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SERVICE OF COFIRMATION : I0th JULY 2005
CELEBRATION
The Men's Day
The Men's Day
On 25th June 2005 a Men's Day was held at Wrafton Church hall. It's purpose, apart from giving men a well-deserved day out together, was to look at what it means to be a man today and especially how men fit into Church life. The day was organised by Steve Painting, our Curate, and was supported by New Wine Networks and Lee Abbey. Steve also managed to arrange for some of his old friends to come up from Stubbington to lead worship with our very own Paul Westlake doing an excellent job playing the drums. The day was split into two parts with lunch served at the Williams Arms.
The morning session was led by Dave Hopwood, who is the Director of Arts at Lee Abbey. His presentation was very thought provoking, and for me, it gave clarity to a number of issues relating to men, their behaviour, and the expectations and perceptions of men and women, in the 21st century.
Steve's slot in the afternoon, built on the morning's session, expanding ideas and giving further food for thought as well as answering more questions.
To end the day Philip Sourbut, who is the Vicar of St Andrews, Cullompton, and very much involved in the New Wine networks, gave a very personal testimony; and 1 believe it is such bravery and honesty amongst men that, especially within the Church, will be the foundation of true relationships between us all.
For me the day was very enjoyable, helpful and bad a great social aspect to it. The plan to perpetuate Men's Ministry in such a way works for me; and I believe must also work for many others as the day was very well attended with people coming from some distance away
A follow up to the day will take place on the evening of Thursday 11th August 2005., giving opportunity for feedback and further interaction and discussion.
After such events the question is often asked "where do we go from here?" The answer has to he 'forward' if we continue on such a path. Let as pray that we arc continually gilded by the Holy Spirit in rebuilding the Church family as our Father it to be. Well done and thank you Steve and all those who put in considerable effort to make the day such a success.
Tony Liddon
CELEBRATION
For all the glories of the earth and sky For night's soft voice and morning's silent haze, For trees that whisper and for winds that sigh, We give you praise.
For summer sunshine and for cooling showers, For stars that light the heavens' darkening maze, For dewdrops sparkling on the new-born flowers, Our hears would praise.
For lightning's flash and thunder's echoing roar, For seas that beat upon their endless ways, For wild wave's anthem on a rock-bound shore We offer praise.
For mighty mountains and eternal snows, Enduring changeless through the changing days, For moon-lit valleys and for sunset glows accept our praise.
But for that great redeeming work of Yours, Our souls their loftiest hymn of thanks would raise For free salvation, through Jesus' cross, We give You praise.
For all the matchless wonders of Your grace Seen in that cross on which we humbly gaze For peace and pardon to a father race Your Name we praise.
Dorothy Dennison
Steve asked recently what it meant to us to meet monthly for a 'Celebration'. The above verses epitomise it for me. I want to express my praise for all that God gives me, and my worship for all that He is. I can do it on my own, but celebration is a corporate thing, joyful music helps. It's hard to join in if the tune is unknown or the key in which its set too high - some modern worship songs have very little melodic tune anyway so they aren't suitable for public celebration.
I've never been disappointed with the Lee Abbey celebrations, They start with half an hour's corporate singing, usually included testimony in words or dance or mime, always there is the reading and exposition of scripture and the opportunity afterwards for any who want, to be prayed for. I reckon that's a good model.
Come next time and see for yourself.
Joce
SERVICE OF COFIRMATION : I0th JULY 2005
What a great day! I know, I was among the nine candidates.
We turned up looking smart (You've never seen us looking so smart) and were escorted to the vestry to meet Bishop Bob. He put us at our ease from the first moment. Bishop Bob indicated that his desire was that we should have a day to remember - and we did. He gave us the personal touch, literally. He held our hands in turn asking us to look him in the eye when responding.
At the opening of the ceremony the choir processed, looking resplendent and sounding celestial, They responded unhesitatingly when a hymn was announced out of sequence - at which point, the candidates proceeded to the back of the Church from whence they were quickly returned to their front row seats, as the Bishop had particularly wanted to look them in the eye during his address. Having absorbed the address, the favoured nine reverted to the back of the church and were then led singly up the aisle to be presented to Bishop Bob by their sponsors.
We favoured nine then addressed the congregation, each telling our varied individual stories, which, although coming from different directions, ended at the same point. 'We love Jesus, but His love for us is greater. We aim to follow Him.'
We proceeded to the font and were reminded of our baptismal vows as a cross was signed on our foreheads with water. Having resumed our front pew positions, we were invited to kneel before the Bishop and as he held our hands and looked into one eyes, we made our promises to Jesus - Yes, Jesus was there. His presence was tangible. Our heads were anointed with oil - MY HEAD WAS ANOINTED WITH OIL - and we received the Sight of Christ in the form of a candle. Towards the end of the service we partook of our first communion at the Lord's table as confirmed members of His church
The whole affair was greatly enriched by the majestic organ, by the beautiful singing, both by the choir and the excellent solo/duet performances combined with the talents of the music group. The officers, in their various capacities, made the whole run smoothly and, hey what a great supportive congregation.
Finally, what a splendid post-confirmation lunch - a sumptuous feast Oh., Happy day. Oh, Happy day.
A Candidate
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