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The Sole Bay Churches -
A family where everyone is welcome.

 

We are a team of eight churches located close to the beautiful Suffolk coast around the town of Southwold and the River Blyth.

Our ancient buildings are stunning (as you can see), but we are about people, not property! So whether you are a follower of Jesus, are looking for answers to some of life’s big questions, seeking to make new friends, celebrate a major life event, or simply wanting to be still and reflect, the Sole Bay Churches welcome all people (absolutely no exceptions). We will be only too happy to support you as we journey through life together.

We would love to meet you.

Services

We run a wide range of services across the eight churches in the ministry. From Eucharist to Common Worship services we have something to support you on your faith journey .To view a full calendar of everything we have to offer please click the button below.

Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals

Our parish churches are available for weddings, baptism and funerals. For more information on this please click the button below.

Meet the Team

Click below to view the different members that make up the Sole Bay Team Ministry.

  • Family Service – Songs of Praise in the Ruins Sunday 24th August

    Family Service – Songs of Praise in the Ruins. Sunday 24th August St Andrew’s Walberswick. 10:45am refreshments, 11:15 service

  • Tower Opening – Bank Holiday Monday 25th August 11am – 3pm

    Sacred Heart Catholic church in Southwold is opening its Tower again on Bank Holiday Monday, from 11am-3pm. Some of the best views of Southwold and St Edmunds are definitely from this tower so please do go and take this opportunity to climb up and take a look around.

    The Sacred Heart church Tower will also be open again on Saturday 13 September, again from11-3, for the Suffolk Churches Trust Ride and Stride event

  • Sole Bay Team Service - 31st August

    Join us for our team service at 10:30am at Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh.

    Refreshments will be served following this service. All are welcome

  • The Mothers' Union in the Diocese announce GRANDPARENT DAY. Saturday 6th September. 10.30 - 2.30pm 

    At Fressingfield Baptist Church, IP 21 5RU. Doors open 10am.  Come to be affirmed, supported and encouraged as 'Grandparents of Faith'.  Free Tickets: www.eventbrite.org  grandparent-day-fressingfield.

  • Friends of East Suffolk Performing Arts Present - Festival Party

    A celebration of East Anglian talent from across the counties. Saturday September 6th, St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Wangford, 7:30pm. All Tickets £15

  • Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride - Saturday 13 September

    Walkers, cyclists, runners and vintage or classic car owners are invited to sign up to join this annual event.
    Last year, the day’s fundraising raised £200,000 with the SHCT giving grants to Suffolk’s historic churches. Sponsor forms are now available from your Bike Organisers in each church, or see shct.org.uk, or email the SHCT office -    shct@btconnect.com for more info

  • Worship for All.

    Starting on 21 September, the 9.30 service at St Edmund’s on the third Sunday in each month will be for everyone together, with music led by the band and inclusive forms of worship. This will be a development from the former Messy Church. As the name implies, everyone will be welcome.

  • Live Streaming Services

    Services are live streamed from St Margaret's each week. The service can be watched via their YouTube channel. Just search for St Margaret, Reydon and subscribe for free to easily find the link each time you join our worship.

  • Clergy on Call - Fridays

    With the retirement of Revd Alan, should you need to contact a member of the clergy team on a Friday (Revd Russ’ rest day), please call Amanda Savory, Team Administrator.

    Amanda will be able to direct you to a member of the clergy team.

  • Food bank

    Thank you all for your support for the Sole Bay Foodbank. Donations can be made at our churches in Southwold, Blythburgh, Wangford, or the shop in Walberswick. If anyone is aware of someone in need who would benefit from a food parcel, please encourage them to contact Lowestoft Foodbank phone 07307866146 or email info @lowestoft.foodbank.org.uk

  • Guidance for those Attending Services - Coronavirus

    If you, or a family member, are displaying any symptoms of Covid or any other infectious illness, such as a high temperature, a runny nose, a cough, a heavy cold or flu like symptoms, please stay at home and consider joining one of the live-streamed services from the comfort of your home.

Safeguarding Introduction

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

It is our policy to:

·     Promote a safer environment and culture;

·     Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility relating those groups who are at increased risk of harm or abuse within the church;

·     Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

·     Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons;

·     Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons;

·     Respond to those who may pose a present risk to others.

 

In order to fulfil the above policy we will provide facilities to complete online DBS applications and to provide appropriate levels of safeguarding training in order to raise awareness and create an atmosphere of ‘informed vigilance’.

The diocese works collaboratively with: Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Safeguarding Children Board, Suffolk Safeguarding Adults Board and Suffolk Police Public Protection.

If a child or adult is at risk of immediate harm, call 999 now. 

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