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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

    Due to a lack of available clergy cover on Tuesday evenings, with the agreement of the Churchwardens, we have decided that we will only be able to continue the evening Communion service at St Margaret’s on the first Tuesday of every month for the foreseeable future.  Thank you to those who continue to faithfully support 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.

  • Lark Rise Retreats 2025

    Thursday 5 June – ‘Finding Inner Peace- practising meditation & mindfulness’ led by Rev Catherine Bond in Metfield near Halesworth.  

    Days run from 10am – 4pm, cost £25/person includes refreshments & lunch unless otherwise stated.  More details & bookings on www.larkriseretreats.org or call us on 01394 284213. Catherine Bond & Jane Pearse

  • South Cove Annual Flower Festival - beginning Friday 25th July 2025

    This begins with the popular 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. All will be very 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 - 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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