Welcome to Beacon Benefice
‘Learning to live in the light of God’s love’
Our benefice is a group of Church of England parishes in the Painswick Valley and nearby, on the western edge of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds. We have active congregations in six historic churches, of which Painswick is the largest.
As churches in the heart of our communities we are committed to sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ with everyone who lives here whatever their age or background.
Our Churches
Discipleship
Being new to a community can feel daunting, but it is also an opportunity for welcome, support, and belonging. A church can provide a place of spiritual grounding, friendship, and encouragement, where newcomers are not just visitors but are embraced as family in Christ. Beyond worship, the Beacon Benefice offers a network of care—helping people connect with others, serve together, and find comfort in times of need. By opening its doors and hearts, the church helps transform a new place into a true home.
Prayer & Worship
We hold a variety of services around the Benefice at different times of day. All our welcome at these services.
If you are new to church, please feel free to come along and join us.
Church News & Events
Beacon Light 15.5.26
Explore our latest news - Click here
Sherlock Supper
Click here to findout more about the Sherlock Supper Click here to book your place.
Beacon Benefice 8.5.26
Explore our latest news - Click here
Regular Prayer at Beacon Benefice
Time for you and time for God
Sheepscombe Early Bird Morning Prayer
When: 8:30am on the first Monday of each month. We meet (over coffee) to pray for the needs of Sheepscombe village and community. All are wecome.
Where: St John’s Sheepscombe
Edge Morning Prayer
When: 9:30am on the second Monday of each month. We meet to pray for the needs of the local community here. Tea and coffee are provided.
Where: St Johns Church, Edge.
Cranham Morning Prayer
When: 9:00am on the third Monday of each month. We meet (over coffee) to pray for the needs of Cranham village, school and community. All our welcome.
Where: St James, Cranham
Painswick Morning Prayer
When: 9:00-9:30am every Tuesday. We follow the Church of England’s set pattern of Common Worship Daily Prayer – cafetiere coffee is provided!
Where: St Mary’s Church, Painswick
Beacon Prayer
When: 9:00-9:30am every Wednesday. We meet to pray for all that is going on throughout our church life across the Beacon Benefice. There is no obligation to pray aloud.
Where: On Zoom. Please email Lindsay at lindsay.gardiner@icloud.com or Karen at kriding07@yahoo.co.uk to request a regular Zoom invitation.
Northumbrian Morning Prayer
When: 9:30-10:00am every Thursday. There is no obligation to pray aloud.
Where: On Zoom. Please email Karen Riding at kriding07@yahoo.co.uk to request a regular Zoom invitation. You’ll be most welcome!
Safeguarding
Sometimes people don’t know who to turn to if they feel uncomfortable, worried, or unsafe, which is why we
have a dedicated safeguarding team ready to listen and support you.
Life Events
Baptisms
No person is too old or too young to be baptised in our churches, and there is no charge for baptism.
Weddings
We are delighted to welcome couples for their wedding in any of our churches within the benefice. We will do everything we can to help make it a truly special and memorable occasion.
Funerals
A funeral is used to mark the end of a person’s life. Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks and commend them into God’s keeping.
Giving
If you would like to bless a church with a financial gift, please follow the donate here button.
Thank you.