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Confirmation Service by the Bishop of Rochester at St Margaret's
On 17th September the Bishop of Rochester, The Rt Rev'd Dr. Michael Nazir-Ali, came to St Margaret's to confirm fifteen candidates from the benefice, and to baptize one of them. He was assisted at the service by our honorary curate, the Rev'd Hugh Thomas, and by our readers David Blake and Joyce Bowden. The Bishop, in full regalia, was accompanied by his chaplain, Canon Christopher Stone. Two churchwardens carrying wands of office processed with the clergy and readers.
Another member of the clergy was present and he and his wife received a special warm welcome - the Rev'd Michael Woodcock, Michelle and James sat in the congregation. Michael, our former Rector, participated in the final part of the ceremony by lighting the candle given symbolically to each candidate before they processed out of the church with the Bishop at the end of the service. There was then a "photo opportunity" to take pictures of the Bishop with the candidates.
Many people commented on the pleasing musical content of the service with Brian Shilling playing the organ and Barbara Childs conducting the combined choirs from St Katharine's and St Margaret's. There were five hymns as well as quiet singing during the Eucharist.
The interior of St Margaret's looked especially beautiful for the service having been decorated with white flowers by our flower team for the wedding of Ian Parker and Joanna Denham the previous day. And the exterior of the church also looked well in the bright sunshine as refurbishment of church paths had just been completed. (This project had taken several years to bring to fruition with the need for funds and formal approval from the Diocese - the new path to the graveyard area currently in use will be particularly appreciated)
The fifteen Confirmation candidates were Jack, Katy and Tina Bennett, Alan Brown, Rachel Graham, Amy and Beverley Guy, Kelly Major, Deborah Pound, Jenny and Suzy Preston, Jemma and Luke Thomas, and Anthony and Karen Waldron. Tina was also baptized.
The Bishop presented each candidate with a signed Certificate of Confirmation, and a book to help them in their spiritual journey through life. He spoke to each of them individually and knew the derivation of each of their names.
The candidates, their families and friends then attended a reception in a marquee in the Rectory garden which had been organised by both parishes. All were grateful for the delicious food provided by St Katharine's, whilst St Margaret's undertook the liquid part of the refreshments.
It was a happy and memorable occasion for everyone involved in the Confirmation, and our thanks are due to the many helpers behind the scenes.
Brenda Rogers (PCC Secretary) 01689 857209
"The End of the Beginning", Confirmation by the Bishop of Rochester, Rt Rev'd Dr Michael Nazir-Ali
