St Nicholas Church

We are part of the Four Rivers Benefice, which consists of eight parishes : Bedfield, Brundish, Cratfield,Laxfield, Monk Soham,Tannington,Wilby and Worlingworth with Southolt.

Our incumbent is Revd Chrissie Smart who is based in Laxfield and the post is a venture between the benefice and Lightwave, Suffolk’s Fresh Expression church organisation.

There are also two non-stipendiary priests and a pioneer minister together with elders.  Holy Communion is celebrated at all churches at least once a month together with other services which are held on a rota basis. These are published in the monthly  Newsletter and advertised on WhatsApp groups.

There is a daily prayer published on a WhatsApp group and a group for the Friends of Bedfield Heritage. The Friends, at present, are helping to raise funds for the composting toilet that is planned for the church and community use. A Faculty and planning permission have already been obtained.

As a Benefice we celebrate, in particular, the rural services of Plough Sunday, Rogation, Lammas and Harvest. Being surrounded by fields and farms these have a special meaning for us.

St Nicholas (a listed Grade 1 building) sits in a beautiful, tranquil setting on the edge of the village at the end of Church Lane. Parts of the building date back to Norman times with later additions, particularly following the Reformation. There are many interesting features to be seen inside the church and a detailed booklet is available to guide visitors keen to learn more.

We have social events for the community and our village school regularly have services in the church and use the church and churchyard as a classroom for history and nature study. We are open for the annual Ride and Stride event which takes place on the second Saturday in September every year and we support/are supported by the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust.

Contact

Four Rivers Benefice : fourriversbenefice@gmail.com

Revd Chrissie Smart :07803 134301 or 01986 743093

Mrs Jenny Hinchey (Treasurer) 07710 218957