About Us
Who are we?
WECC is a Christian community in the broadly reformed, evangelical tradition.
As a “Congregational” church, it is our clear belief that the Congregation is responsible before God for the running of the church and all major decisions whether in terms of mission, praxis, theology or organisation. To this end we place great emphasis on the Church Meeting (normally meets once a month) where quite simply we seek “the mind of Christ” on all such questions. In this way we attempt to avoid some of the complexities of what can be termed episcopal church government. Whilst a Congregation is not a democracy (!!) never the less we tend to secure decisions on a majority voting basis with associated discussion and exploration of issues. In this way we are personally responsible to the Lord Jesus as His followers, and collectively responsible to each other to actively seek His mind and to live lives that are honouring to Jesus.
Since 2019: WECC has been in a period of ministerial vacancy following the retirement of our much loved Minister Rev Leslie Shorten (and his wife Christine). The period of ministerial vacancy is indeterminate, however the life of the church continues apace! In common with Congregational churches everywhere we recognise that it is the assembled congregation that ‘ministers’ God’s love, righteousness and mercy to its local catchment and to the wider community. At some point we hope to appoint a new full time Minister to help develop and expand this ministry in Haverhill.
Please see the Articles page and two articles being (1) “What does it mean to be a Congregationalist?” and (2) “What is a Deacon?” – both by Rev Leslie Shorten.”
Mission & Vision
Mission
- Reach out to Haverhill, Suffolk and the wider world, with the life- transforming and eternity- changing message of Jesus (1)
- Preach the good news of Jesus in season and out of season (2)
- Succour and support the suffering saints – all those who suffer simply because they are disciples of Jesus, especially, at this time, those located in “hot spots” around the world (3)
Vision
- To be a church that reflects the beauty of Jesus (4)
- To try to ‘model Jesus’ to the 21st Century world (5)
- To be biblically faithful and biblically astute (6)
- To encourage and uplift those who are persecuted because they love Jesus (7)
- To provide a Jesus-focused ‘home’ to any who are searching for one (8)
- To be a church that takes seriously, and honours, the Hebraic root of the Christian faith, noting that neglected roots can damage the whole body – and WECC wants to be a healthy body (9)
- Pursuing the reality of “one new man” (10)
- To be Spirit-filled and Spirit-energised (11)
We recognize that the Christian life is a journey, and that different people are on different points in that journey. We want to help all to enjoy the fruits of a direct relationship with Jesus and to arrive safely at their destination in Him. (12)
Join us on that journey!
References
(1) Matthew 28:18-20
(2) 2 Timothy 4:2; Colossians 4:3
(3) John 15:18-21; Matthew 5:10; 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7; Matthew 25: 31-40
(4) 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1: 15-20; Hebrews 1:3
(5) Philippians 2: 6-7; Ephesians 4: 24
(6) John 10:35; Matthew 15:3; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 22:31; Matthew 12:3
(7) Matthew 5: 3-12 (especially 11-12) and verse 44; Mark 13:9; Romans 5: 3-5
(8) Matthew 7: 7-8; Matthew 12: 48-49; John 15:15
(9) Romans 1:16; Romans 11: 18 and 24; Isaiah 41: 8-9
(10) Ephesians 2: 14-18
(11) Ephesians 5: 18; Acts 6:3; Micah 3:8; Exodus 31: 3
(12) Proverbs 12:28; Acts 24:14; John 14:6; Matt 14:6; Matthew 7: 13-14
Our History
BBC broadcast from WECC 1947
A brief history of West End Congregational Church
The non-conformist cause in Haverhill traces its history back to the latter part of the 16th Century. The first Congregational Church in the town was the Old independent Church (still in existence and now URC). Our own history began in 1834 when a number of people seceded from the OIC and formed a new congregation meeting in their homes and in a room adjacent to the Bell Hotel. Two years later on the 16th May 1836 the Market Hill Church (located on the high Street) now called West End Congregational Church came into being. The congregation in a short space of time outgrew the premises and a new place of worship was required.
The present Church buildings comprising the Sunday School rooms (now the Church Hall), the Church and a Manse were erected between 1890-95 at what was then the west end of the town. The Gurteen family, one of the largest employers in the town, were great benefactors to the church and the foundation stone of the Sunday School rooms – which was built first – was laid by Daniel Gurteen Jnr on the 19th November 1890.
The present Church has had twenty-five ministers since its inception. The church meets for worship every Sunday morning at 10.30am and our mission Statement is that this is:- “A place where Christ is honoured, the Bible upheld and people are welcome.” The church maintains a strong preaching ministry, is largely evangelical, and is usually led by a full-time minister and Diaconate. The Church is currently without a full-time minister.
If you are visiting the town please come along on a Sunday morning and meet with us, all are welcome.
West End Sunday School Boys 1917
Rev B Barton and Deacons – 1935
West End carol singers – 1949
Rev Ernest Marshall 1956-62
Rev Hugh Seaborn
Rev Janet Wooton 1979-86
Service Times
A place where Christ is honoured the Bible upheld and ALL people are welcome
We meet at 10.30 AM on a Sunday morning.
After our service, generally of one hour, we enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat in the Main Hall.
We have week-day meetings:
- Ladies’ Forum – generally 1st Thursday of the month*
- House-groups
- Midweek service – generally 4th Thursday in the month
10.30am Morning Worship
6.00pm Evening Worship
We only meet for Evening Worship on special occasions, please check the Events Calendar or send an e-mail to us from the ‘Contact’ page for details.
Holy Communion is observed as part of the Morning Worship on the 4th Sunday Morning of each month (An offering in aid of the Disaster Fund is taken during the communion hymn)
Our Sunday Services seek to maintain a balance between traditional and contemporary worship and includes strong Biblical preaching that seeks to uplift and honour the Name of God. We use power-point presentations on a large screen, the church is also fitted with a loop amplifier and is accessible to wheelchair users.
Email – westendcong.church@gmail.com