Confirmations at All Saints Huthwaite and St John’s Beeston

All Saints Huthwaite

It was an uplifting and encouraging morning on Sunday as Bishop Andy confirmed six candidates at All Saints Huthwaite.

Bishop Andy’s talk on the parable of the sower prepared the congregation for the confirmations, reflecting on the importance of cultivating “good soil” in which God can grow faith and keeping our eyes fixed on Him.

During the service, four candidates courageously shared their testimonies, speaking of the empty space they had tried to fill with wild living. Turning to Jesus, they described how He had filled that void, bringing joy and purpose into their lives. The candidates described the whole life transformation their new faith has brought, describing life events including joining the RAF, welcoming a new baby, getting engaged, attending university, and family members also exploring faith.

April Hunt reflected, “Despite being in interregnum for 3 years, All Saints continues to grow organically and through our other outlets, including the Overflow (a community that is centred around sung worship and prayer), Little Stars toddler group and All Saints School & Nursery. As such we have seen multiple baptisms, many of which have been full immersion. The Overflow, in particular, has attracted several young men to our church and four of those were confirmed on Sunday alongside two other new members of our congregation.”

St John’s Beeston

St John’s Beeston celebrated a joyful confirmation service on Sunday evening, welcoming 14 candidates from St John’s, St Michael’s Bramcote and St Mary Magdalene with St John the Evangelist, Hucknall. The candidates were confirmed by Bishop Peter Hill (Honorary Assistant Bishop).

The service provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate God at work in people’s lives. Testimonies from the 14 candidates, whose ages ranged from 13 to the mid-70s, were hugely encouraging and inspiring. A reading from Isaiah 49:13-16 set the tone for the service. In his sermon, Bishop Peter invited the candidates to reflect on the challenging question: “What happens next?” as they continued their journey of faith.

Bishop Peter prayed over each candidate, anointing them with oil and asking that they be filled with the Holy Spirit as they were confirmed into the Church.

Confirmations are an invitation for people to renew their baptismal vows, receive prayer for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, and to profess their faith publicly, often with family and friends there to support.

Please do pray for the candidates as they continue in their journey of faith. If you would like to be confirmed or maybe explore faith for the very first time, use the button below to find a church near you.