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 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 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 4th January 10.30am Eight Parish Holy Communion
https://youtube.com/live/NRJwmhSN9G
Sunday 11th January 6.30pm Evensong
Saturday 17th
W. 1.00pm Knit and Natter in the Cottage
Sunday 18th January 2026 Epiphany 2
ES. 10.30am Holy Communion
W. 10.30am Holy Communion
ES 12.30pm Baptism
E. 6.30pm Refresh
Monday 19th
RP. 8.00am Partnership Prayers at Wheldrake
RP. 7.30pm Home Group at 41 Cranbrooks
Tuesday 20th
W. 10.00am Sharing Life in the Wenlock
Wednesday 21st
B. 9.30am Healing PrayerFellowship at home
RP. 7.00pm Zoom Evening Prayer
Thursday 22nd
ES. 9.30am Holy Communion
RP. 3.30pm Derwent Messy Worship
RP. 7.00pm Zoom singing
RP. 7.00pm ‘Unlocking the Bible’ Zoom meeting
Reading Sacred Text – some guidelines
Friday 23rd
W. 1.00pm Funeral – Margaret Hooper
Sunday 25th January 2026 – Conversion of St Paul
W. 9.00am Holy Communion
N. 10.30am Holy Communion
ES. 10.30am Café Church
EC. 10.30am Five Parish Holy Communion
Monday 26th
RP. 8.00am Partnership Prayers at Wheldrake
RP. 7.00pm Deanery Zoom Prayers
Meeting ID: 883 5118 4785 Passcode: 262773
RP. 7.30pm Home Group at 41 Cranbrooks
Wednesday 28th
B. 9.30am Healing PrayerFellowship at home
Thursday 29th
ES. 9.30am Holy Communion
RP. 3.30pm Derwent Messy Worship
RP. 7.00pm Zoom singing
RP. 7.00pm ‘Unlocking the Bible’ Zoom meeting
Reading texts 1 – Genesis
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 new Archdeacon of York
There will be a welcome service at Selby Abbey on Sunday 1st February at 2pm where Liz will be welcomed by The Rt Revd Dr Flora Winfield, Bishop of Selby. The event promises everyone an opportunity to celebrate Liz’s arrival and commit her ministry to God.
The Revd Canon Liz Hassall, previously Rector of the York City Centre churches and Associate Area Dean of York, succeeds Sam Rushton, who served as Archdeacon from 2019 to 2025. Liz took on the role of Acting Archdeacon of York in April 2025 and represents the diocese on the Church of England’s General Synod.
All are welcome to attend.
RP. York Minster January Events
By following this link you can see what is happening at the Minster in Januaryhttps://mailchi.mp/yorkminster.org/christmas-2903394?e=c3266a8f12RP
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 are currently studying the Epistle of James. We choose hymns to begin and end our discussion time and close with the Grace. Newcomers are very 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
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.
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
The programme is: –
Thursday evenings 7pm – 9pm
Jan 22 Reading Sacred Text – some guidelines
Jan 29 Reading texts 1 – Genesis
Feb 5 Reading texts 2 – Isaiah
Feb 12 Reading texts 3 – the Gospel of John
The zoom link is:- available by emailing: fiveparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk
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
Led in turn by our Deanery clergy each fourth Monday of the month, this takes place via Zoom on 26th January beginning at 7.00pm. All are welcome and we finish by 7.30pm.
Contact fiveparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk for passcode
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 are currently studying the Epistle of James. We choose hymns to begin and end our discussion time and close with the Grace. Newcomers are very welcome.
RP. Sharing Life
Dates for Sharing Life:
January 20th
February 3rd and 24th
March 9th and 24th
Break for Easter. Back on 14th April.
All at The Wenlock Arms 10-12 noon.
We welcome newcomers and are happy to say we regularly have new people who love it and stay! People of all ages are welcome, from babies and tots to older and wiser!
Any bakers who would like to donate a cake or savouries are very welcome indeed!
Please contact Katie for more information sharinglifewheldrake@gmail.com or 07729 841897
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. Harmony House
Harmony House is a boutique B&B, in Stillingfleet, offer unique Christian retreats for solo guests, couples and small groups, who are seeking a peaceful and restorative break. Whether you’re looking for a revitalising escape or a transformative personal retreat, we have created an experience suited to your needs. Our Anew Christian Retreats are a haven created with care for Christians seeking rest and a deeper connection with God in a serene and picturesque setting. For more details and testimonies, please check out the retreat page on our website: https://harmonyhouseyork.com/anew-christian-retreats
And new for 2025 – Anew Discovery Retreats – designed for those seriously seeking Jesus and wanting to discover more about the Christian faith and even themselves.
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
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.
E. Belfrey Clean
Our tower needs its annual clean – it’s full of cobwebs, dead bees and dust! I’ll be going up there one weekend soon to give it a good autumn scrub. Can you lend a hand? It’s a wonderful view from the top and a rare opportunity to see part of the church that’s normally inaccessible (not least because of the bees in summer).
Please give Ian a call/message/WhatsApp on 07963 469 090 for arrangements. You’ll need old clothes/overalls, gloves and ideally a good dust mask (I’ve got plenty of spare disposable ones).
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)
January
18th Treasure, 25th Transform
RP. Worship Music
MP699 Thou, whose almighty word
MP502 O let the Son of God enfold you
MP48 Be still and know
MP315 I will sing the wondrous story
W. Help required
When we had our last quinquennial inspection, the architect noted that we have lots of pieces of old woodwork from the bell frame laying in the tower. He suggested that we should keep some of it, treat it with preservative, and make a display on the tower wall. There are bits of iron work, pulleys, stays, a headstock, clappers and hammers. Is there someone who would be willing to undertake this project.
RP. DAILY BIBLE RESOURCES
ONLINE DAILY BIBLE READING
- Online bitesize verse of the day: https://www.biblegateway.com/
- Scripture Union Daily Bible reading and comments and prayer. Type in Scripture Union Wordlive today and then scroll down to Read Today’s wordlive,
or go straight to: https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/wordlive
- United Christian broadcasters, UCB, have a daily verse with thoughts to follow up. Type in UCB word for today UK
or go straight to: https://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today
ALSO, DAILY DEVOTIONAL VIDEOS:
https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDoseOfDevotional
ONLINE FOR CHILDREN & TEENAGERS
There are also plenty of websites to look at if you google daily Bible videos for children & daily bible videos for teenagers.
2 Fish Talks- Daily Bible Stories Kids Devotions,
https://www.youtube.com/c/2FishTalksDailyBibleStoriesKidsDevotions
DAILY BIBLE READING NOTES (paper booklets)
These can be ordered from Eden books. https://www.eden.co.uk/ but do have to be paid for.
Alternatively United Christian broadcasters, UCB will send free Bible reading notes quarterly. You can sign up at https://www.ucb.co.uk/wordfortodaysignup or contact Catharine if you are unable to do so.
For children and teenagers there are booklets too.
https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/daily-bible-reading/teenagers
https://www.eden.co.uk/ Hands-On Bible 365 Devotions for Kids Paperback
https://www.re-vived.com/ Snapshots 365!
RP. Collect for – Epiphany 3
Almighty God, whose Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Safeguarding Bulletin – Updated 28.11.25
Click this link for the latest news from this team
https://mailchi.mp/2df6be6044e5/diocese-of-york-safeguarding-bulletin-13429905?e=7770c3aa96
W. Wheldrake Church Website
This is the link to the website here you will find policy documents, agendas and PCC minutes along with prayers and pew news
RP. Sunday Reflection
This week’s Sunday reflection comes from The Rt Reverend Barry Hill Bishop of Whitby. Every week we offer a new prayer video for churches to use either online or in their services. vimeo.com/dioceseofyork
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. Bishops Chaplain
The Reverend Tom Mumford has been appointed Chaplain to support the Bishop of Selby in her role as Lead Bishop for the Diocese of York. In this new role, Tom will be responsible for providing the Bishop with spiritual, liturgical, administrative, strategic and practical support, and sharing in pastoral oversight.
Welcoming Tom to the role, the Bishop of Selby, the Rt Revd Flora Winfield, said: “Tom brings to this new role a strong commitment to the parochial ministry of the Church of England, a profound sense of God’s work in his own life and a prayerful approach to the Church’s pastoral mission and theological vocation. I am looking forward very much to working with Tom, and to the rich contribution he will make to our ministry together in the diocese, in support of parishes and deaneries.”
The Revd Tom Mumford is currently the Vicar of Ipswich Minster and Assistant Area Dean of Ipswich in Suffolk. He also serves the wider diocese as Diocesan Interfaith Advisor, leads on the Suffolk Ministry Development Programme, and is a member of the Bishop’s Council and the DBF finance committee. As well as serving as a parish priest for the last seven years, Tom is also a Non-Executive Director of the University of Suffolk, a fellow of the Westminster Abbey Institute, and holds other church and charity roles both locally and nationally.
Based at Bishopthorpe, Tom will join the team there and in the Diocese of York in mid-March. This role, in common with the bishops and their support staff, is funded nationally by the Church Commissioners.
Tom said: “York was the place I first explored the Christian faith in my early 20s and discovered not only the love of God in Jesus Christ, but also a sense of call to be a priest. It will be a wrench to leave Ipswich and parish ministry where I have enjoyed some extraordinary years, but I feel as if I am being called to return to my spiritual home, both to support the mission and ministry of the diocese, and also of my wife as she explores her own call to be a parish priest. I am excited to see what God has in store for us all in the coming years, and I look forward to meeting the bishops, clergy, staff and people, and serving you all, so that together we may know more fully what it means for us to live Christ’s story.”
RP. Organ Recital
Organist Jonathan Scott performs his solo organ version of Solveig’s Song (Solvejgs Sang) from Peer Gynt Suite No.2 Op. 55 by Edvard Grieg on the Eule pipe organ of Bodø Cathedral (Domkirke) Norway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOL5hi9A1sM
RP. Living Christ Story – Mustard Seed updated 25.07.24
Click on this link to read more about the work of Mustard Seed in the Diocese
https://mailchi.mp/196b464fd2ad/living-christs-story-in-a-mustard-seed-way-17707865?e=418314d1fa
RP. Generosity Matters updated 11.08.25
Click on this link to read the latest news from the generosity team.https://mailchi.mp/5ae023546c6f/generosity-mailing-18166263?e=33945223ea
RP. Thank you
This week we are remembering the people who are in our five marks of mission teams in the churches of 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
T. Thorganby Coffee Morning
Our next Coffee Morning is on Thursday 19th February in the village Hall at 10.30am. All welcome.
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
| Racial Justice Sunday Sunday 8th February 2026 Racial Justice Sunday is for all churches to reflect on the importance of racial justice, to give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination. |
| Find out more |
RP. Tools with a mission- updated 12.12.25
This link will take you to the latest newsletter from TWAMhttps://mailchi.mp/twam.uk/july-2025-supporter-enews-6426407?e=ca4eff56d4
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!
W. Wheldrake Church Website
This is the link to the website here you will find policy documents, agendas and PCC minutes along with prayers and pew news
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
W. Wheldrake online giving
If you would like to support the church financially and help us maintain it for generations to come then please follow this link to donate online
https://givealittle.co/campaigns/59018725-1659-447e-90dd-dcedb5693eb5
alternatively you can give by bank transfer to: Wheldrake PCC
09-01-54
88047080
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.
January – March Prayer Diary is available to download – find it at:
dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-prayer-diary.
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
E. Refresh! Service at Elvington
Elvington Refresh service takes place at 6.30pm pm on Sunday 19th January in Elvington Church The service is being led by Mike Leigh who is a singing vicar – It sounds like it’ll be a lovely service, please come if you are able, and please spread the word.
RP. Church Services radio/online
8.10AM – BBC RADIO 4 SUNDAY WORSHIP
One Body, One Spirit: A service for the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from St Columba’s Church, Knock in Belfast. The theme is One Body, One Spirit from Ephesians Chapter 4.
WEEKDAYS
10.45AM – BBC RADIO 4EXTRA DAILY SERVICE
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
Pray-er for the Benefice
Betty Garnham
Prayer Area
General Lane, Langrickgate Lane and Canal Lane (East Cottingwith)
Please use these notes for your own reference during the week and for your prayers