The bells of St Michael’s church, Shap rang in welcome to a large gathering of people who packed the church to capacity for the Michaelmas confirmation of 21 candidates from parishes in the Appleby Deanery.
The congregation was welcomed by Revd Carole Marsden, and the service began with a procession led by Katie Hale carrying the cross and consisting of those taking part in the service, church wardens and the Right Revd Alec Graham, former Bishop of Newcastle who was to conduct the confirmation.
Bible passages were read by Morag Lloyd of Bampton and Sandra Ward of Orton, the Gospel was proclaimed by Mrs Marsden. The organist was Janet Wood.
In his sermon Bishop Graham told of an occasion when he climbed Helvellyn at dawn and saw his own shadow cast onto the mist with what he described as a ‘glory’ around it. He said that he had been reminded of Christ’s Transfiguration when His appearance was changed.
The Bishop went on to say that for many, reality has to be something that can be touched, seen, smelt or tasted, however there are things which are perfectly real but invisible for example gravity and magnetism. He said that the wonder and mystery of God surrounds all of the time but is hidden from some, whilst others are intensely aware of it. He then quoted incidents in the life of William Blake who was always conscious of these things, for instance, as a child he had seen a tree full of angels and angels working amongst haymakers. Everyone was urged to open their eyes to the wonders of the world and of life, and open their hearts to God and His ways, and see what God will do with us. Bishop Graham closed by saying that the candidates would by the very act of confirmation be strengthened and secured in their faith.
The service continued with the baptism of Ruth Blundell one of the candidates, and then Bishop Graham confirmed 19 young people and two adults. They were: Sarah Atkinson, Andrew Dickinson, Shane Mounsey, Michael Walters and Morag Lloyd from Bampton; Abi and Alex Watson from Lowther, Kathy Mounsey from Bolton, Ruth Blundell, Laura Day and Jackie Huck from Orton; Beth Alderson, Grant and Wayne Croasdell, Tim and Luke Frazer, Keeley Hutchinson Rebecca Kirkby, Lauren Moore, Shannon Twiddy and Adam Wood of Shap.
The Eucharist was celebrated by Bishop Graham and Revd Marsden, assisted by Reg Capstick of Tebay, Doreen Lee of Shap, Bob Shallcross of Ravenstonedale and Joyce Thompson of Bampton. The first to receive the sacrament were the newly confirmed members of the Church. At the end of the service each of the candidates received a lighted candle and they were led in procession around the church by the Bishop. The candidates also received commemorative Bibles.
Refreshments were served in church following the service.
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