The context in which we carry out our mission:
Darlington (Northgate) URC is a member of the Tees and Swale Mission Partnership, along with Keld, Low Row and Northallerton churches.
Several years ago, the Mission Partnership decided to function as a Joint Pastorate - that is the two ministers with which the Mission Partnership is scoped will be functioning without a "mother church" but using their time and talents to best serve the whole Joint Pastorate.
The four churches all have worship teams of varying size, with Northallerton, having been in vacancy for some time before the appointment of our new Pastorate ministers, probably being the strongest in this regard.
The Darlington congregation has a number of lay preachers (one being TLS-trained). Several Elders are accredited to preside at Communion within the Mission Partnership.
Lay pulpit supply by Darlington members has been offered for several years, particularly to the Keld and Low Row churches and several churches in the Cleveland area.
The leaders of the Mission Partnership (that is, all the elders and minsters who are able to attend) meet quarterly to address issues of common concern, including joint events.