- Carleton Rode Baptist Church
- Chapel Road
- Carleton Rode
- Norfolk
- NR16 1RN
About Us
We have been described as a Chapel in the 'middle of nowhere'!! And this picture would tend to show why we're described in such a way, we are in rural Norfolk after all!
However, Carleton Rode Baptist Church is in fact situated between the villages of Carleton Rode and Bunwell, which have a total combined population of approximately 1500. The nearest small towns are Attleborough and Diss, just a few miles south, whilst the city of Norwich is 17 miles away to the north.
We see ourselves as very much a part of the community as shown by, for example, our very popular Coffee shop/restaurant, which is open twice a week; a monthly community meal, which regularly attracts up to 60 diners; a twice-monthly youth club (7 to 12 year olds), and a Baby and Toddler group which meets weekly.
Our congregation is drawn from surrounding villages and those further afield such as, Long Stratton, Mulbarton, Shropham, Great Moulton, Winfarthing and Wymondham.
Our previous minister described us as ‘the Church in the heart of the countryside, with the country community at heart!’. An apt description for our mission here. Our church building is very important to us, representing as it does over 200 years of local worship and witness in this rural community. It is a recognised, familiar and well-loved landmark built between two villages and serving both. Many local families have relatives buried in the graveyard. However, even more important is the space our building provides for local people to come and meet together. This means they are able to share their experiences, hopes and fears, and find encouragement for their everyday lives.
We have a membership of 42 with a regular Sunday morning congregation of around 50. A smaller group meet for evening worship once a month.
In addition to our regular services and activities, we run a Coffee Shop twice a week and hold a Community Meal in the main church each month. These are attended by between 60 to 100 local residents and provide a regular meeting place in an area of rural deprivation. Many visitors comment on the warmth of the welcome they receive and often refer to the church as being ‘a very special place; peaceful and welcoming.’
Finally, Carleton Rode Baptist Church is part of the Eastern Baptist Association which is a family of Baptist Churches situated throughout Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridge. The regional association has a team of regional ministers and administration staff that support the local church pastorally, advise on mission and practical matters and organise beneficial training events. Every church in the association contributes in their own unique way by taking part in enriching relationships, developing ministry and enabling fruitful mission in its own area.