St Philip & St James, Hucclecote

We are very much looking forward to hosting a Confirmation Service on Sunday 21 st June, which will be led by Bishop Robert Springett. Those being confirmed at this service will be making a public declaration of their commitment to Jesus, acknowledging God’s love and affirming the promises made at their baptism. Our walk with Jesus is deeply personal and no two paths are identical. God meets each of us exactly where we are, using our unique life experiences to shape our faith and to enable us to grow spiritually. Lisa, a member of our church family, has chosen to be confirmed and has shared why this is such an important milestone in her faith journey.

‘As a child, my sister and I were taken to Sunday School by our Mum. I remember fondly learning about God and Jesus through colouring stories, songs and listening to teachings. At around the age of 12, we were told about Pathfinder youth camps which offered a Christian, British summer holiday experience. The camps provided outdoor activities with a strong Christian community atmosphere. The days were filled with Bible study, praise hymns, a wide range of games, crafts, sports and team-building exercises. These activities and experiences provided an opportunity to build lifelong friendships. I remember feeling a strong presence of God during these times. It was a totally uplifting experience, especially during the worship songs when I often felt like my heart was going to burst. I remember wanting so much for these feelings to continue once I was home, but sadly, this didn’t happen. I was a very keen swimmer which involved training on Sundays, so this took over going to church.

Whilst attending one of these camps with my sister, I met a boy which resulted in a 7-year relationship. I believed that because I had met him through these wonderfully inspiring church camps he would be someone that I could be happy with and share my faith. Sadly, this was not to be as he showed himself to be a controlling and violent partner, which although I don’t believe made me lose my faith altogether, it did leave me questioning why God had allowed me to get involved with someone like this, especially at a Christian camp full of so much love and faith. Eventually after finding the courage to tell someone about what was going on behind closed doors, I finally walked out of my home with nothing except a few black bags of clothes and possessions, ready to start all over again.

I met and married my husband not long after that and we made the decision to move to the Isle of Man for work. Life was busy and I was lucky to make some wonderful friends, but none of them were Christians. We had a son and a daughter who were both good footballers and wanted to play at weekends. This meant for many years Sunday was a football day rather than a church day. Sadly, I only attended Church on Christmas Eve and Easter for many years. However, I remember one time at Easter where I felt an overwhelming feeling of God’s presence when a Christian group recreated the Crucifixion. They led Jesus and the two thieves along Peel Promenade followed by a large crowd. They proceeded to climb the hill to the old Peel Castle where they erected the three crosses. I remember watching this with pain in my chest and without realising it, found that I was crying behind my sunglasses. I felt the hand of my deeply Christian Mother-in-Law and knew she understood what I was feeling and no words were needed. To this day, I still cry relaying those feelings.

In July 2024, after 31 years in the Isle of Man, we decided to return to the UK as our children had not come back to the Island after graduating from university in the UK. One particularly hot day I was listening to a podcast (not in any way a religious one) in the garden. The conversation was about TV programmes, and one person spoke about a program on Amazon Prime called ‘The Chosen’, the story of Jesus’s life. I felt a strong urge to find this, and binge watched it to catch up with the series. I was gripped by it and felt strongly that I was being called to watch and feel everything being portrayed. It brought back many memories of the stories told at Sunday school and more so at Pathfinder Camp. I became very emotional and cried during some episodes (we have not even reached the crucifixion yet).

Following this, I summoned up my courage to try and find a church where I felt that I would fit in. A very good friend told me about St Philip and St James in Hucclecote. Very quickly I felt good about being there and the congregation were very friendly and welcoming. Whenever I was unable to attend for a few weeks I never felt any pressure to explain why, but it was nice that people acknowledged that I had not been there. I love to sing (although I’m not sure I have a good singing voice), but I still enjoy belting out a hymn, when I recognise one. One day, it was announced that there would be a group called ‘Messy Voices' for those that wanted to sing, whether they could or couldn’t. I decided to brave it and give it a go. This led me to offer my services with making Christingle candles and helping at the Christmas craft evening and Christmas messy church; through these things I have enhanced my relationships/friendships with my fellow congregation.

Despite the bad time in my life with an abusive partner, I look back and feel that God was with me throughout. I used to question why God allowed me to go through this, but since then there have been surprising coincidences where someone I have not really known has chosen to tell me about an issue in their relationship or past life. I feel that I have been able to offer words of support, strength and hope because of my own experiences.

A few months ago, Joe, our Priest in Charge, announced that we would be hosting a Confirmation service in June. Something clicked with me and made me seriously consider whether to get confirmed. With doubt over whether I was worthy enough or even knowledgeable enough about the bible to do this, I decided to note my interest. I am now in the process of attending confirmation classes, with my confirmation date securely in my calendar. I have chosen not to take communion until my confirmation as I know this will be a special and poignant time. I see my confirmation as an affirmation of my commitment to journeying with Jesus and this will be a deeply meaningful milestone. ’

St Philip & St James, Hucclecote

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