July Reflection 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, 

On Sunday 21st June Ffion Hutchinson - one of our church family from St. Columba’s, Topcliffe - was confirmed by the Bishop of Whitby at St. Andrew’s church, South Otterington: a wonderful and joyous occasion. 

 Confirmation is a chance for anyone who has already been baptised (perhaps baptised as a child) to commit themselves to Christ – to ‘confirm’ the promises made at their baptism. These promises publicly recognise God’s love for us and acknowledge that we all need to turn away from selfishness and evil and to accept God's offer of a fresh start with him. 

In declaring this faith, we become members of the local and worldwide Christian family, and the Church promises to support and pray for us on our journey of faith. Confirmation is also an opportunity for those who don’t already receive communion, perhaps children or those new to church, to start taking communion with the rest of the church family.

In the Bible, baptism with water and praying for the gift of the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands were originally both used to welcome new Christians into faith in Jesus. Over the centuries they are now often done separately, with many people being baptised in water as children and then confirming their faith later when they are old enough to answer for themselves.

Those being confirmed declare that they have decided to turn away from everything which is evil or sinful and instead to turn towards Christ - the same promises used at baptism. If you were baptised as a young child your godparents will have made these promises on your behalf, and you will renew these decisions and promises at Confirmation. You will declare your faith in front of members of the local church and your local Christian community, who will promise to support you and pray for you. You may have a sponsor, as you would at a baptism, to stand with you to support you in your journey of faith.

The bishop will make the sign of the cross on your forehead with oil. The cross as a sign of belonging to Christ, and the oil as a sign of the Holy Spirit. The bishop will speak to each candidate by name saying: "(name), God has called you by name and made you his own". He then lays his hand of the head of each as he prays: "Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit".

If you feel you would like to explore confirmation do come and speak to me about this. If you are unsure and have questions to ask, please do speak out and do pray about it. It can be really helpful to ask other Christians to pray with you also. 

We send our congratulations to Ffion and we pray for her as she continues her journey of faith.

God Bless,

 Reverend Dawn