The Parish of Wheldrake
Part of:
KEY EC.=East Cottingwith, E.=Elvington, ES. = Escrick, N. = Naburn, SF. = Stillingfleet, S.=Sutton, T.=Thorganby, W.= Wheldrake, RP. = Rivers Partnership, B = Benefice, D = Deanery
Information
There are accessible toilets in the church hall, (the cottage) next door
Car parking by the church is limited
There is a children’s area at the back of church on the left
There is a space for wheelchairs at the front of church on the left
There is a hearing loop
Dogs are welcome
There are baby changing facilities in the church hall, (the cottage) next door
There is flat access to the building
Our Rivers Partnership Safeguarding link is Mike Beresford mberesford.ced@gmail.com.
Rivers Partnership Website link
Home
For Livestreaming services go to YouTube and search for Derwent Ings Benefice, the services appear under the live tab. For zoom details use the login details in the diary. For assistance, email fiveparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk
RP. Livestream service from the Rivers Partnership
https://www.youtube.com/@derwentingsbenefice7289
Sunday 12th April 6.30pm Evensong
Sunday 19th April 10.30am Holy Communion
Saturday 2nd
W. 10.00am Cottage Gift Day
Sunday 3rd May 2026 – Easter 5
ES. 10.30am Three Parish Holy Communion
E. 10.30am Holy Communion
S. 4.00pm Together@ Sutton
Tuesday 5th
RP. 7.pm Church Officers meeting in the Cottage
Wednesday 6th
B. 9.30am Healing PrayerFellowship at home
W. 11.00am Funeral – Stanley Hogg
RP. 7.00pm Zoom Evening Prayer
Meeting ID: 833 1996 8678 Passcode: 134900
Thursday 7th
ES. 9.30am Holy Communion
W. 12.00pm Funeral – Gareth Denby
W. 3.30pm Messy Expressions
RP. 7.00pm Zoom singing
Meeting ID: 823 6552 6598 Passcode: 416958
Saturday 9th
W. 1.00pm Knit and Natter in the Cottage
Sunday 10th May 2026 – Easter 6
ES. 9.00am Holy Communion
T. 10.30am Holy Communion
S. 10.30am Holy Communion
SF 10.30am Holy Communion
W. 6.30pm Evensong
Monday 11th
RP. 8.00am Partnership Prayers at Wheldrake
RP. 7.30pm Home Group at 41 Cranbrooks
Tuesday 12th
W. 10.00am Sharing live at the Wenlock
Wednesday 13th
B. 9.30am Healing PrayerFellowship at home
RP. 7.00pm Zoom Evening Prayer
Meeting ID: 833 1996 8678 Passcode: 134900
Thursday 14th – Ascension Day
ES. 9.30am Holy Communion
T. 3.30pm Derwent Messy Worship
W. 7.30pm Deanery Ascension Day Holy Communion
Saturday 16th
W. 9.00am Setting up for Fete
W. 1.00pm Church Fete in the Church, grounds and Cottage
Sunday 17th May 2026 – Sunday after Ascension
ES. 10.30am Holy Communion
W. 10.30am Holy Communion
E. 6.30pm Refresh
Monday 18th
RP. 8.00am Partnership Prayers at Wheldrake
RP. 7.30pm Home Group at 41 Cranbrooks
Wednesday 20th
B. 9.30am Healing PrayerFellowship at home
RP. 7.00pm Zoom Evening Prayer
Meeting ID: 833 1996 8678 Passcode: 134900
Thursday 21st
ES. 9.30am Holy Communion
T. 10.30am Thorganby Coffee Morning in the Village Hall
W. 3.30pm Derwent Sweaty Church
RP. 7.00pm Zoom singing
Meeting ID: 823 6552 6598 Passcode: 416958
Sunday 24th May 2026 – Pentecost
W. 9.00am Holy Communion
N. 10.30am Holy Communion
ES. 10.30am Morning Prayer
T. 10.30am Five Parish Holy Communion
Monday 25th
RP. 8.00am Partnership Prayers at Wheldrake
RP. 7.30pm Home Group at 41 Cranbrooks
RP. 7.00pm Deanery Zoom Prayers
Meeting ID: 883 5118 4785 Passcode: 262773
Wednesday 27th
B. 9.30am Healing PrayerFellowship at home
Thursday 28th
ES. 9.30am Holy Communion
RP. 7.00pm Zoom singing
Meeting ID: 823 6552 6598 Passcode: 416958
Sunday 31st May 2026 – Trinity Sunday
S. 10.30am Eight Parish Holy Communion
W. Fete 16th May
The plant stall would very much appreciate any plant donations. Bring them on the morning or contact Paul Botting 448802
6th June Shipwreck Sounds an evening with Bishop David Wilbourne, Wheldrake Church
W. Cottage Gift Day
After many years of not holding a Cottage Gift Day, the time has come to restock the Cottage store cupboards. This will happen in Saturday 2nd May from 10 till 1 in the Cottage. The suggestion cards will be in church for people to collect from Sunday 12th April. If you can’t make the Coffee morning then feel free to leave items in the box at the back of church.
RP. St. Michael and All Angels Church, Sutton upon Derwent Flower Festival.
St. Michael and All Angels Church, Sutton upon Derwent are hosting our biannual “Flower Festival” with a theme of “Sports and Hobbies” on Saturday 02nd , Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May 2026
SF. Open Gardens
National Garden Scheme open day at Stillingfleet Gardens on Sunday 10th May from 1.00 – 5.00pm
🍰 BAKE SALE DONATIONS NEEDED! 🍰
Wheldrake Church Fete — May 16th
We’re looking for kind bakers to help by donating homemade or shop‑bought treats for our upcoming bake sale.
All contributions are warmly appreciated — cakes, biscuits, traybakes, buns, scones, anything delicious!
📍 Drop‑off Location: Wheldrake Church Cottage
🕒 When: Saturday morning (before 1pm) on 16 May
I can also collect, please get in touch,
Barbra 077 12556 371
Thank you for supporting our village fete and helping us raise funds for the church and community.
RP. Sharing Life
Sharing Life is breaking for half term so we will be running on Tuesday 12th May, 2nd 16th and 30th June, finishing for summer break on 14th July. We welcome new comers on a regular basis so please give us a try if you haven’t yet. Any age, for a whole morning ( 10-12 noon) or a quick cuppa. If you would like to volunteer by serving coffee or making cakes and bakes please let us know.
Please note, we have a new phone number 07355 134509 or e-mail us on sharinglifewheldrake@gmail.com
Katie, Karen, Ruth and Emma.
E. Open Gardens
On Sunday 7th June Elvington will be holding an open gardens event around the village
RP. Deanery Secretary – Vacancy
In June with the recently elected members from the APCMs in 2026 we need to appoint a new secretary. Alison Gilmour has decided that its time to retire after 13 years’ service. The job is to take the minutes at the meetings (6 a year), be part of the Deanery Leadership team, maintaining an online list of all current members, creating publicity for Deanery events and services, circulating papers for our 3 statutory meetings each year, circulating notices from parishes who wish to invite Deanery friends to anything events. There is a statutory requirement to produce and circulate to all PCCs at the beginning of the year an annual report (agreed by both the Dean and Lay Dean) of the proceedings of the Deanery Partnership during the previous calendar year which forms part of the reports to the APCM, unless the elected delegate submits their own to the parish. Additionally, updating our Deanery Plan and ensuring we review it regularly (biennially), managing our annual calendar of events, contacting speakers, pulling together clergy contributions to our Deanery Prayer Calendar, contacting editors of parish magazines. Computer literacy for word-processing and creating publicity materials is needed. Anybody can be the Deanery Secretary and can be co-opted to the Deanery Team. Please pray and think about whether you could so this vital job. Contact Jackie if you can help.
RP. The Rivers Partnership Prayers for the Five Marks of Mission.
Across the partnership the five marks of mission teams are helping to make our Plan For Growth (P4G) a reality. Please use this prayer cycle to include the teams and those who lead them in your daily prayers.
Tell To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom (Led by TBD)
Teach To teach, baptise and nurture new
Believers (Led by TBD)
Tend To respond to human need by loving
service
Transform To seek to transform unjust
structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation (Led by Caroline Wandless)
Treasure To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. (Led by Alayne Dodd and Alison Stead)
May 3rd Tend, 10th Transform, 17th Treasure, 24th Tell, 31st Teach
RP. Admission of Churchwardens
This year the combined Deaneries of Selby and Derwent will be holding an admission service for all their Churchwardens at Escrick Church on Tuesday 23rd June. Everyone is invited. There will be refreshments afterwards
RP. Collect for – Easter 5
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
RP. Sunday Reflection
This week’s Sunday reflection comes from The Rev’d Canon Sam Taylor, Diocesan Adviser for Vocations and Diocesan Director of Ordinands . Every week we offer a new prayer video for churches to use either online or in their services.
RP. Passcodes For Zoom Services
The zoom provider has recommended that we do not publish the passcode on the internet. For details email fiveparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk
so that the information can be provided to you.
T. Thorganby Coffee Morning
Our next Coffee Morning is on Thursday 21st May in the village Hall at 10.30am. All welcome.
RP. Building Gospel Partnerships
We need advocates to build gospel partnerships with Mustard Seed churches and their communities. These partnerships recognise there is much that we can learn and receive from churches in our low-income communities. Do you have a passion to support mission in places where life is tough? For more information about the Advocates network, please visit the website www.mseed.org/advocates or contact by
email: mustard.seed@yorkdiocese.org or phone: 07852151740
D. Monthly Deanery Prayer
Led in turn by our Deanery clergy each fourth Monday of the month, this takes place via Zoom on 27th June beginning at 7.00pm. All are welcome and we finish by 7.30pm. Join Zoom Meeting:
Join Zoom Meeting link
Contact fiveparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk for log in details
RP. York Diocesan Conference:
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
It is with great joy I write to invite you to be part of the first Diocesan Conference held in the Diocese of York for over a decade. Next July, lay and ordained leaders from across our diocese are invited to gather together in prayer and worship, in learning, fellowship and joy as we share and encourage one another as to how we are living Christ story across our wonderful, diverse diocese.
The first part of the conference on the Thursday and Friday is specific to licensed clergy and LLMs with a wider cross section of leaders from across the diocesan family, including you, invited for a non-residential conference all day on Saturday 25th July held at the University of York.
A Planning Team, chaired by Bishop Barry and reflecting the diversity of the diocese, has been working over recent months and further details of the programme and exact timings being published later in the year. I am excited at the shape this is taking and the possibilities this offers us.
A link for bookings is now open: https://forms.office.com/e/HShJV4r5xq For planning purposes, we are hoping you are able to RSVP by the end of August at the latest. Please complete the booking form even if you are unable to attend.
As we seek to maximise attendance, there is no charge for this conference beyond the cost of parking (we are hoping people will car share or make use of public transport where possible). There may also be space during the conference for those that would like to make a contribution toward the costs. Refreshments and lunch are included.
The Planning Team has agreed four learning principles for the conference which undergird their work and attendance at the conference assumes:
1. God – We gather in Jesus name in the fellowship of the Gospel. We follow God who is active and breaks into our learning, disrupting our plans and revealing the Kingdom in often surprising ways, through the work of the Holy Spirit.
2. Us – Everyone is a participant of equal status. We are all both guests and hosts, each with something to give and something to learn. We seek to build up the whole Body of Christ in our worship, faithfulness and learning. 3. Learning – We seek to create a relaxing and creative space where participants can be open and honest, equipped to participate as fully as possible and allow relationships to develop. Whilst we will strive for excellence of input which resources, the focus will be on engagement, not expert delivery, honouring the experience of all in the room.
4. Responsibility – All participants will aspire to be fully present and to be willing to be responsible for how they engage with others, with the material and with the conference. Together, we aspire to honour the sense of being one family, where all are seen, heard and valued.
May we hold this important opportunity in our prayers and be assured of my continued prayers for all you are and do.
In the blessings of Christ,
Following Archbishop Stephen’s letter inviting you to our first York Diocesan Conference in over a decade, this is a reminder to complete the RSVP whether you are able to make it or not. A copy of the original invitation with dates are more details is below this email and the link for bookings is: https://forms.office.com/e/HShJV4r5xq A reminder your place is offered free of charge.
As a planning team, we are really excited for the opportunity to join together as a Diocese in this rare opportunity, and for the range of speakers and seminar leaders already booked. The full list and programme will be available towards the end of the year but, as well as some exciting speakers being finalised, speakers already confirmed include:
Former presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and preacher at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archbishop Michael Curry
Bishop of Lancaster, Jill Duff
Dean of Chelmsford and Biblical scholar, Jessica Martin as Conference Reflector and to share with Archbishop Stephen and Bishop’s Flora, Eleanor and Barry in leading Bible studies along
Papal Astronomer and Director of the Vatican Observatory, Guy Consolmagno as after dinner speaker
Poet-in-Residence throughout the conference, Malcolm Guite
Author, educator & disability advocate, Emily Owen
First Church Estates Commissioner and former Global Head of Risk Strategy at HSBC, Alan Smith
Head of the Churches and Networks Support for national church with a focus on growing younger and more diverse, and former lead for Thy Kingdom Come, Emma Buchan
Director of Giving for the Church of England, Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood
External Research Partner for Mustard Seed, Andy Milne
Prophetic classical musical ensemble, Epiphany (offering Sound Portraits to participants and their teams)
Archbishop’s Mission Enabler for the North & Chair of the Faith in the North, Mark Powley
Lou’s famous pub quiz!
RP. Music at the Minster
For 1,000 years or more, York Minster’s magnificent spaces have resounded with choral music. This is a timeless tradition we are proud to continue. York Minster has one of the UK’s leading cathedral choirs; its mastery of the English choral tradition is one of the cathedral’s crowning glories. Read on to discover more about music at York Minster and find out about upcoming concerts and events.
https://mailchi.mp/yorkminster.org/christmas-2904098?e=c3266a8f12
W. Wheldrake Church Cottage Cleaning Team
We need your help. Are you able to spare an hour a month to assist in cleaning Church Cottage. Everything is provided on site. If you are able to help, please contact
Barbra on 07712556371. Thank you for your support
RP. Derwent Lions Used Spectacles
Please donate your used spectacles on my doorstep. They are a huge help and Lions will make sure they are used to assist less fortunate people in seeing better. Keep leaving them outside 5 Derwent Park and hopefully we’ll be able to keep helping those less fortunate. Lion Ken Hardgrave 01904 448198
Ken.hardgrave@binternet.com
RP. Yorkshire Rural Support Network
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society provides support and help for everyone in the Yorkshire farming community.
FCN Helpline 03000 111 999
Farming community network – practical help from farming people
RABI Freephone Helpline 0800 188 4444
Confidential help and support for all farming families and workers facing hardship
Addington Fund 01926 620135 – addingtonfund.org.uk helping farmers with disaster relief and affordable rural housing
Perennial Helpline 0800 093 8543 – perennial.org.uk supporting all those who work/have worked in the horticultural industry
Samaritans Freephone 116 123 – jo@samaritans.org confidential emotional support 24 hours a day
B. Home Fellowship Group
The home group meets on Mondays at 7.30pm till 9pm at 41, The Cranbrooks with Steve and Val Hirons. We choose hymns to begin and end our discussion time and close with the Grace. Newcomers are very welcome.
ES. Mothers Union.
The only branch in the Rivers Partnership is based in Escrick and would welcome new members. You don’t have to be a mother or even female; membership is open to all who have been baptised. If you are not baptised but still interested, that could be arranged. MU meetings are open to all and visitors are welcome. No pressure to become a member, just enjoy the session. If you are considering membership, but would like to meet nearer to home, come and meet us and we will help you to establish a branch nearer to you. You will have scope to tailor it to local availability. Some branches meet in the local pub. Escrick meet on the second Wednesday afternoon of the month as all of our members are retired, but we have held our summer meetings in the lighter evenings. MU is a fabulous charity working to improve the lives of so many in countries world-wide, not through other charities but with our own members on the ground, be they local or visitors. I hope this has sparked your interest. Pamela Yates, Branch Leader, tel 01904 728423.
W. Prayer Tree
If there is someone or a situation on your heart which you wish to bring before the Lord, you are invited to visit the prayer tree at the back of church and stop for a moment to write a prayer
E. Elvington Church Website
RP. CPCC and WPCC Minutes
The minutes for the last CPCC are published on the Wheldrake Church website.
http://www.wheldrakechurch.org.uk/?page_id=1636
RP. Multiply Stories
Multiply is the name of an initiative to build new worshiping communities and make new disciples. This link can be used to read about the work that is going on around the Diocese
https://mailchi.mp/yorkdiocese/inspiringideas-2024?e=346204007c
RP. Thank you
This week we are remembering the people who keep our churchyards in order across the Rivers Partnership. It would be good to have contribution from anyone in the benefice, so please email your suggestions for thankyou’s for your villages
B. Derwent Ings Facebook
Have you seen the Derwent Ings Facebook page? https://www.facebook.com/DerwentIngsChurchesYork/ Please have a look and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh4EyDpfGJM”follow” the feed!
RP. Organ Recital
Organist Jonathan Scott performs his solo organ arrangement of Joseph Jongen’s Toccata from Symphonie Concertante Op. 81 on the Klais Pipe Organ of St Aegidien, Braunschweig, Germany
W. Wheldrake Church Website
www.wheldrakechurch.org.uk This is the link to the website here you will find policy documents, agendas and PCC minutes along with prayers and pew news
RP. Worship Music
MP560 Praise my soul, the King of heaven
MP4 Abide with me
MP14 All heaven declares
MP1072 In Christ alone
RP. Safeguarding Bulletin – Updated 06.02.26
Click this link for the latest news from this team
https://mailchi.mp/1852ad3145c6/diocese-of-york-safeguarding-bulletin-13430378?e=7770c3aa96
RP. Pew News Deadline
If you have anything to advertise, please send it to fivebees2000@yahoo.com
by 6.00pm on Fridays.
RP. Generosity Matters updated 10.11.25
Click on this link to read the latest news from the generosity team.
https://mailchi.mp/2e12c3fa470f/generosity-mailing-18168795?e=33945223ea
RP. Online prayer websites
Here are some prayer sites that you could try, see which you like
Pray as you go
Celtic liturgies
Sacred Space
ReJesus
Green Christian Prayer Guide
which lasts a whole year! Discover what’s on and plan a family adventure for all to enjoy.
E. New way to donate to the church
If you would like to support the church financially and help us maintain it for generations to come, you can now also send donations using the “givealittle” website
RP. Church Services radio/online
8.10AM – BBC RADIO 4 SUNDAY WORSHIP
Sing to the Lord a new song: Sunday Worship hosted by Swarzy Shire from Maida Vale with Philippa Hanna and Israel Houghton
WEEKDAYS
10.45AM – BBC RADIO 4EXTRA DAILY SERVICE
RP. Zoom Singing
RP. Diocese of York Prayer Diary
There is always somewhere, something or someone we can pray for. The Prayer Diary may help guide you and your church in praying for our diocese.
This week, we are praying for:
- Church of England: Diocese of Blackburn, Bishop Philip North, Bishop Jill Duff, Bishop Joseph Kennedy
- Scottish Episcopal Church: Diocese of Brechin, Bishop Andrew Swift
- The Lutheran Church in Great Britain: Bishop Paulina Htawiczka-Trotman
- South Africa Diocesan Link: Archdeaconry of Blue Downs; Diocese of False Bay
Deanery Prayer Calendar
26th – 2nd May
Riccall, Barlby, Hemmingbrough, Skipwith, Bubwith with Aughton
Pray for all our APCMs across the plurality. We ask blessing on all our officers and their annual reports. We pray and give thanks for all those that work so hard across our plurality and across our Deanery to keep our churches functioning and who are supporting clergy both stipendiary and retired
April – June Prayer Diary is available to download – find it at:
dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-prayer-diary.
B. York Minster Parish Pass 2026
As in previous years, Elvington, Thorganby and Wheldrake PCC secretaries have again received a renewed York Minster Parish pass to issue to members of the congregation permitting visitors free entry this year. The Parish Pass entitles the bearer to one adult free admission to York Minster and the Undercroft for sightseeing during normal opening hours (but excludes entry to the Central Tower and evening events). See more information, contact the relevant PCC secretary to borrow them
Pray-er for the Benefice
Damian Mawer
Prayer Area
Countneys and Blake Court (Wheldrake)
E. Refresh! Service at Elvington
Elvington Refresh service takes place at 6.30pm pm on Sunday 17th May in Elvington Church. – Please come if you are able, and please spread the word.
RP. Tools with a mission- updated 16.04.26
This link will take you to the latest newsletter from TWAM
https://mailchi.mp/twam.uk/january-2026-supporter-enews-6428185?e=ca4eff56d4
Please use these notes for your own reference during the week and for your prayers