A Brief look at some of the Churches

Billericay Baptist Church, meeting at Perry Street, South Green and Queens Park, Billericay
This is a large fellowship of Christians made up of young and old, marrieds and singles and the services and facilities cater for a wide range of people and needs. Since Pastor Carl Beech left in December 2005, the church is seeking the Lord's will for a new minister. You can contact the church office on 01277 654316. Sunday services are held at 10am with creche and children's classes and at 7pm for evening worship. Weekday activities include "Weigh-Up" (for investigating the Christian faith), Mother and Toddler groups, Mums and Babies groups, Girls and Boys Brigades, Young People's cafe, Prayer and Bible study groups, Senior Citizens group, etc. The Baptists also have branch churches at South Green and Queens Park.
Email The Billericay Baptist Church
Website: http://www.billericaybaptist.net
Map - Perry Street
Map - South Green
Map - Queens Park
Picture - Perry Street
Picture - South Green
Picture - Queens Park

Billericay and Little Burstead Team Ministry (Anglican)
The Team Ministry includes the following churches: Christ Church, Emmanuel, St John the Divine, St Mary Magdalen, and St Mary the Virgin.
Email The Billericay and Little Burstead Team
Website: http://www.billericaychurches.org

- Christ Church, Perry Street, Billericay (Anglican)
Christ Church has an active congregation with each age group from babies and toddlers, young people and adults to senior citizens. The main act of worship on Sunday is at 10am to meet with God and meet with one another. A smaller more informal congregation also meet at 6.30pm to gather around the Bible to learn and pray together. The vicar is Rev Warner Pidgeon (01277 652659) 
"We seek, in our worship and in our sense of responsibility in our community, to make Jesus known. As a community of God's people we welcome all to experience and explore the love of Jesus Christ".
Email Christ Church
Website: http://www.billericaychurches.org
Map
Picture

- Emmanuel, Laindon Road, Billericay (Anglican)
After growing out of St Mary Magdalen in the High Street, the new Emmanuel church was built 14 years ago and is contemporary in design. It was funded by the congregation, who have now built a new church hall, which was opened in January 2003 Picture - Another Picture . They say that they are community orientated and are happy for the building to be used for concerts and other activities. The vicar is Rev Elwin Cockett (01277 658055). Sunday services are held at 8 and 10.45am and 7pm. The worship is Christ centred, lively and prayerful. Weekday activities cover all ages and include Toddler groups, Young People's groups, Coffee Drop-in, Keep Fit, Home groups, Men's Walking group, Mother's Union, Ladies Guild and many more. They say "As a church and family community we celebrate our faith and welcome you to join us in experiencing God's love."
Email Emmanuel Church
Website: http://www.billericaychurches.org
Map
Picture - Another Picture

- St John the Divine, Outwood Common Rd, Billericay (Anglican)
This church was built a few years ago to serve the needs of the Outwood Common area. Services are held every Sunday at 10am. They say "At the heart of St John's Christian Community is the desire that everyone should find peace with their Creator God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. We are quite a small 'family' at St John's, very warm and friendly and love to welcome newcomers into our community." Since Rev. Darren Barlow left in August 2006 to become Rector of Grays, the church are seeking the Lord's will for a new vicar.
Email St John the Divine Church
Website: http://www.billericaychurches.org
Map
Picture

- St Mary Magdalen, High Street, Billericay (Anglican)
Although not used for services on Sundays since Emmanuel was built, St Mary's is still a place of prayer and worship during the week.
The church is currently closed for major refurbishment, which will prepare it as a place for God's purposes for the 21st century.
The Church will then re-open for private prayer most days and a Prayer Group will meet on Mondays 11am - 2pm. The Team Communion service every Wednesday at 10am is temporarily relocated to Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road. The vicar is Rev Elwin Cockett (01277 658055). 
A bit of history; in 1342 Sulyard of Runwell gave the land here for the building of a Chantry Chapel. In 1490 this first chapel was replaced by one built of local brick, which resembled those at Fryerning and Layer Marney. The tower of this 15th Century Chapel remains until this day. In 1780 The church was rebuilt and was carried out in the Georgian style. This is largely the Church as seen today. In 1860 it became the Parish Church of Billericay until 1999.
Email St Mary Magdelen Church
Website: http://www.billericaychurches.org
Map
Picture

- St Mary the Virgin, Little Burstead (Anglican)
A Christian presence has centred on this site since the 11th century and the present building, although somewhat isolated stands as a highly visible and faithful witness to God. Services are held at 10.30am each Sunday and midweek meetings give time for Bible study, discussion, praise and prayer and allow deeper friendships to develop. They say "If you would like to learn more of God in a friendly, family atmosphere, then come and join us, anytime." Since Rev. Darren Barlow left in August 2006 to become Rector of Grays, the church are seeking the Lord's will for a new vicar.
Email St Mary the Virgin Church
Website: http://www.billericaychurches.org
Map
Picture

Methodist Church, Western Road, Billericay
This busy church in Western Road has Rev Les Wallace (Tel 01277 623085) as the Minister. Sunday services include a 9.15am family service with modern songs and hymns and children's teaching groups. At 11.15am there is a more traditional service and at 6.30pm a variety of styles of worship. Weekday activities include Toddler groups, Pre School, Youth groups, Home groups, Uniformed organisations, Study groups, Enquirers Courses, etc. There is strong support for CTB and the Schools Ministry. They say "We have strength in the wide variety of worship and activities which reach out into the community." They have a a new Website.
Email Billericay Methodist Church
Website: http://bmchurch.org
Map
Picture

- Queens Park Community Church, Queens Park, Billericay
This is a new church associated with the Western Road Methodist Church. A
new church has been built in Queens Park near the Somerfield supermarket
and is now open for community work and worship from December 2002. On Sundays at 11am there is a friendly and informal service. A Lay Worker was appointed in January 2003 who's primary focus is Queens Park Community Church. His name is Mark Conlon. Mark also assists at Western Road.
It used to meet in Hannakins Farm Community Centre on Sundays before the new church was built.
Email Queens Park Community Church
Website: http://queensparkchristiancentre.faithweb.com
Map - New Community Centre Church
Picture - New Community Centre Church
Map - Hannakins Farm Community Centre
Picture - Hannakins Farm Community Centre

Most Holy Redeemer, Laindon Road, Billericay (Catholic)
A large church with a range of activities and excellent premises, the parish priest is Father John McGrath (01277 624891). Weekend masses are held at 6pm on Saturdays and 9, 11am and 5pm on Sundays. The music at the 9am mass is generally traditional. The 11am has more modern music and appeals to families, children under 8 have their own separate liturgy for part of this time. Weekday activities include Pre School, Mother and Toddler groups, Senior Citizens, Uniformed organisations and a Holiday Club for 5 - 11 year olds in August. Although a large parish, there is a good feeling of community and they welcome everyone who would like to come and share in the worship and fellowship.
Email The Most Holy Redeemer Church
Website: http://www.mostholyredeemer.org.uk
Map
Picture

St Mary Magdalene, Church St, Great Burstead (Anglican)
This is an ancient 12th Century church with a strong musical element. Four services are held each Sunday, 8 and 10am Communion, 11.30am Family service and 6.30 Evensong. They say "We hope to provide a service to suit everyone and are a friendly congregation whenever you come." Other activities based at the church include Mothers Union, Youth group, Scouts, Brownies, Cradle Roll group and Adult Seniors group. The vicar is Rev Stan Swift (01277 625947). The parish is informally linked with Crays Hill.
Email Great Burstead Church
Email Crays Hill Church
Website: http://www.greatburstead.freewire.co.uk
Website: http://www.crayshill.freewire.co.uk
Map - Great Burstead
Map - Crays Hill
Picture - Great Burstead
Picture - Crays Hill

United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, Billericay
Worship is at 11am each Sunday and on the first and third Sunday of the month includes Holy Communion. Morning worship caters for all age groups, with special arrangements for babies, toddlers and children. The fellowship includes a weekly coffee morning (Tuesday), House groups, Bible study groups, Fellowship Meetings, Carer and Toddler group, Holiday clubs throughout the year for junior children, a Youth Club for older youngsters, a badminton club, etc. Elected and ordained Elders foster the life, work and mission of the Church locally. Concern for Christian witness in the world is fostered by a "World Focus" committee. Church members meet regularly to discover the guidance of God for the ongoing life of the Church. The United Reformed Church is an active and enthusiastic member of Churches together in Billericay and its "Schools Ministry".
Email The United Reformed Church
Website: http://www.billericayurc.org.uk
Map
Picture

The Society of Friends, Southend Road, Billericay
Everyone is welcome to attend Meeting for Worship which takes place at 11am each Sunday and lasts for about an hour. There is no pre-programmed format for the Meeting; it gathers in silence and is centered around silent worship which may be interspersed with spoken ministry (readings, prayers, homilies, etc.) from anyone present. The Meeting is ended with a handshake and is followed by tea, coffee and biscuits. Enquiries to Richard Overill (01277) 655385.
The Society of Friends Meeting House is situated at the junction of Southend Road and School Road. It is a detached house standing in its own grounds, accessed from School Road, and there is parking for 10-12 cars. The main Meeting Room is downstairs with a kitchen and toilet nearby. Upstairs is the resident Warden's flat, which is currently occupied by Liz Holdstock. There is also a cottage in the grounds which is used for childrens' activities. Both the Meeting Room and the cottage can be booked by contacting the Warden on (01277) 654197.
Email The Society of Friends
Website: none at present
Map
Picture --- Another Picture

Ramsden Bellhouse Baptist Church
There has been a Baptist Church in the village since 1927. Services are held at 10.30 each Sunday morning with Communion on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. A group of ladies meet every Monday morning at 10.30 for Prayer and Share whilst on Wednesday evenings the Church alternates between a Bible Study and a Prayer Meeting. All are most welcome to attend our activities and contact can be made through the Church Secretary, Mrs Mollie Laver on 01268 287616.
Email Ramsden Bellhouse Baptist Church
Website: - None at present
Map
Picture

The Elim Pentecostal Church
The Mother Church is in Ingatestone and a Home Group meets in Billericay on a Thursday evening at 7.30pm. They say "as Pentecostals we believe in the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Elim Church is very much concerned with mission, both at home and abroad. Here in Billericay and in Ingatestone we have various fund raising events to support our mission in Rumania, Uganda and Portugal." The contact in Billericay is Susan McCaffery (652505) and they would welcome enquiries and new members.
Email The Elim Pentecostal Church, Ingatestone
Website: http://www.Ingatestoneelim.org
Map
Picture

Other Churches
For information about other churches please email me on ctib@ctib.faithweb.com and we will see if we can provide more information.

Jonathan Morley

Churches Together in Billericay Annual General Meeting Annual Report 2006

The past year has been both busy and rewarding for those involved in CTB.  Rev Les Wallace has been our Chair for the year, succeeded in January 2006 by Andrew Dyckhoff (Most Holy Redeemer).  There are three main events:

Fun Day:  The weather could have been better!  However we were rewarded with many families not wanting to move beyond our stand – in case you haven’t been along our policy is that everything is free of charge.  Many youngsters had their faces painted, biscuits were iced and games played, all in all a great chance to have time to chat with their parents.  We ran a free ‘tract/raffle ticket’ – proclaiming God’s love for all, again a great conversation opener.  
 
Worship in the park: The weather was kind and many came together to worship and witness at Lake Meadows.  The service included puppets, ‘One Mind’ – the band from the Baptist Church, input from the Cliff College Mission Team and Liam Moore who sang and shared his journey of faith.  How do we know what impact open air worship has on the folks around us – the more who join in, the greater the witness.  Look forward to welcoming you to the 2006 service.   Thanks to all who helped in making the event possible, providing the stage (lorry), fetching and marshalling.

Barleylands: This year we again took on the staffing of the tent at the Essex Show on behalf of CTEEL, (Churches together in Essex and East London). Due to the awful wet weather over the weekend there were a significantly reduced number of people through the gates and therefore we had less people visiting our tent.  That said there were very few times when we had no visitors and when the rain came down heavy we were very popular!!  We served many, many cups of tea, coffee and squash, accompanied by wonderful Traidcraft biscuits. People were appreciative of the chance to relax where no one was after their money (again following our policy of showing how great God’s love is for all). The labyrinth was popular with young and old alike. Attractions included the prayer corner, crafts, biscuit decorating, clay modelling, face painting and the Holy Fools. Once again the support from all the churches was magnificent.  The free tract/raffle tickets were again a conversation starter: when asked what the catch was, we were able to say God’s love is for free, that is why we were giving away a free prize!  A special ‘thank you’ must go to the Salvation Army for the use of their mobile canteen, without which we could not supply the hot drinks.  

Thanks to everyone who has supported our events over the past year, especially to Les for his enthusiasm and guidance and to Jean Jackman who has exceeded her duties as Secretary.  Jean has regretfully had to step down from her post due to other commitments.

‘Life begins 2005’ (ably chaired by Paul Hinckley) got off the ground at Easter, this has been a period of ‘mission by the people for the people’. Neighbourhood Prayer Groups were set up across the denominations to hold Billericay in Prayer.  CTB has adopted events throughout the year in individual church communities as well as staging some new ones.  It is hoped that this will continue.

School’s Ministry Billericay:  We started 2005 with Liz Massey as our paid SMB School’s Worker, but during the summer Liz moved on and Jane Andrews and Sue Reader jointly took her place – we wish them every success (if enthusiasm is enough then they will succeed!).  Paul Hinckley has been chair to the SMB board - he is, however, moving on in February 2006.  Thanks to both Liz and Paul for their tremendous enthusiasm for the work of SMB. 

Large scale Map of Billericay
Map of Billericay

Local Map of Billericay
Map of Billericay