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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.

  • Tuesday Evening Communion at St Margaret’s

    It is with regret that due to a lack of available clergy cover on Tuesday evenings, with the agreement of the Churchwardens, we have decided we are unable to continue the evening Communion service at St Margaret’s for the foreseeable future.  Thank you to those who have faithfully supported this service.  A reminder that Communion services take place each week at St Andrew’s, Walberswick at 10am on Wednesdays and St Edmund’s, Southwold at 10am on Thursdays. goes here

  • Growing a Younger Church - Saturday 8th March

    Would you like to join Revd Russ at the Diocesan Growing Younger Conference?  Archdeacon Rich and the Growing Younger team are hosting the Conference, with Lucy Moore, who leads the CofE Growing Faith Foundation, as the keynote speaker.  The day will include worship, workshops, and networking with input from experts.  The conference is onSaturday 8th March from10am to 3:30pmatSt Michael's Church, Framlingham, IP13 9BJ. Book your places here https://insight.cofesuffolk.org/courses-events-and-resources/growing-younger-conference-2025/

  • A SPECTRUM OF SONG - Saturday 8th March 10am-4pm

    A vibrant workshop for all who enjoy singing music for worship at St Mary's Church Halesworth. From Tallis to Townsend - an enthralling musical journey through Christian worship music. Explore a wealth of eclectic styles, from the music of the early church to the vibrant sounds of today's worship. Something for everyone! Led by Richard Hubbard St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Music Development Director.
    Tickets £10 from stedscathedral.org or Contact Jason Busby (Organist @ St. Mary's Halesworth) via halesworthparish@gmail.com 

  • Stopping to Start. - Saturday 5th April

    ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening ‘, a Retreat Day at the home of Helen and Tim in South Cove, led by Sarah Wallington Smith on Saturday 5th April, 10-4, with a bring and share lunch.

    For details, and to book a place please contact Sarah at sarah@wallington-smith.net

  • The Big Weekend - 11th - 14th April

    Organised by the Church of England here in St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, and run by experienced youth workers from around Suffolk, this is a weekend of craziness, worship, games and friendship all focused on learning more about living as a Christian in the 21st Century.  It is for any young people from school years 7-13. Whilst it is Christian in ethos and focus you don’t have to call yourself a Christian to be able to attend and have fun!  The Big Weekend is held at Sizewell Hall – a great Christian conference centre just down the coast from 6:00pm on 11th April to 4:00pm on 14th April.

    Booking can be done by contacting emailing matt.levett@coesuffolk.org or calling 07736 941654.

  • 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 - Mondays

    With the retirement of Revd Alan, should you need to contact a member of the clergy team on a Monday (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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