Looking for a church?
Many people look for a church full of ‘people like us’. But we think one of the blessings of genuine church is being united with people we might have nothing in common with – apart from the only thing that matters: a shared faith in Jesus Christ.
At St Anne’s, there are likely to be a few people like you – but also lots of people older and wiser, or younger and more energetic. There will be people with very different life experiences to your own. Some of us will bless you by serving you; others will need you to serve us.
There might be all sorts of things you’d like to find in a church. A particular style of music, architecture, liturgy or vibe. We all have our preferences. But we’re convinced that whatever our preferences, the Bible’s unchanging message about Jesus Christ, freshly proclaimed, needs to be at the centre of our loving community.
So are you willing to try something different? Come and see why we love St Anne’s. Or get in touch with me if you want to talk things over.
Revd. Richard Bray, Rector
PS – If you’re already a member of a church, please don’t leave it without good reason. But if you are looking for a church, you might find this article helpful.
Get a taste of what we’re about from this video!
Our Beliefs
The Christian message is simple but utterly life-changing.
From the earliest times one of the ways Christians have summed it up is in the in the phrase: Jesus Christ is Lord. For example, Peter, one of the twelve followers appointed by Jesus to make him known, said: “… know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus…” (from the Bible, the book of Acts, chapter 2, verse 36).
For a presentation of the Christian message in pictures, click here.
For a fuller statement of what Christians believe, click here.
Why not investigate the Christian faith by joining a Christianity Explored course?
For our response to the House of Bishops’ proposal to permit the blessing of same-sex blessings, click here.
Our Building
History and restoration
St Anne’s was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and consecrated in 1730. It is Grade I listed and the churchyard and surrounding area is designated as a Conservation Area. For more on the history of the building please see our visitors leaflet here.
The building has undergone 40 years of restoration so far to make it structurally sound and more appropriate for modern use. We are currently raising funds to install a lift to allow full access to all the main levels. We hope to complete the restoration of the nave within the next few years. You can view a presentation of our architect’s plans for the building here. For more information on the restoration of the building please click below to visit the Care for St Anne’s website.
Restoration of the great east window
The great east window at St Anne’s is a huge depiction of the Crucifixion which is over 150 years old and badly in need of repair. The cost of repairs has been estimated at £100,000. You can help us to reach this goal by sponsoring an area of the picture.
We’re aiming to raise £40,000 through sponsorship, with the remainder grant funded. This is a challenging amount to raise and may take quite some time but with the help of the community in Limehouse and support from further afield, we are determined to do it.
Visiting our building
We are pleased to be able to open the building to visitors on: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 4pm. However, do check before travelling as from time-to time we’ll need to close for private events. You are also very welcome to visit before or after our 10.30am Sunday service, or contact us to arrange access at another time.
Hire our building
Our building is often used for filming, by orchestras, for children’s parties and in other ways. The crypt and main church building are both available for hire either together or separately. The crypt has toilet and kitchen facilities, and there is also a good-sized car park available for your use. Click on the photos below to view our spaces (credit to Philip Raymond Photography).
For more details please see the Building Hire FAQ document below and contact us to discuss your particular event and availability. Our hire agreement is available here. Our bank details for payment of deposit and fees may be found in the finance section below.
Our Finances
Ministry
St Anne’s does not receive a state subsidy or funding from the Church of England. We are reliant on the generosity of the regular congregation to pay our staff and for the upkeep of our historic building. For a short summary of our current financial situation click here.
We encourage regular giving to be directed through the Parish Giving Scheme as this is the easiest way to give and include gift aid. Please ask for a form in church or sign up online to give via the scheme.
If you would like to make a one-off donation (including gift-aid) please click below .
Payment of fees
Payment of fees may be made to the church general account:
St Anne’s Church, HSBC 40-11-58, A/C 40111015
Please e-mail our treasurer when making a transfer so that we can track payments.
Restoration & lift appeal
We have a separate fund for the ongoing work of restoring our beautiful Grade I listed Hawksmoor building. For details of our restoration appeal and lift fund, visit the Care for St Anne’s page here.
Legacies
We are very grateful for any gifts left to us in Wills, however large or small, and we promise to use these gifts to make a difference in our parish. Please see our PCC legacy policy for more information about leaving such a gift and how it might be used.
Your Privacy
You can find out how St Anne’s processes personal data by reading our Privacy Notices below. If you have any further questions about how we use personal information please contact us.
If you’re a member of St Anne’s church it would help us if you could update your contact details and preferences for receiving communications. Click below for an online form.
Safeguarding
St Anne’s Limehouse is committed to high standards in the safeguarding and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our Safeguarding Officer is Jay Buscombe who can be contacted by email at this address. Our parish has adopted the Diocese of London’s Safeguarding policy which can be read in full here or by visiting the Diocese of London’s website.