On Tuesday, 22 September, churches in Chippenham came together for a special service to celebrate the launch of the new Chippenham Mission area. The service included the blessing of the river Avon and ended with the signing of the Mission Area Covenant, produced by both clergy and lay church members.
The service was attended by the Mayor, clergy from each of the churches and members of the congregations. The evening began on Chippenham town bridge where the group sang hymns and Bishop Neil gave thanks for the river and the way it has sustained life for centuries. Following this blessing, he splashed those gathered with water, a symbol of new life, before the group waked to the Buttercross, where the signing of the covenant took place.
Father Benji Tyler, Vicar of St Andrew’s church, said:
“Chippenham is both divided and united by its river. As the town has grown around the water, so too has its Christian witness, with three Anglican benefices rejoicing in their diversity. As we commit to working together in growing God's mission, we are not seeking to erase our differences, but to recognise them as gifts. By sharing these gifts, supporting one another and investing in the lives and faith of children and young people, we hope to see the Church flourish across the whole town. It is poignant that the commissioning took place outside, beginning on the town bridge with a blessing of the river, and ending up at the Buttercross - in the ancient heart of the town - where the signing of the covenant took place."
St Andrew’s, St Peter’s and the Greenways Benefice have come together because of a recognition that they can achieve more together than apart, committing themselves to a common vision and shared action.
The Mission Area places a key emphasis on nurturing, welcoming and enabling children, young people and families to grow in faith and take their place in the life of the Church. Other commitments include welcoming and including children and young people, sharing ideas and resources and working together with hope and generosity.