Lego Stay n Play – Thursdays 9:00-3:00 on St. James’ Church during school holidays, we fill the building with construction toys – Lego, Duplo, Sticklebricks, Marble Run, Magnetix and giant blocks to name a few. Colouring and tuck shop and smaller children’s play area too. Entrance free for ages 0-100+ Children must be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied adults also welcome!
Easter Prayer Trail – An interactive, All-Age sensory prayer trail with 12+ activities on tables to help you explore different parts of the Easter story at your own pace and make something to take away. Run for the Primary School for two weeks during school hours and open to the community once the school day finishes. Dates and times vary each year so look for announcements!
Mothering Sunday – a special service to celebrate the mothering in our lives from those who love and care for us, whatever age we are. Flowers, cake, celebration and taking time to be grateful together.
First Fires – An All-Age service on Easter Eve that begins and ends around a bonfire. Candles, singing, water sprinkling, bell ringing, shouting the Easter Creed and marshmallow toasting, this slice of Easter joy is suitable for all ages and stages, with lots to take part in. You don’t need to know a lot about Church already to enjoy this – we explain things as we go.
Pentecost! – A joyful celebration of the birthday of the church with bright colours, lots of singing and cake. All welcome!
Blessing of the Waters – A historic ceremony in May/June bursting with colour and character, beginning with the town crier giving an announcement from the Church steps, followed by a procession of mayors, the Bishop of Colchester and other VIPs marching from St. James’ Church to the waterfront for a service where boats are blessed, and whole flotilla of historic boats takes people out to the sea boundary of Brightlingsea where a willow cross is laid on the water and prayers prayed for a good harvest from the sea and for safety on the water too. From sea shanties by the Motley Crew to Medieval musicians to locals banging pots and pans to make a ‘din’ as the boats set sail, it’s noisy too!
Harvest – A special service to celebrate and give thanks for all the good things God has given us and we collect for our local Foodbank. Our Teens2Twenties ‘Eco Eden’ allotment in the Vicarage garden contributes produce, along with many others. We share a big meal together after the service!
All Hallows Eve – Celebration of Light! Come and find us in St. James’ Church for our toastie bar and craft, check out our fun costumes (well, we think so!) and pick up a free finger light to keep you safe, visible and bright as you walk around the streets.
Living Nativity – During Late Night Shopping in December, St. James’ hosts an indoor craft trail telling the story of the first Christmas through 8 free creative activities. Adults and children also get chance to dress as a favourite Nativity characters and have a photo in our stable. Food and drink available too.
We also host concerts, plays, musical singalongs, variety shows, quiz nights, games nights, meals, dances, music nights and lego challenges.
