This Advent and Christmas we have seen our churches bursting! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of it: the florists, musicians, singers, vergers, welcomers, candle-lighters, drinks makers and all those who were part of the congregations! 

Thank you. I hope you've been able to catch your breath over the break.  

God calls us to use talents, time and treasure - and we have all done this in spades over recent weeks. 

Thanks also to the clergy and lay leaders who have stepped in to take more services over this very busy season. It has been an utter joy and privilege to serve with the Sole Bay communities during this special time.  It is not about the numbers or the stats (which are incredible - combined attendance of over 700 at our Christingle services),  but these are something to feel blessed by! God is on the move in Sole Bay. So let us reflect, not on the difficulties, but on God's blessings in 2025 and look forward to His work in 2026. Amen!  

Revd Alix Taylor was licensed by Archdeacon Rich Henderson as Interim Assistant Curate to the Sole Bay Team Ministry on Tuesday 25th November in St Edmund’s Church in Southwold. Eighty-Five people from all parts of the Sole Bay Team, and from her previous Parish in Beccles, came to the “low key” service at short notice to support Alix. We extend the warmest of welcomes to Alix as she joins us and wish her well in her ministry here.

We are excited to welcome back Rich to St Margaret's, Reydon on Sunday 11th January at 9.30am where he will be taking the communion service. For so many of our congregations Rich is a true 'son of Sole Bay' and it is always a delight to have him back to worship in his ministry roots! 

The next lunch will run on January 21st from 12-2pm at the Stella Peskett Memorial Hall. Cost of the lunch is £10 pp. To book a place please contact Ann Clark on 07887901027. Transport can be arranged for anyone who is unable to get there themselves.

In the spring we will be taking a cohort through preparation for Confirmation. If this is something you would like some more information about, please contact Revd Judy Miller (judym61@btinternet.com).

Over 2026 we plan to run 'seekers' courses across the benefice. If you know anyone who would enjoy seeking out more about the Christian faith, or you would like to be involved in helping at one of the courses, we would love to hear from you! Email revalixtaylor@gmail.com

Given that our Team office in the Stella Peskett Hall will now be being used for pastoral and internal meetings, there is a need to adjust the hours for drop in visits for administrative questions and queries. Going forward we will aim for the office to be open usually between 12 noon and 2pm, Tuesday to Friday. If for whatever reason we must close the office during these hours, there will be a notice on the door to inform you that the office is being used. Working hours for our Administrator will remain the same and she will still be available by telephone and email outside these office open hours.

Services are live streamed from St Margaret's the first and third Sunday of the month. 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.

Should you need to contact a member of the clergy team on a Friday (rest day), please call Amanda Savory, Team Administrator.

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

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