Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey at which the participation in the life of God’s people inaugurated at baptism is confirmed by the bishop laying on of hands, and in which those who have been baptised affirm for themselves the faith into which they have been baptised and their intention to live a life of responsible and committed discipleship. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by the confirming bishop, the Church also asks God to give them power through the Holy Spirit to enable them to live in this way.
It was nice to welcome the Rt Revd Geoff Pearson Bishop of Lancaster to confirm our 16 candidates as he will be retiring later this year.
Before the service he spent time to speak to each of the candidates and parents
and members of our ‘Come just as you are’ service, gave a short recital
Bishop Geoff gave each of the candidates a small picture of a stained glass window which shows the Birth, Crucifixion & Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.
and his sermon focused on our last hymn ‘O Jesus, I have Promised’ written by John Ernest Bode for a relative’s confirmation, something Reverend Michael was unaware of when he chose the hymn.
Though it was written in the 19th century Bishop Geoff described how it remains just as relevant for Christians today.
The candidates were supported by family, friends and members of our congregations from across the United Benefice, filling the church
and after the service enjoying the cakes and refreshments kindly prepared and provided by members of St John’s while the candidates had their pictures taken with the Bishop
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