Baptisms and Confirmations at St Mary’s Radcliffe-on-Trent

“I am writing this to share how Jesus has transformed my life in ways that words can barely express.“

The first Sunday in March was a joyful day in Radcliffe-on-Trent with 2 youth baptisms in the morning and 9 confirmations in the evening.

The day started with a real sense of excitement in the morning service, as two brothers were getting ready to be baptised. Revd Carl Brooks-Plunkett (curate at St Mary’s) led the service, and welcomed the family to the front. He shared how despite their young age, they both clearly recognised the transformation Jesus had made in their lives and their desire to follow and trust in him. The church then gathered around the baptism pool to celebrate and share in this special occasion.

In the evening, the church was full again for the East Bingham Deanery Confirmation Service with candidates from St Mary and All Saints Bingham, St Mary Magdalene, Keyworth and a group from St Mary’s Radcliffe-On-Trent (including Joshua who had been baptised that morning!).

Bishop Paul led the service and spoke on Ephesians 3:14-21, with a focus on verse 17-18 ‘And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ’. As he encouraged the candidates through his sermon, Bishop Paul also presented each one of them with a white heather plant to symbolise their life rooted in the love of God.

After this a number of candidates came forward to share their story of faith, which was such a powerful moment in the service. All of the stories were also featured in the service booklet, and we’ve shared a few excerpts from these below:

I want to be confirmed so I can be part of the church family. To make a public declaration that Jesus is my God and Saviour and that I am a Christian. Jesus means a lot to me because he is my saviour, and he is someone who will help me when I need it. I know that I can talk to him and that he will listen and answer my prayers. I believe in Jesus because there are some things that cannot be explained by science. I believe that he died to save my sin and to be always with me. – Joshua

I am writing this to share how Jesus has transformed my life in ways that words can barely express. His love, grace, and presence have shaped my journey, giving me a renewed sense of purpose, peace, and joy. His presence in my life has changed the way I see myself and others and trust in God’s perfect plan, even when I don’t understand it. Each day, I strive to walk in His light, knowing that He is my guide, my Savior. I pray that my testimony encourages others to seek His love and experience the life-changing power of His grace. – Azadeh

My journey with Jesus started when I was young, and my parents took me to church every Sunday.  As I learnt more about him through the children’s group at church, I realised how great and wonderful Jesus is. I learnt about how he died on the cross for our sins and all of the amazing miracles he performed.  Now that I am a bit older and in the Youth Group at St Mary’s, I want to confirm my love for Jesus and give myself to him and getting confirmed is the best important step in my journey of being a Christian. – Daisy

It was so great to celebrate with Radcliffe on Trent on this special day. If you would like to find out more about baptism or confirmation, you can do so at a church near you. Use the link below to find out more: