Theo Rudy
“The Rudy family has been part of Colonial Park UCC since its inception.”
That’s just the beginning of the story from CPUCC member Theo Rudy. His father once told Theo about a relative who was representing the church when the decision was being made about the current building’s location.
“Originally the church was bidding to be built at another site,” Theo said. “After the bidding for this site reached a certain amount (and the church’s limit, financially speaking), my relative turned to the man who was his competitor and said, ‘you just bought yourself a church.’”
Theo, as well as everyone here at CPUCC, is very happy that he lost that bid. “I can’t imagine the CPUCC being at any other location,” he said.
Theo was baptized at CPUCC as an infant. His mother was Catholic, and for about 16 years he attended a Catholic church. A few years ago, he rejoined CPUCC.
When asked about some fond memories of his time here, Theo reminisced about a time when, as a young boy, he sat between his father, William Rudy, and his uncle David Hain during services.
“I felt so happy and lucky to be sitting between two men that I so greatly admired,” he recalled.
Like other members, Theo is inspired by the Trinity and the Bible. In addition, he would add the Christian classics and the various prayer practices as well. But it also the people whom he finds inspirational including Pastor Cindy and many other members as well as anyone who is kind, giving, and loving.
Theo is an occasional reader at church, but he also enjoys reading, learning, good company, traveling, sports, and helping those in need.
When asked what his occupation is, Theo said he is a middle school history teacher. He quickly added, “Pray for me.”
One thing that many might not know about Theo is that he lived overseas for a time. He had a wonderful experience living first briefly in the canton of Zug, Switzerland, and then longer in Berlin, Germany.
“I got to see over a dozen countries in Europe and the Middle East. I loved learning about different cultures, meeting new people, seeing all the magnificent art, and most of all visiting the incredible cathedrals and holy sites – especially the Holy Land!” Theo said. “I will never forget those experiences for as long as I live, and I miss them greatly.
Theo said he has attended many churches, but he has never found one that matches CPUCC’s friendliness, openness, and acceptance of all of God’s children.
“Like the parable of the Prodigal Son, the CPUCC is always ready to accept anyone with open arms – no matter how long they have been away, what failures they have experienced, or what mistakes they have made,” he said. “What more could you ask for in a church?”
We couldn’t agree more.
December 2024
Meet other members of Colonial Park United Church of Christ by clicking HERE.
