‘God has called you by name and made you his own’
These are the words that are used at a confirmation service, and it was a great delight to be confirming four people at St John the Baptist Tideswell on Sunday evening.
It is always encouraging to see people taking the next steps on their journey of faith. The testimonies of these four people, of varying ages at different stages of life and faith, speak of this being the right time to declare their ‘yes’ to God, publicly.
If you are thinking about being confirmed, please have a conversation with your vicar or priest in charge at your church. They will be able to liaise with the Bishop’s Office at Derby Church House about finding a suitable place and time.
It will also be my privilege to ordain the new deacons and priests this month. These too are people who know they have been called by name and are being called to serve in the parishes and communities of our diocese. Do please support them in prayer.
Archbishop Michael Curry, former presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, once said ‘if you are breathing, God is calling’. The breath of life itself is a gift from God, serving as a constant reminder that God is present and continually calling us to love, serve, and connect with the world around us.
Occasions like these are reminders for all of us that God knows and loves each one of us, that we are all called by name. For some it might be to take the next step in your journey of faith – such as baptism or confirmation. It may simply be that you're being called to pray for people, or it may be that God is doing something new in your life and calling you to step out of the boat.
I encourage you, please be open to what the Lord is saying to you. Perhaps this is something that you can pray about with someone you trust? Or, if you haven’t yet taken the first steps in your journey of faith, you might consider coming to church this Sunday.
You can find a church near you on the diocesan website or at achurchnearyou.com.
You would be most welcome!
Bishop Jackie
