About Us

God is with us he has come to save us! 

St James’ Church, which is set in the heart of Brightlingsea in the High Street in Brightlingsea, is open 8.00 to 2.00 weekdays, mornings on Saturdays and for worship at stated times on Sunday. It is the default venue for nearly all of both Sunday (except 3rd Sunday which is at All Saints) and weekday worship. Our congregation is from a wide range of churchmanship but God is at the heart of our worship and our community. In recent years more use has been made of the building for school services, performances and concerts as it is the largest venue in the town with seating both downstairs and in the galleries. A recent initiative of 'Sparklers' for 4-12-year-olds and their parents and carers  at 10.00 in St James on the third Sunday of each month is showing great promise.

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">St James was built in 1836 extended by the addition of a gallery in 1860 and a new chancel and vestries added in 1958.  </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Since 2013 the interior has been dramatically changed. A fully fitted kitchen, office and disabled toilet have been added, and the pews removed and replaced with new upholstered chairs. The old heating and lighting have been completely replaced and the interior re-decorated throughout.  We are now planning the next phase of the improvements. The building is now fit for multi-purpose use including concerts, school services, dinners, Church Lads and Girls meetings, breakfast on Saturdays and talks from celebrity Christians such as Paul Jones (Manfred Mann) and Fiona Hendley.  All this whilst respecting its primary purpose as a place of worship.  </span>

All Saints is the original mediaeval church 1.5 miles out of town. Designed by the then court architect, it has been extended frequently and has a unique array of tiles commemorating those who have died at sea. 8.00 and 10.00 worship is held here on the third Sunday of each month rather than in St James. The annual Christmas Tree Festival on the 2nd weekend of December with 70-80 decorated Christmas trees, live music, food and drink, concerts in the evenings and Carol singing on the Sunday evening has over 15 years become a huge event  drawing people from far and wide.

More details of news (particularly the Good News!) and about services, events, contact details of our adminstrator and church officers, and the history both our churches can be found via the links on our home page.