Our Bishops have been out and about in the diocese this Eastertide, leading services of confirmation, and sharing in the journeys of those taking their first steps in faith.
On the evening of Holy Saturday, Bishop Martyn joined the congregation of St Catherine’s Church, in the parish of Burbage with Aston Flamville, for the Easter Vigil.
The service began outside around the fire, on this ‘most blessed of nights,’ and was a joyful occasion, culminating in the confirmations of Sarah, Jennifer, Liam, Kiegan, Jack and Samuel, with Aaron also being received into the Church of England.
There was ‘a wonderful celebration of Confirmation’ on Easter Day, when Freddie was confirmed by Bishop Peter Fox at St Edward’s Church in Castle Donington.
Following a powerful encounter with God late last year, Freddie contacted the church and asked to be baptised. He was welcomed into the family of faith on Christmas Eve then, in January, he commenced the Alpha Course running at St Edward’s.
About his experience of Alpha, Freddie says: “I had a great sense of the Holy Spirit and a shaking from within, with an inward realisation of more truth.”
Freddie has become more and more involved in the life of the church as his curiosity and learning about faith has grown.
Most recently, on Sunday 14 April, Bishop Saju visited St Peter & St Paul Church in Great Bowden for The Harborough Anglican Team’s Service of Reaffirmation of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Surrounded by family and friends, Zoe and Alan, reaffirmed their baptismal vows, while Karen, Jenny and Anna reaffirmed their baptismal vows and were also confirmed by Bishop Saju.
Anna, Karen and Zoe share their faith stories, below…
Anna
2023 was a very difficult year for me as I said goodbye to my dad. He was a huge inspiration of mine and a great person to be around. His final few weeks were painful to watch and when we finally laid him to rest, I was so taken aback at his lovely service (led by Andrew) that I wanted to go back to church.
My faith has helped me heal and pulled me through one of the worst times of my life. We all lose people eventually - I understand that, but nothing can prepare you for it.
Going to church makes me feel happy, healed and being there with God makes all the difference.
A lot of my questions have been answered and everyone at church is so welcoming and it’s a great atmosphere.
In my confirmation prep, I’ve learnt so much and a hard one to learn about was death, but I understand it more now and it’s given me peace.
I’ve been given guidance, and it makes the pain of losing my dad more bearable.
Karen
I say yes to God because he enriches my life, he guides me, he helps me, and he gave up his only son, for us, all of us. I was always brought up a Christian so I’ve always known there was a God and after tragically losing my baby son Jack over 30 years ago I knew that Jesus was with him and in the early days I would visualise Jesus rocking him safely in his arms and it helped me to sleep. I know I will see him again and that brings me hope and joy.
After many years, God guided me to Alpha, where I have met the most amazing friends, and learn more and more about him every week. Having completed the Alpha course, I then completed a Bible course, and am now doing a course called ‘Just 10’ learning about the 10 Commandments.
He communicates to me using the Bible, ideas and the many wonderful people in my life.
I wasn’t sure initially if I was worthy or good enough for him to love me, but guess what? I am. And he loves not only me, but everyone.
Zoe
I was brought up in a Christian family and have dipped in and out of church most of my life. After both my parents and my sister died, I lost my faith a little but continued praying and going to church occasionally. When I moved to Market Harborough, we had our wedding blessing here and my daughter was christened here, but the pressures of life meant that I still didn’t feel ready to fully commit.
One Sunday I came to Café Church with some of my family and had a really strong sense of the presence of God and got a bit tearful! Pep and I talked about Alpha and although I was interested, I didn’t do anything about it. Pep ‘persuaded’ me to try the first Alpha session and I absolutely loved it. I met some amazing people who I would now call friends.
Through the course I gradually came closer to God and on the Away Day, I had a real experience of God’s love which changed my whole outlook on life. Now I feel at peace – I had a lot of stuff from my past which has just been taken away and it feels like a weight has lifted. My family have noticed the difference in me which I feel myself. I’m now praying so much more and feel much closer to God.