Dear Friends,
I am so thrilled to be hosting what has become an annual event at All Saints in the summer time, a service of Confirmation. I can easily and happily call Bishop Richard Blackburn a friend of the parish owing to his supportive work as chair of the board of Whirlow trustees, our valued partner in God’s work in these parts. Richard and I shall be leading the service together and I trust we can count on your presence and attendance.
Above all, pray for the candidates who are taking a public step of faith. Some will be known to us, others will soon become our friends in the faith as they are welcomed into our midst. Confirmation simply means that the Holy Spirit of God himself confirms the faith we have in Jesus. I have found over the years these are not empty words but demonstrate that faith in Jesus affects our day-to-day lives. We thank God that a good number are showing evidence that faith affects life day by day. A reminder to us all that the Lord is indeed our helper in all things.
Yours in His service,
Mark
Ps. Do pray for Ben Lacey, our new curate, and Steve Holme, in your prayers. They are both due to embark on a retreat of prayer and study at Cliffe College in preparation for their ordinations at the Cathedral next weekend - Steve on Saturday 5th July in the afternoon and Ben on Sunday 6th July in the morning. We’ll have the opportunity to pray with them and celebrate their journey during our Youth Service at the 6pm service on July 13th.