Sundays

We would love to welcome you to St Peter’s on a Sunday.

Our main Sunday service is at 10:30am. We gather as a church family to hear from the Bible, pray, sing, encourage one another, and respond to God together.

You do not need to have been to church before, and you do not need to know exactly what to do. Whether you are new to Colchester, looking for a church, returning after some time away, or simply exploring Christian faith, you are very welcome.

Our main Sunday service

Our main Sunday service is at 10:30am.

The service normally includes songs, prayers, a Bible reading, a sermon, and time together as a church family. Most of the words you need will be on the screen or explained as we go along.

The service usually lasts around an hour and a quarter. Tea and coffee are normally served afterwards.

Children and young people

Children are very welcome at St Peter’s.

Children begin the service in church with the whole congregation. Part way through the service, children’s groups normally take place for primary-school-aged children.

There is also space for younger children and their parents or carers.

We know that children make noise and need to move around. Please do not worry about that. We are glad to have families with us.

If you are visiting for the first time, please speak to someone on the welcome team when you arrive. They will be glad to explain what is happening that Sunday.

Safeguarding

We take the care and safety of children seriously. Those who lead and help with children’s work go through our safer recruitment process and receive appropriate safeguarding training.

You can find more information on our Safeguarding page.

Holy Communion

We normally share Holy Communion during the 10:30am service on the first and third Sundays of the month.

If you are visiting from another church and normally receive communion, you are welcome to receive. If you would prefer not to receive communion, you are welcome simply to remain seated or come forward for a prayer of blessing.

9am Book of Common Prayer Communion

On one Sunday each month, there is also a quieter 9am service of Holy Communion using the Book of Common Prayer.

This is a shorter, more traditional service.

What to expect

When you arrive, someone from the welcome team should be near the entrance. They can help you find a seat, explain where children go, and answer practical questions.

You are welcome to sit wherever you feel comfortable.

You do not need to dress in any particular way. Some people dress smartly, others more casually. Please come as you are.

Helpful things to know

Bathrooms

Toilets are available in both the church and the hall. Please ask someone from the welcome team if you are not sure where to go.

Parking

St Peter’s is in the centre of Colchester, and most people use nearby public car parks.

If you have particular access needs, very young children, or mobility difficulties, please contact the Church Office before visiting and we will do our best to help.

Accessibility

St Peter’s is a historic church building, and some aspects of access are not yet as good as we would like.

Step-free access is available from the High Street side of the church. If you would like to talk through access, mobility, seating, toilets, or any other practical needs before visiting, please contact the Church Office.

Refreshments

Tea and coffee are usually served after the 10:30am service. This is a good opportunity to meet people and ask questions.

You are welcome to stay, but there is no pressure to do so.

Current details

For current service details, children’s arrangements and special services, please see ChurchSuite or contact the Church Office.

Last updated: September 2026