SHAP & DISTRICT REPORT
Confirmation at Shap.

St. Michael’s Church, Shap was well filled for the confirmation of eleven candidates from the Appleby Deanery. The Revd Carole Marsden welcomed the congregation, and the service began with a procession led by Katie Hale carrying the cross, the Vicar of Shap and Bampton, the Revd Carole Marsden, the Rural Dean, Canon Anthony Clegg, and the Bishop of Carlisle, The Rt. Revd Graham Dow, who was escorted by Churchwardens Jean Jackson and Elsie Davidson.
A lesson from the New Testament was read by Joan Bruin of Bampton, and Mrs Marsden proclaimed the Gospel.
In his address, the Bishop asked the question ‘What is a Christian?’ After the initial replies of ‘followers of Christ’ and ‘believers in Christ’, he explained that it also meant also having a new birth in Christ, and in explaining new birth, he took into his arms two week old Violet Marsden, saying that she needed to be fed to help her grow, and this was true also for Christians, who needed spiritual nourishment.
During the confirmation, supporters were asked to stand as their candidate received confirmation. Those confirmed were: Jess Gaskell and Sarah Murphy from Bampton; Jade Baird, Abi Leach, Sarah Lightburn, Jamie Lindsay and Megan Lindsay from Shap; and Nicola Ewbank Rebecca Dargue, Zoe Dargue and Jemma Awde from Appleby.
The Intercession was led by Sheila Parsons, and there followed a celebration of Communion. The organist, Janet Wood played hymns during the administration of the Sacrament.
At the end of the service, all the newly confirmed members of the church received candles, which were lit by Canon Clegg, and they joined the procession around the church to the Morning Chapel.
Mrs Marsden thanked everyone who had helped to prepare the church and contributed to the service. Refreshments were served following the service, and there was an opportunity to speak with the Bishop.