A Confirmation service to remember

 Saturday 7th November was the date set for Richard, Heather and Mercedes to be confirmed  at
Salisbury Cathedral during the Baptism and Confirmation service in All Saintstide. Friends and family arrived for a rehearsal and in time to see the Cathedral 'glowing' from the setting sun. We were given a very warm welcome by the Dean and then candidates and their sponsors started their rehearsal while the rest of us went off for tea, a viewing of the Magna Carta and a little explanation about the service and what would be happening. We then all met up again and there was an expectant buzz about the place.
The service began in darkness and with a reading from Isaiah 43:1-3a,6b-7. We all sang the Taize chant 'Veni sancta Spiritus' as Genesis1:1-3 was read. It was all very atmospheric. After the candidates for baptism and confirmation were presented, they moved to the magnificent font where the baptisms took place. Everyone then moved on towards the spire crossing where those to be confirmed were presented to one of the three bishops.The congregation was encouraged to move through the cathedral with the clergy and candidates.

At the end of the service the west end doors were opened and everyone followed the Bishops outside onto the steps of the cathedral. The night was clear and dry and there were distant fireworks exploding into the sky. Here we were able to group with all the people who had come to support from the Benefice - what a great turn out!

I think everyone would agree it had been a wonderful service.

 

 One added bonus - Alan and I, Richard and Tina - were some of the last to leave through the open West Doors - it was awesome to stand in the empty cathedral!

 



Some thoughts from the Organist.

The Confirmation Service

'Twas a good service this evening
Said the Bishop to the Priest,
With a hearty congregation
Who also joined the feast.
The Lord sent down His Spirit
Who showered one and all,
Especially His servants
Who by His Grace He called.
As one by one He met them,
Hearing every name
A Blessing from the Cross Impressed
By Bishop upon the same.
Be bold be strong and resolute
Though weathered, tired and sore.
The Word of God made manifest
With Jesus at the core.
The song is strong and evil faints
When witness sounds again.
God's harmony is crowned in Love
As through the old refrain
We stir the soul to seek our God,
Through fellowship divine,
And learn again through word and song-
The Lord is yours and mine.

Gerry

Stepping out in Faith - Making Christ Visible

Fourteen people from our benefice stepped forward in faith yesterday evening at St Mary's Church, Winterborne Whitechurch. Bishop Graham led the service in which they confirmed their commitment to their baptismal vows. With over a hundred people filling the church, there was a very special atmosphere. The singing in church was tremendous and the chatter in the school hall afterwards was animated and happy. Thank you to everyone for making this such a joyful occasion.

Making Christ Visible

Our Benefice mission statement has been summarised in these three words. The  churchwardens  worked to make our mission statement shorter and achievable for our six parishes. With ‘Making Christ visible’ as our mission statement, we need to think beyond the beautiful church buildings and ensure that Christ is present in our communities through our actions and behaviour. Is this achievable? I believe so, and I was particularly encouraged by the fourteen people who made the decision to be confirmed by Bishop Graham last Wednesday at St Mary’s, Whitechurch.

Thomas Roberts

Su Roberts

George Townsend

Amanda Valentine

Jessica Valentine

Molly Gardiner

Grace Ritchie

Michael Trevett

Alison Trevett

John Close

Sue Close

Samuel Mullen

John Gregory

Katherine Gregory

Please pray for them as they step forward in faith!

Alan

The Sunday afternoon group

The film 'Bruce Almighty' was the subject of much discussion in The Rectory Sitting Room on Sunday afternoon as the group explored Faith and Confirmation. They are using a blend of the courses 'Moving Images, Changing Lives : Exploring the Christian Life and Confirmation with young people through film ' and 'Faith confirmed'.