The original timing for announcing the launch of a brand new type of worship in Ruddington was rather unfortunate, to say the least. It was back in February 2020 – just a month before the COVID-19 ‘lockdown’!
Edwalton-based ‘The Rock Church’ managed to host only ONE of its Pentecostal-style services in St Peter’s Rooms before further plans had to be put on hold due to the virus.
Undeterred, its members returned to our village last summer, led by Ruddington’s new ‘Location Pastor’ Cathy Appelbee (famously the owner of Wilbur the Cat), for a further ‘trial’ service in St Peter’ Rooms followed by two more in Ruddington Methodist Church. After a positive public response, the latter venue has been revealed as The Rock Church’s permanent Ruddington home, with weekly worship beginning there on Sunday 18th February 2024.
Describing itself as “a twenty-first century church, with first century power!” the name ‘The Rock Church’ is not a reference to the music at its services, but rather that the designated villages of Ruddington, Cotgrave and Keyworth, which it set out to reach, can be found in the consonants of the word ‘RoCK’.
Cathy is working alongside church founders Alistair and Kate Kent, and says: “I’m so excited to be given the opportunity to build The Rock Church in Ruddington as I have a passion to help people explore faith, ask questions and to build strong community and relationships with each other, in a world that is increasingly becoming digital, isolated and challenging! I love meeting up with people and chatting through questions. My heart is to serve the people of Ruddington alongside the other established churches and to bring a different flavour of church into the mix.”
She is a local girl who was born in the village and grew up on Easthorpe Street. Cathy spent her teenage years in the youth club on The Green, then her young adult years frequenting the many pubs in Ruddington! She was also part of the team which set up Nappuccino’s here in 2009: “I cuddled and played with many of the now teenagers I see around the village when they were babies!” Cathy laughs. “If you want to try something new in 2024, feel free to contact me at cathy@the-rock.org.uk if you have any questions or would like to meet up. I look forward to hopefully meeting you very soon.”
Their official ‘launch week’ is now underway; including a ‘Family Fun Morning’ at Ruddington Methodist Church this Thursday, February 15th, between 9.30am and midday. You’re invited to take the kids along to enjoy inflatables, games, crafts, an entertainer, face painting, refreshments and friendship.
Ruddington Rock Church’s services will then be held at the same venue, every Sunday at 4.30pm, rounded off with food and a chat at around 5.15pm. Everyone’s welcome!
