We're so glad you're exploring our website and perhaps considering joining us. This section aims to answer your questions and give you a warm introduction to our community. If anything isn't covered, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Vicar, Mary – she'd love to hear from you!
Everyone is welcome. Many of our regular congregation reside outside the parish but have found that our style of worship perfectly suits their needs. We'd love for you to join us!
The beautiful Parish Church of St Mary and St Botolph is one of Suffolk's true hidden treasures, especially here in Ipswich. And when we say hidden, we mean it! Our stunning church isn't visible from any of the main roads in the Parish, adding to its charm and peaceful seclusion.
You'll find us at the very top of the accessible part of Whitton Church Lane. As the lane takes a sharp left towards Thurleston Lane and Akenham, you'll see a smaller lane straight ahead – that's your path to the church by vehicle. If you're coming on foot, you can also access us from Homer Close and Carlisle Close.
While we'd love to keep our doors wide open, unfortunately, due to past vandalism, the church isn't always unlocked. However, someone is always happy to arrange a time for you to explore its beauty. Just get in touch with our church wardens, and they'll gladly let you in for a look around!
Worried about finding a parking spot? Don't be! We have a good-sized car park, so parking is rarely an issue when you visit us.
Click here to view directions on Google Maps
God doesn't mind what you wear, and neither do we! He simply rejoices that you've chosen to come along, and so do we. Some feel most comfortable dressing up for church, while others prefer to come exactly as they are. We never judge others based on their attire. Your presence is what truly matters.
We absolutely love having children among us! If you have small children, please feel free to let them play near the Font, where we have some toys available. We don't just welcome children; we rejoice when they're here! So, please don't worry if they're a little noisy.
If you feel your children are becoming too boisterous or you're uncomfortable, you can simply take them into the vestry. It's through the curtain beside the font and straight ahead. There, you can shut the door, and they can play, cry, or make noise, and you'll still be able to hear the service.
We're delighted that you're exploring faith. We're all on a unique journey together, each at a different point, but travelling hopefully side-by-side. If you are interested in being Baptised, please do talk to our ministers – they'd be thrilled to discuss it with you.
Click here for more information on our Services
You can sit anywhere you like! We're all creatures of habit, so you might notice some people gravitate towards the same spots, simply because it feels comfortable. But please don't worry about "taking someone's seat" – they'll just find another, and you won't even notice. Just settle in wherever you feel most at ease.
If you're visiting for the first time, we recommend sitting in the central aisle. It offers the best view of everything happening during the service. The side aisles have less ideal lines of sight.
There is an optional collection during all our services. Our giving is a heartfelt response to the incredible generosity of God and all the blessings he bestows upon us. In return, He calls us to give generously to His work, according to our means. Some can afford to give a lot, others only a little. The amount is less important than the intention with which it is given.
If you would like to contribute and pay tax, please use the envelope found at the end of the pew – it makes a huge difference to us by allowing us to claim Gift Aid! The money collected ensures that our beautiful Grade II listed medieval building is kept in good condition and looked after. This allows us to use it for worship and for the community to gather for important rites of passage like Weddings, Christenings, and Funerals. As you can imagine, maintaining such a historic building is not inexpensive! It also covers the cost of having a full-time priest here in the parish. The total cost of doing all this is approximately £1600 per week.