Some words from Tim Denley
We met with all the candidates an hour before the service to meet the lovely Bishop Martin, so he could get to know us. Things started very easy with some questions about who we are and what we do for a living and relaxing. Then out of the blue he asked “What does Jesus mean to you?” After the easy questions this took us all aback and there was a sharp intake of breath around the bishop’s chapel, fortunately we all answered well enough to continue. The service was very moving and enjoyable with a few of us getting caught up in the emotion of it all then the time came to be confirmed. The bishop said (in his very powerful voice) Tim, God calls you by name. This really struck me as to the seriousness of what I was about to undertake. I knelt before the bishop and was confirmed, with an overwhelming feeling of completeness and wholeness that I wasn’t quite expecting. We then enjoyed the service, and very fortunately they had printed the music to accompany the Gloria so I was able to see exactly what notes I was meant to sing, I still couldn’t hit those notes but it was nice to see where I was going wrong. We then had our first communion and took the body and blood of Christ which rounded of the service perfectly. To anyone thinking of doing this I highly recommend it, it was an awe inspiring moment in our journey as Christians.
Some words from Mark Williams
The day started with glorious sunshine followed by a wonderful breakfast. The drive to the Cathedral was one of those moments in time when you take stock of your life and realise you’re about to be blessed with a great gift, the gift of a new start with a loving and forgiving God who loves us all so much he gave his only Son so that we may be saved. Our introduction to Bishop Martin was fantastic. He was wearing a bright red tunic which reminded me of the times of Henry 8th. God forgive him – Henry the 8th that is! The Bishop was energetic and full of life which put us all at ease. He asked us to say our names and our professions, and then the big one – what we thought of our saviour Jesus. Everyone came up with what they thought he represents in their lives and all were very good answers. We then all went in to the Cathedral and were gloriously confirmed by the Grace of our Father through Bishop Martin. Being confirmed and taking Holy Communion is thanking God for his patience and love that he shows us all in times when we fail him on so many fronts. Hence why when I take Holy Communion it will not be taken lightly. Thanks to Mark and all his fellow Revs for making the day very special for all of us and for the prayer books
Some words from Sam Perrin
Wishing to be confirmed for some time, Mark suggested I attend the Pilgrim course held at the church on Tuesday evenings…and I’m so pleased I did. I have met some really lovely friends through the course. We’ve shared and learnt so much together and laughed A LOT!!!
It really has been a great learning curve and we intend to still meet with each other to share thoughts, discussions.
Two of the friends had been already confirmed and I was going to be confirmed with the other five. The day of the 21st June came and it was a very exciting and emotional day due to not just my confirmation, but also being the day of our daughter’s 9th birthday and also Fathers Day. Having been woken up at 6.30 by a very excited daughter wanting to open cards etc, by 9.30 I left them to dog walk and went to church, I remember it being a beautiful morning…
At 4.30 we met outside and Jenny gave us some Sweet Williams (which I still have). We then, all 41 of us, went into the chapel to meet Bishop Martin. “Awesome” is probably the word my son might use to describe him!!! He really came across as such a powerful, intellectual man who truly was interested in each one of us individually. As the boys have said, he asked us some personal questions and then the biggie.what does Jesus mean to you? I think I was half expecting it and it was lovely to hear everyone’s answers.
We then went into the Cathedral where our families and friends were and we were seated at the very front. When Bishop Martin came he was like another man again and the nerves and emotions started to pour through me realising what a big commitment we were about to fulfil. I remember being very overwhelmed and when he spoke to me it was almost like the Big Man himself, very surreal…We then later took the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time.
Mark met with us outside for a chat and some pics and presented us all with our confirmation certificate and a beautiful Pilgrim prayer book…
I would like to say a big thank you to Mark for his wonderful guidance and to Jo, Mark, Jenny, Tim (pilate!) Jess, Adrianna, Gina and Sarah for the great Tuesday evenings…may we continue to learn more and have fun doing it!
