About Us
Welcome to Christ Church, New Seaham!
As a church we serve the needs of the New Seaham community. Our vision pathway is to Belong - Believe - Become - Bless
We're an inclusive and friendly Church where everyone will find a warm welcome... we're all about building family, serving community and supporting people to thrive and flourish in their Christian faith.
Read about us in words from a member of our own congregation:...
"My wife says I’m a different person nowadays, far more relaxed, peaceful and happy. Particularly on a Sunday after a Church Service. You don’t have to be "religious" to find peace and support here. The services are fun with modern happy hymns and songs on a big screen. The messages are positive, educational, spiritual and inspiring at the same time. No old style negative, guilt inducing here. The congregation are mixed ages from young babies, teenagers, grown ups to seniors. All are welcome no matter your background or circumstances and the group is growing in number nearly every week. They are happy and supportive as a group and I’d recommend going to anyone wanting a positive start (or end) to their week. Sunday Mornings at 10am---see you there. John"
OUR SERVICES:
10am Sundays - Communion Service in Church, start with a cuppa, enjoy uplifting worship, encouragement, teaching and communion.
6.30pm Sundays - 'Cafe Church' in our Church Hall, a safe place to explore faith always with a cuppa with cake! Currently screening episodes of 'The Chosen', bringing the life of Jesus & those who met him to life in a fresh relatable way. 1st Sunday of the month relax with Christian Meditation - last Sunday of the month enjoy our reflective Communion service
11.30am Tuesdays & Thursdays - a short Communion service in the Prayer Room of our Church Hall held during The Well Community Hub - stay afterwards for a light lunch and cuppa (pay-as-you-feel).
CHILDREN:
2nd & 3rd Sunday mornings every month - Kids@ChristChurch - in the Church Hall during the 10am service.
Seasonal events at Christmas, Easter, Summer and Autumn.
PRAYER:
9.30am Wednesdays - Morning Prayer in Church
Team prayer takes place with the team at 9.30am every Tuesday and Thursday.
COMMUNITY:
10am-1pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays - Community hub, 'The Well', offering pay-as-you-feel refreshments, table-top activities, free groceries at our People's Pantry and monthly visits from a range of community partner organisations. Thursdays we also offer The Well with Church Mice play cafe - the same provision as Tuesdays with the addition of a dedicated FREE safe play area for 0-3 year olds and their carers.
Tues, please 7.15-8.30pm - Art & Soul - fortnightly commencing 1st Sept 26, a friendly, relaxed art group to support health and well being. No previous experience necessary. Meet up - make new friends. Make art - explore your creativity. Feel good - nourish your mind and soul. Everyone welcome - all materials provided.
New for Autumn 2026 - Harbour Lights Bereavement Group - Tuesdays 6.30pm commencing 6th Oct 26. A gentle, welcoming and safe space to meet others who understand - share as much or as little or as little as you feel comfortable with, and find support at your own pace. Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, you are welcome. Contact [email protected] to sign up.
DISCIPLESHIP:
Thursdays weekly, 6pm, 23rd April, Church Hall - Anchored - relaxed Bible Study group for those wanting to go a little deeper into scripture.
2nd Saturday of the month, 10am, Church Hall - Women's Breakfast - coffee in one hand, scripture in the other - blending flaky pastries and creative scrap journalling.
Last Saturday of the month, 10am, Church Hall - Men's Breakfast, faith discussions over a cooked breakfast.
BAPTISMS:
For Baptism/Christening enquiries please attend a Sunday service and speak to Rev'd Anita afterwards over refreshments.
WEDDINGS & FUNERALS:
For Wedding and funeral enquiries please contact Rev'd Anita directly on [email protected]
OUR HISTORY
The Church building is a Grade II listed, 19th century church (1857) designed by P.C. Hardwick for Frances Anne, Marchioness of Londonderry, as a memorial to the late Marquis.
Outside there is a miners' memorial garden (dedicated 1965) in which can be found two memorials commemorating the 26 men and boys lost in 1871 and the 164 men and boys lost in the 1880 explosions, at Seaham Colliery. Inside the church, is a beam on which some of the tragic victims wrote
"The Lord has been with us, we are all ready for heaven, Ric Cole 1/2 past 2 o'clock Thursday. Bless the Lord, we have had a jolly prayer meeting, every man is ready for glory. Praise the Lord."
There is also an organ with roll of honour dedicated in 1926 as a 1st World War memorial and the church has the benefit of beautiful stained glass. One exceptional window is the first commissioned window desig by the talented 1800's designer William Montgomery.
OUR COMMUNITY
We also have the benefit of our own purpose built Church Hall open for community activities during the week and host to our 6.30pm Cafe Church and Community Hub, 'The Well'.
Further information on services is available from Revd. Anita Burke on 0191 5240927 / 07984 070085 / [email protected]
To discuss baptisms please attend one of our Sunday services and speak afterwards over refreshments.
For Weddings and funerals please telephone Revd. Anita to arrange a meeting in person.
Safeguarding
The Parochial Church Council of Christ Church New Seaham is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for everyone, especially for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
It has adopted and approved the Church of England policy for promoting a safer church. This policy deals with all aspects of safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and can be found on the Diocese of Durham safeguarding pages: https://durhamdiocese.org/category/safeguarding/
To discuss any safeguarding concerns relating to Christ Church New Seaham please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer Debbie Finkel by email [email protected].
Concerns can also be raised with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Beth Miller – who can be contacted as follows:
Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
mobile: 07968 034075
or concern can be raised with the local Police on 0345 606 0365 or Durham County Council – Children and Adult Services - First Contact - on 03000 267 979.All members of the Parochial Church Council have undergone Safeguarding training, as required by the Diocese of Durham - for more information please access the "Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults" section attached.