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.
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St Edmunds Church, No 8am Holy Communion 6th July.
Please note due to the unavailability of clergy, there will be no 8.00am service of Holy Communion, on Sunday 6th July.
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"Care into Action" Saturday 5 July, 9.15 - 1.00pm | Salvation Army Hall, 3 Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket IP14 1NE
A morning of talks and workshops to support our mission for the environment. Do you need help getting started with an Eco Church award? Do you want to explore how your church could move forward with its mission for the environment and climate justice? Do you need to find out how your church could benefit by addressing environment issues?
Wherever you are with your mission to care for God’s creation, the “Care into Action” conference is for you. For more information, please contact Revd Canon Alison Alder, the Diocesan Environment Officer.
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Suffolk Singers – 5th July St Edmunds Church 7:30pm
Suffolk Singers will be giving their summer concert in Southwold church on Saturday 5th July at 7.30pm. The theme of their concert is "Love Walked In - a choral celebration of love".Ticket prices are £15 adults and £5 for under 16s. Tickets are available from www.wegottickets.com/event/658150 or from Suffolk Singers Ticket Line on 07843 840876. Tickets will also be available on the door. Doors open from 6.45pm. www.suffolksingers.co.uk
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Quiet Day with Bishop Tim Stevens Thursday 10 July, 10.00am for 10.30am start to 3.30pm - The Barn, The Rookery, Hollesley Road, Eyke IP12 2RR
Starting with a celebration of the Eucharist, this day will be considering the motto of the Carthusian Order - 'The Cross stands firm while the world turns'- exploring Christian living in a profoundly uncertain world. Please bring food to share at lunch-time - drinks will be provided. Participants are welcome to stroll in the delightful gardens. Please book with Michael Wilde: email cormack246@gmail.com. A £10 donation made on the day towards costs would be very much appreciated.
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Deanery Mothers' Union - Saturday 12th July
On Saturday 12th July: The
Deanery Mothers' Union are organising a "Tea By The Sea" at the United Reformed Church Hall, 2 - 4.30pm. Cost £5 per head, children's drinks free. -
St. Margaret's Patronal 'Dragon Drive' - 19th July
St Margaret's will be holding its annual Patronal 'Dragon Drive' on Saturday 19th July at 2:30pm. Tickets including afternoon tea, are now available costing just £5.
Contact from Jan Collins jan.pat.collins@btinternet.com
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Shakespeare in the Ruins
Circle 67 is proud to present King Lear on Saturday 19th July at 1:30pm, at St Andrew’s Church Ruins, Walberswick
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‘Keswick at Home’ Monday 21st July – Friday 25th July, Walberswick 11.00am until 1.00pm
The Keswick Convention is an annual event featuring excellent Bible teaching running over 3 weeks in July. This year the theme is ‘transformed’ and we are going to follow the morning teaching during the second week by live stream on YouTube at our home. The preacher is Tim Chester who will be teaching on Colossians.
Please join us for tea and coffee followed by the live stream from Keswick and a time for sharing according to the wishes of the group. No need to commit to the week if you want to do just a day or so.
Please contact us if you would like to attend or would like more information.
Brian & Christine Fisher/Mitchell fishell@btopenworld.com
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South Cove Annual Flower Festival - beginning Friday 25th July 2025
South Cove Flower Festival – 25th – 27th July St Lawrences Church.
This begins with the Preview Evening on Friday, 25th July from 6.00pm onwards. As well as light refreshments being served and live entertainment to enjoy, there will be a number of beautiful floral arrangements to view. Tickets for the Preview Evening from 6-8.00pm (£12 ) will be available at the beginning of July.
The festival continues from 11.00am to 5.00pm on the Saturday and Sunday. All are most welcome
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27th July – St Andrew’s All Age Service at The Harbour
Refreshments at 10:45. Service begins at 11:15
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Stories from the West bank
Come and hear first hand from Roisin Lawrence who has recently returned from the West Bank: What is daily life under occupation really like? What is the Israeli peace movement doing? What can we do to promote a just peace in Israel-occupied Palestine? Thursday 31st July, 7pm, St Edmunds Church.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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