On June 10th we had a wonderful celebration in Chearsley. Just as we might have thought that the Jubilee had left us all celebrated out, along came another one. But this was different, this was much more local and for 5 of our regular congregation at St Nicholas in Chearsley, and one from St Mary's, it was much more personal.
I believe that coming to a decision to confirm our baptismal vows [for that is what the Confirmation service is] having worshipped as an adult and having thought about it over many months or years, makes it a much more resonant occasion. It is true and meaningful choice, and it is generally one that has been thought hard about. It can open a person's mind to go further and explore more, which is always a good thing and to be encouraged.
I know that our new members from Chearsley and Long Crendon churches have been given a superb book to read, Living Jesus, by Bishop John Pritchard. If you have not read it you should, it will hopefully open your mind and make you think.
I hope that all who attended the service, led by Bishop Alan, will have got something deeply special out of it, not just those being confirmed, but all of us sitting watching, and hopefully remembering.
So as we go out in peace to love and serve the Lord, may we all do so in the remembered joy of our own Confirmation, however long ago.
In the love of Jesus Christ, John Scholefield LLM
