This month, we bring you two confirmations services that were held during the first weekend of March, before the beginning of Lent.
Across the Diocese of Leicester, a number of people - of all ages - made a commitment to God, sharing their faith stories and celebrating with their church communities, friends, and families.
Bishop Martyn visited All Saints Church in Sapcote to confirm Abbie during a service of Holy Communion on Sunday March 2.
Abbie has been supported on her journey to confirmation by Revd Joanna Hover.
Talking about her faith, Abbie said: “In the past, I hit rock bottom. God reached out to me in love. It took a while for me to accept him but through God’s grace I turned my life around. Now I feel blessed and I’m looking forward to seeing where God takes me!”
On the same day, in Leicester, Bishop Saju confirmed Miriam, Rachael and Nye, during a service at St John’s Church in Clarendon Park.
Rachael and Miriam, both of from St John’s, were prepared for confirmation by Scott Else, Lay Leader of the church, and Mike Corner, Director of Emerging Generations, while Nye from St Leonard’s Church in Swithland was prepared by Revd Steve Delaforce and Dawn Daly, Lay Associate Minister at Quorn.
Sharing her journey in faith, Miriam said: “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t believe in God. Over the years, my family has always taken me to church groups, where I discovered my love for God. Going to New Wine, which is a big Christian camp, has also played a part in my faith. I pray a lot in my everyday life, and God helps me.
“Through God, I have met so many wonderful people. God is like a constant father, and Jesus is a steady friend who is always there to help and guide me through my days whenever I need him.
“I’m so thankful that Jesus forgives me when I go wrong and ensures I don’t have to worry about anything when I am with him. These are just a few of the many reasons why I want to take the next step in following Jesus.”
Talking about why she said ‘yes’ to God, Rachael said: “I was born into the church, always attending programs, being part of the choirs and an active member of the Sunday School. But on this particular day, on girls and ladies guild holiday camp, I decided to say 'yes' to the Lord during a drama session…I want to spend eternity with Jesus Christ.”
Nye also shared his story. He said: “I was baptised as I child and wanted to commit myself to my belief in God the creator and his son Jesus who was sent be among us.
“You might ask why I wanted to get confirmed? I regularly attend church at St Leonard’s in Switherland with my now wife. Switherland is a special place to me as my Nana and Grandad are both buried there.
“We recently got married… While planning the marriage I got to be thinking about my religion and my commitment to the church and I felt the need and wanted to confirm my faith in God and in Jesus hence why I’m here.”
Please keep Abbie, Miriam, Rachael and Nye in your prayers.