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 of the Year 2023
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
John 17:3
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.