After less than three years in the post, the minister of Ruddington Methodist Church has revealed she’s being moved almost 300 miles to another circuit in Cornwall!
Reverend Nichola Jones arrived in Ruddington during the first ‘lockdown’ in September 2020 – to replace Revd Simon Rose as our Methodist Minister – and did expect to be here for the long term.
“It was a bit of a shock to be told by the Methodist Church that they needed me elsewhere!” she admits. “We serve ‘under obedience’ and the Church is very short of experienced Superintendents. I have been one for over 18 years and was serving in this circuit full time as well as looking after my mum and dad in what turned out to be their last years. When the call came I was startled, but was sent to look at another circuit who have been without a minister for two years – so very much needed an experienced person. After three days of interviews I was invited to be their Super, and to start as soon as possible!”
Revd Jones will leave our circuit on July 2nd 2023 to take up the position of ‘Super’ of Bodmin, Padstow and Wadebridge (known in North Cornwall as ‘BPW’).
She says: “I’ve have had a marvellous time in the area with Radcliffe and Tollerton as well as Ruddington, which has a very special place in my heart. I had to come home and tell the congregations I serve – and disgraced myself by weeping as I read the announcement that I was being ‘lifted’ (the quaint Methodist term for ‘moving unexpectedly!)”
Revd Jones reveals that her last service in our village will be on Sunday 11th June: “I do thank the good people of Ruddington for the fun of school assemblies, church coffee mornings, the fellowship of rip-roaring worship and the times of funerals, baptisms and even a wedding! You have shared so willingly and gladly and I pray that Christ continues to be real, challenging, comforting and joyful for each of you. I am certainly going to miss you! God bless you, and thanks for a great three years.”
News of her departure comes only weeks after Ruddington’s Baptist minister, Sam Hackett (pictured above – to the right of Revd Jones), announced he’ll be leaving Ruddington this year for a new posting, too – although not until July.
