'I've seen the Bishop and now I know what a crook looks like.'
So said Bishop John during his sermon - but tonight's Confirmation service was anything but flippant. Twenty-three candidates from various churches made their commitment to be disciples and followers of Jesus Christ during the service at All Saints' Bedworth. Ruth, Thomas and Jack from our own All Saints' were among them.
The church was full and the atmosphere was expectant, welcoming and supportive. The deep-pile carpet, band and lyrics, and informal approach hinted at a rather different tradition to our own - but the sense of unity and prayerfulness, of shared commitment and shared prayer were profound. The extended sharing of the Peace and the warm conversations over refreshments afterwards spoke of a meeting together of the People of God.
Bishop John reminded us early in the service of St Augustine's words: 'Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless 'til they find their rest in you.' He reminded us again of those words during his sermon.
He preached on the Gospel reading, Luke 12.32-37 - 'Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom...' He likened the words to Brighton rock: 'Fear not', or 'Do not be anxious', are words which run throughout Scripture; the images of the sheep and the shepherd do so too. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who brings us the peace which the world cannot give. He longs to give us his kingdom, a sharing of heaven on earth.
'Your faith will grow when you live in it', he said. 'It will wither if you sit on it.'
The candidates gathered around the Font to articulate formally their decision to follow Christ and to profess their faith in the words of the Creed. They were then sprinkled very liberally with holy water. Subsequently, time was taken over each candidate as they were anointed and then Confirmed with the laying-on of hands.
The service, of course, is the easy bit: a highlight, with a strong awareness of the support and prayers of the community of faith. Greater challenges follow, as they do for us all: to live out the faith hour by hour and day by day, even when doing so cuts across our preferences or makes us feel isolated or counter-cultural.
So we pray for the candidates and for us all,
'May God, who has given us the desire to follow Christ,
give us strength to continue in the Way.' Amen.
So said Bishop John during his sermon - but tonight's Confirmation service was anything but flippant. Twenty-three candidates from various churches made their commitment to be disciples and followers of Jesus Christ during the service at All Saints' Bedworth. Ruth, Thomas and Jack from our own All Saints' were among them.
The church was full and the atmosphere was expectant, welcoming and supportive. The deep-pile carpet, band and lyrics, and informal approach hinted at a rather different tradition to our own - but the sense of unity and prayerfulness, of shared commitment and shared prayer were profound. The extended sharing of the Peace and the warm conversations over refreshments afterwards spoke of a meeting together of the People of God.
Bishop John reminded us early in the service of St Augustine's words: 'Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless 'til they find their rest in you.' He reminded us again of those words during his sermon.
He preached on the Gospel reading, Luke 12.32-37 - 'Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom...' He likened the words to Brighton rock: 'Fear not', or 'Do not be anxious', are words which run throughout Scripture; the images of the sheep and the shepherd do so too. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who brings us the peace which the world cannot give. He longs to give us his kingdom, a sharing of heaven on earth.
'Your faith will grow when you live in it', he said. 'It will wither if you sit on it.'
The candidates gathered around the Font to articulate formally their decision to follow Christ and to profess their faith in the words of the Creed. They were then sprinkled very liberally with holy water. Subsequently, time was taken over each candidate as they were anointed and then Confirmed with the laying-on of hands.
The service, of course, is the easy bit: a highlight, with a strong awareness of the support and prayers of the community of faith. Greater challenges follow, as they do for us all: to live out the faith hour by hour and day by day, even when doing so cuts across our preferences or makes us feel isolated or counter-cultural.
So we pray for the candidates and for us all,
'May God, who has given us the desire to follow Christ,
give us strength to continue in the Way.' Amen.
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