds carrying smoke across the county.

If it is particularly noticeable in your area, you may wish to minimise the opening of windows and doors as a precaution.

With the current very dry conditions, we urge residents to remain vigilant and take extra care to help prevent fires. If you see or suspect a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.

09/08/2026

🔥 Wildfire Update: Llangynidr Reservoir near Ebbw Vale - crews remain on scene

This morning, Firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are continuing to tackle a moorland wildfire near Llangynidr Reservoir, and smoke remains visible and in affecting communities in and around the area.

Crews are still working alongside partner agencies and specialist contractors to contain the fire, which is still a challenge due to the wind, and teams have been there all weekend deploying a range of firefighting tactics.

Our advice remains the same:

• Please do not fly drones near the incident. Unauthorised drones can interfere with emergency operations and prevent firefighters from using specialist equipment to safely manage the incident.

• If you are affected by smoke, please keep windows and doors closed. Anyone experiencing health concerns should seek appropriate medical advice.

• Please avoid the area and allow emergency services to continue their work safely.

You can get further health advice from visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/knowledge-article/wildfires/

Photograph taken this morning from the scene.
Copyright SWFRS.

Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / MAWW Fire and Rescue Gwent Police Dyfed-Powys Police Public Health Wales Monmouthshire Torfaen