FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” Proverbs 3: v: 6

The verse from Proverbs is written in the front of Bibles given to both me and my sister, Heather, by our grandparents at our confirmation on 28th February 1962 at Stonham Aspal Church. We were also given a small book called ‘In His Presence’ by Rev Derek Hill who was our parish priest at the time. I remember the cycle rides to Crowfield Rectory for lessons and it was freezing outside and inside The Rectory but we always made it there and back - I suspect I would moan a bit but that would be ignored.

I guess this book is given to all who go to confirmation. I have taken a few ‘snippets’ from In His Presence which makes me think so much has changed but at the same time it hasn’t since 1962!

I have used this little book many times over the years especially when ensuring the Holy Communion components are correctly prepared.

“Each night our private prayers should be modelled like this:

Adoration

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication

Such prayers are ACTS indeed, true acts of worship.

Confirmation is in the Bible - it was practiced by the Apostles. We read about it in the New Testament and the Church has administered it ever since.

Acts Chapter 8 gives us some relevant verses. Philip had gone to Samaria preaching and teaching. Then the Apostles came from Jerusalem and ‘laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost’ i.e. confirmed them. In the same way after you have been carefully instructed and prepared, the Bishop comes and ‘lays his hands’ upon you, and you receive the Holy Ghost. The word ‘confirmation’ came later. The word means strengthening.

How To Read The Bible

How much of the Bible you read is not nearly so important as how your read it. Offer a mental prayer first that God may speak to you through the passage chosen. Then read very slowly, making a great effort of imagination. Picture the scene, get inside’ what you are reading, feel yourself there and taking part. Try to apply it to yourself. What is the message for you? Probably you will want to say a prayer about it.

All this is an art - it needs practice. Don’t be disappointed if you do not get on too well at first. Persevere.”

Practice - Persevere - Pray! God will always reward us with His grace and goodness.

Hazel Chittock – Lay Elder