We are delighted to welcome Bishop Andrew to All Saints on Advent Sunday for a special service of Confirmation and Holy Communion. We have some candidates from both Westbury and Dilton Marsh parishes who are currently preparing for Confirmation.
Being confirmed is an opportunity for someone who has been baptised as an infant or young child, to affirm the promises made on their behalf by their parents and godparents. Anyone can be confirmed at any age, and if the person has not already been baptised, then they can be baptised at this service. Our current confirmation candidates are all members of our churches who have been going through some preparation with myself. We have been looking at the core Christian beliefs, such as Who is God and what is God like? Jesus: his life and ministry. Jesus’ death and resurrection and what they mean for us today. Who is the Holy Spirit? What is the Church? And how do we live as a Christian? We have been using a very helpful book called “ Faith Confirmed” which sets out our Christian faith clearly and attractively, with Bible passages to read and reflect on and questions for discussion. The group has been lively and stimulating, and people have been able to share their questions and thoughts in an open and safe space.
At the service, the candidates will be professing their faith in Christ, and the Bishop will lay hands on them and pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit in their lives to dwell within them and inspire them to live their lives for God and for others.
We hope that many will come to witness and be part of this special service which I’m sure will be a joyful occasion. It will also be good to welcome and meet with Bishop Andrew, who will lead and preach at this service.
Please pray for the candidates as they prepare for this service, and for all the arrangements being made. As this is a Team service, there will be no other services in our churches this Sunday.
After the service, there will be tea and coffee at the back of the church, and then there will be a bring and share lunch in the parish hall at 12.30 pm. We hope that many will be able to stay and join us for lunch and an opportunity to meet with others from across the Team and share in fellowship together. I shall be inviting the Bishop to join us for this as well, if he can. Please sign the list in your church if you are planning to stay for lunch, and if you can bring a dish to share. Please be in touch with your local church rep about this: Caroline Dunseath in Westbury and Sally Esposito in Dilton Marsh.
Looking forward to seeing you then!
The Revd Rebecca Harris