One Lord, one faith, one baptism – in The Rivers Partnership

Themes of shared baptism and mission were to the fore in a Commissioning Service in Wheldrake Church on the 22nd September, to celebrate and cement The Rivers Partnership, in which eight neighbouring Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) affirmed their commitment to each other and to God.

The Benefices of Derwent Ings (East Cottingwith, Elvington, Sutton-on-Derwent, Thorganby and Wheldrake) and of Escrick and Stillingfleet with Naburn lie between the Rivers Derwent and Ouse south of York, in the Deanery of Derwent. During 2021 and 2022 a new leadership team has taken shape across the two benefices, led by Priest-in-Charge (and now Area Dean of Derwent) the Revd Jackie Doyle-Brett and Assistant Minster the Revd Maxine Waller.

"Across the eight PCCs we have talked about how the two benefices can support and resource each other as a partnership," explains Jackie.

The name of The Rivers Partnership emerged jointly from all the PCCs as part of their commitment to sharing not just their leadership, but their gifting and resources too. Archdeacon of York Sam Rushton and Bishop of Selby Dr John Thomson have keenly supported the idea of commissioning a new name, and Bishop John says, "This sounds an admirable idea, and I like the title with its 'koinonia' focus, on partnership and fellowship as a sharing of life and resources together".

Jackie continues, "This is not a legal joining of the eight parishes; it is simply an informal ‘umbrella’ term for us to identify ourselves as the Body of Christ working in fellowship together as equal partners for the journey."

Bishop John Thomson led the Partnership Service devised to seek God's blessing on the whole sharing arrangement. The service embraced the local relationships and practicalities, as well as offering opportunities for church members and supporters to affirm their shared baptismal vows, and their commitment to the church's mission, as set out in the 'Five Marks of Mission' defined by the Anglican Communion in 1984 and 1990.

"It's about prayerfully leading the Partnership forward, helping us all to makes God’s love visible by living Christ’s story," adds Jackie.