By Isle of Wight Observer
Twenty-two people from across the Isle of Wight were confirmed by the Bishop of Portsmouth during a moving service at St Mary’s Church, Brading.
Among them was Lynne Ferguson, whose journey to faith began after a mini-stroke three years ago. “It made me re-evaluate my life,” she said. “I’d often walked past St Mary’s, but one Sunday I decided to go in. From the first moment I sat down, I felt at home.”
Since then, Lynne has been baptised, joined the Parochial Church Council and social committee, and become a churchwarden. She now hopes to train as a lay minister. “I have a sense of purpose and belonging I didn’t have before,” she said. “The confirmation service was beautiful. When the bishop spoke about being called to ministry, it felt like he was talking to me personally.”
The Bshop, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, led the service, laying hands on each candidate and praying for God’s Spirit to strengthen them. Two others reaffirmed their faith.
Candidates came from churches in St Helens, Seaview, Yaverland, Ryde, Bembridge, Ventnor, Gurnard, Cowes, Northwood, Newport and Shalfleet.
India Luter, from St John’s, Northwood, said: “I felt a calling to go to church. The confirmation classes helped me reconnect with God and make new friends.” Jeremy Palconit-Baker, also from St John’s, added: “Two years ago, I never imagined going to church. Now confirmation is the next step on my journey.”
Sixteen-year-old Lola Squires, from All Saints’, Gurnard, said: “I wanted to show how my faith had grown.”
Joan Wolton, from St Catherine’s, Ventnor, explained that an Alpha Course reignited her faith: “It was a beautiful and emotional service,” she explained.
Isle of Wight Observer