Rugby Methodist Church Centre joined the Inclusive Church Network in the summer of 2024 as part of it's commitment being a growing, evangelistic, inclusive and justice-seeking church.

RMCC is passionate about inclusion and seeing everyone as made in the image of God. We seek to be a diverse, inclusive, accepting, welcoming and safe space for everyone. We will not always get things right but know that the continual commitment to inclusion is a life-long journey of learning not a destination. We are delighted that the church is registered to celebrate same-sex marriages.

As part of the Inclusive Church network we agree that:

In June 2024 we took part in Rugby Pride and had some amazing conversations about our "God is love" banner.  It was incredible to unexpectedly lead the parade through the streets of Rugby.

On the Sunday of Pride weekend we held an Inclusive Celebration.  The church was decked in all things Pride, we had interactive prayers, Nathan and Ruth told their stories, and we had a great time over refreshments at the end.

Following on from our event in June on 23rd December 2024 we held our first Queer Carols; a relaxed and informal worship opportunity where we celebrated the message of Christmas and that we are all included in the love of God.  We sang some traditional carols, and some newer ones that reminded us that God came for everyone.  There was non-alcoholic mulled fruit punch and mulled apple juice available and tasty seasonal refreshments.  It was amazing to welcome some many new faces.

Following on from the success of Queer Carols, RMCC marked LGBT+ History Month with "Stories".  It was a time of relaxed and informal, inclusive Café Worship held on Sunday 16th February where Revd Nathan shared some of his journey and story and through this we were able to celebrate the wider LGBT+ story as we claimed our past, celebrated our present, and looked to the future affirming that we are all part of God’s story, accepted and loved.

We lit candles to remember the LGBT+ stories that have been silenced in the past and the places where even today rights and freedoms that once existed are being take away, or people are still fighting for the dignity and worth of all to be recognised.  

On Easter Sunday evening we held Rainbow Easter Praise, it was a wonderful time that LGBT+ siblings and allies could come together and celebrate Easter.  Our Minister Revd Nathan led music from the piano, we reflected on the message of Easter and what it means that God calls us by name, and shared in Communion together.  After the service it was great to share in refreshments including rainbow cupcakes!

Our next event will be a Pride Service on Sunday 22nd June at 7pm following Rugby Pride which takes place on the Saturday where a group of us will be an affirming Christian presence.