“Here I am Lord…”
Blue skies and an unusually warm evening in late spring welcomed an excited congregation to the church of St. James Stalmine. The doors were open wide to receive nine candidates for Confirmation, their Sponsors, family and friends.
Tuesday, 28th April 2026, marked a significant milestone in the Christian lives of the adults and youngsters as they presented themselves for Confirmation, ready to build on the promises made on their behalf at their baptism.
Following a welcome address by Rev. Naomi, the Rt. Reverend Dr. Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster, immediately engaged the congregation, by speaking about her own childhood experience of falling in love with the stories about Jesus and feeling called by Him. She shared her personal faith journey as a youngster and encouraged her listeners to be equally alert and receptive to similar invitations.
“As we are gathered, Jesus is here;
one with each other, Jesus is here;
joined by the Spirit, washed in the blood,
part of the body, the church of God.
As we are gathered, Jesus is here;
one with each other, Jesus is here.”
The Bishop asked the candidates, “Are you ready with your own mouth and from your own heart to affirm your faith in Jesus Christ?” She then asked the whole congregation, “People of God, will you welcome these candidates and uphold them in their life in Christ?” A resounding, “With the help of God we will”, filled the church. Bishop Jill then led the candidates through the Decision part of the service, asking a series of challenging questions by the flickering flame of the Paschal candle.
Following a gathering with the candidates round the baptismal font, Bishop Jill invited all to trace the sign of the Cross with Holy Water on their own forehead, as a reminder of Baptismal promises made on their behalf years earlier. A Profession of Faith was the reply to the question: “Do you believe and trust in God the Father?”
The service moved on to the sacrament of Confirmation as Bishop Jill addressed each candidate by name, laid her hands on them and prayed, “Confirm O Lord, your servant with the Holy Spirit”, before anointing each one with oil.
After the Liturgy of the Eucharist, during which the choir sang the anthem, “Lead me, Lord”, the Bishop commissioned everyone to continue in the apostles’ teaching, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The Blessing was followed by the Bishop leading the newly confirmed through the church before photographs and presentations.
“One more step along the world I go,
One more step along the world I go.
From the old things to the new,
Keep me travelling along with you…”
Refreshments were shared and enjoyed by all amidst much happy chatter, bringing this joyous celebration to a close.
A prayer for the newly Confirmed, from St. James’ Church – Claire, and the other eight from across the Over Wyre Benefice Gary, Joshua, Amy, Carly, Jessica, Debra, Carol, and Lacey…
Each moment of your life,
May you feel the Lord’s embrace.
May you sense His guiding presence,
In each challenge that you face.
May His peace and light be with you,
And may you realise,
How deeply loved and precious you are,
Within His eyes.
