St Mary's is a grade II listed building, part of the building dating back to the 15th Century. It is the last known church in this country to still celebrate "the Rocking" service. When we think about St Mary's, think about how many celebrations have been celebrated there, not just through the Rocking service but christenings, weddings, carol services, memorial and Tree of Memories service, regular Sunday services and where funerals have taken place - lots of experiences to be remembered. It is worth noting that the Church stands as one of the remaining original buildings within the village of Blidworth. St Mary's church is a charity which receives income from individuals who give to the church and by fundraising. We are a small church congregation doing our best but need help and want to see our local church thrive going forward for many generations to come. We are tremendously grateful to those who donated and hosted fundraising events towards the ceiling and roof project. Repair work was done to the roof and ceiling crack 1 was repaired. We are now monitoring another crack in the ceiling. We have been told, going forward, that in around 5 years time, we will potentially we will need a new roof and ceiling. We have an ongoing fabric fund which people are able to donate into for any fabric issues going forward. Any money in this fund is not spent on anything other than the fabric of the church.
Come along to one of churches during the open times for quiet reflection, prayer and to light a candle.There is also a loose leaf binder available to write your messages of condolencesFriday 9th September between 5.30 pm - 6.30pm at St Simon and St Jude church in RainworthSaturday 10th September between 10am - 1pm at both St Simon and St Jude, Rainworth and St Mary's BlidworthYou can tie a ribbon onto the church gates as a symbol of remembranceFlowers - in Blidworth, I understand that these are being placed at the War Memorial. In Rainworth, flower tributes can be placed against the church building in a designated outdoor space which lies between the church doors and the lady chapel. We ask you not to leave lit candles outside in the church grounds please - we are making provision within our church buildings for candles to be lit.On Sunday - St Simon and St Jude Church in Rainworth will be hosting a Commemoration Service to mark the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at 6pmimage - Press Association
On Friday 4th at 3pm, a peal of bells will be rung at St Mary's church in Blidworth to launch this special weekend of events and services. On Saturday 5th, St Andrews Mission Hall will be open from 10am-4pm when tea and coffee will be served and you can view an exhibition of History of the Rockings with photographs and memorabilia as well as an old film from the 50s.At 7.30pm on Saturday 5th, there will be a celebratory Concert at Blidworth Welfare with Blidworth Brass Band and Joseph Whitaker school band. Tickets are £5 and you can pay on the door. Should be a fabulous concert.On Sunday 6th - 10am service - fully booked but will be recorded and uploaded onto social media platforms. Following this service, there will be a procession to the Rocking sculpture on the corner of Dale Lane and Tesco. At the Rocking Sculpture, we will have a short outdoor service and Blidworth Oaks school choir will join us. We will then walk to St Andrews Mission Hall for a buffet lunch and another opportunity to see the displays. The Bishop of Sherwood will be joining us on Sunday.This weekend is an amazing illustration of working and partnering together as community; of story sharing and of light and hope.We'd love it if you could join in with some of these celebrations.
