evangelical

As a Church we are passionate about promoting the good news about Jesus Christ. We believe that because Jesus came into the world, died on a cross and rose over death that all who believe in him are forgiven and will live forever with God. We believe and teach the Bible. It’s our authority for all of life and its teaching is central to our times of worship.

baptist

We believe that the Bible teaches that when a person hears, understands and believes the good news of Jesus Christ, they should respond by faith. This means turning from sin, trusting Christ for salvation and obeying Christ. One of the first steps is believers’ baptism. This involves immersing the whole person in water as a rich symbol of what has already taken place in their life.

INDEPENDENT

We are a local church, that governs itself under the guidance of the Bible. We have good relationships with many other Bible believing churches, but are entirely financed by the voluntary gifts of those involved in this church.

Verse for the Year 2024

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

MISSION STATEMENT

PBC exists to glorify God by helping people to become Christians, and helping Christians to become more like Christ. 

A church isn’t a building. Church is a gathering of people who want to learn about and follow Jesus Christ. It’s a network of relationships based upon our relationship with Christ. That means that getting to know a church means getting to know the people who make up that church. It means getting to know the God who we worship and serve. That’s why we hope you’ll take time to get to know us at Prettygate.
We believe in every-member ministry; that every believer has a part to play in God’s church, by exercising the gifts and abilities that God has given them.

SUNDAY ACTIVITIES

Bible study for school years 7-11 
every first and third Sunday.

Taking place during the normal Sunday morning service on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. All children in secondary school years 7-11 welcome, whether you are new to the church or are a regular with us.

Student Ministry

Over the past few years we have been very blessed to have a number of students join us. Even those only staying in Colchester for a short time can make a huge impact on the life of the church. We know that this year will look very different for all students at Essex Uni but we want you to know that we are here and ready to welcome you into our church family.

Watch our welcome video below.

Take part

Be part of a growing, gospel-believing church. Learn more about our great God and grow in your Christian faith.

Hospitality

As a church family, we love to offer food and hospitality, especially to students!

MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES

We would love you to join us in our midweek activities. Please ask any of the team if you are interested in joining a life group.

LIFE GROUPS

Meeting in people’s homes, life groups often discuss the previous Sunday’s sermon, as we seek to learn how to live out the gospel. They are also a great way to get to know people and to provide pastoral support to one another.



(1st and 3rd Tuesday or Wednesday of the month)

CHURCH FAMILY TOGETHER

The whole church family is invited to join together in fellowship to praise God through singing, talking about God’s word and praying together.

Our gatherings would alternate between online and in-person meets at 7:30pm.


(2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month)

MEN’S AND LADIES PRAYER

If there is a 5th Tuesday in the month, we split into separate men’s and ladies’ prayer groups. We have found these to be incredibly uplifting evenings.


(5th Tuesday of the month)

We will soon  be running Christianity Explored and Discipleship Explored

PREACHING SERIES

The incomparable opening to the greatest sermon ever preached – Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount.



With Pastor Peter Shirtcliffe


PREACHING SERIES

What does it mean to live as God’s people in a hostile land? That was the question for the Israelites in exile in Daniel’s day, and it is the very same question for Christian believers today. We are merely strangers and sojourners in this land; our true home is in eternity with God. So how do we live faithfully as Christians today?





Past Preaching Series

Catch up on some of our most recent preaching here

Selected Bible Verses

Parts of scripture that are very much on our hearts right now

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Verse of the year 2020

Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

“Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 

Gospel of Mark 

Mark 8:28-29

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen.




God’s Sovereignty

Romans 12:36

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The Elders

The leadership team at PBC.

Peter Shirtcliffe

Lead Pastor

Peter trained as a graphic designer for the BBC, enjoys cycling and photography. His wife, Catherine, works as an ultrasonographer.

Justyn Calver

Elder

Justyn has a responsibility for the church buildings. He is a bank manager. Justyn is married to Theresa.

Officers and Deacons

Supporting the Elders in the everyday running of the church

Simon Nobbs

Treasurer

Simon became treasurer of the church in 2020. Simon is married to Rosario.

Les Clark

Finance team

Former treasurer of the church, Leslie continues to serve on the finance team. Having been a computer technician Leslie is now retired.

Jenny Dorward

Pastoral team

Jenny works in finance for local government. She is married to John and has two lively cats.

Sharon Clayton

Adminstrator

Sharon has been a part of PBC since she was a child in Sunday School and is now part of the leadership team. She is married to David and has two girls.

Scilla Fujii

Pastoral team

Scilla and her husband, Philip, became part of PBC in 2021. She is a devoted mum of three and grandma of five.

News and Events

What’s been happening recently at PBC

Contact us

If you are new, want to find our more about the church and what we believe, or to ask for prayer, please get in touch using the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

contact information

write us or contact us on our social media

CALL US

01206 560310


OUR ADDRESS

25-27 Prettygate Road

Colchester

Essex

CO3 4EQ


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Our church is entirely financed by the generous giving of our members. Many already give regularly through standing order of direct debit, but we also provide the option to make one-off payments online.