A mini-stroke 3 years ago led Lynne Ferguson from Brading to re-evaluate her life – a journey that culminated this month in her public declaration of Christian faith during a special confirmation service at St Mary’s Church.
Lynne was one of 22 people from across the Isle of Wight who were confirmed by the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, during a moving ceremony held at St Mary’s, Brading. A further two individuals reaffirmed their faith during the service.
The confirmation service marked a significant moment for Lynne, who described the experience as deeply emotional. She said the bishop’s words about being called to Christian ministry resonated so strongly with her that she was left in tears.
Lynne has said:
“I’d always had some kind of faith and attended Sunday School as a child. I’d tried to read the Bible and pray but never really connected with God properly. Then three years ago I had a mini-stroke.
“It was frightening and I needed speech therapy afterwards. But I’m actually grateful it happened because it made me stop and re-evaluate my life.
“I live in Brading and had often walked past St Mary’s Church. One Sunday, I decided to go in. I was greeted with open arms and immediately felt at home. Since then, I’ve been baptised, joined the PCC and social committee, and even become a churchwarden. I’m now exploring the process of becoming a lay minister.”
Lynne described the confirmation service as “beautiful”, adding that it reaffirmed her growing sense of purpose and calling. Among the others confirmed were worshippers from churches across the Isle of Wight including St Helens, Seaview, Yaverland, Ryde, Bembridge, Ventnor, Gurnard, Cowes, Northwood, Newport and Shalfleet.
India Luter, from St John’s Church in Northwood, said:
“It was confirming my faith, as I’d got reconnected with God. I felt a calling a few months ago to go to church and they’ve been really supportive. We’ve had weekly teaching for six weeks with the Rev Chris Nicol, and it’s been great to make new friends.”
Jeremy Palconit-Baker, also from St John’s Church, said:
“Two years ago, I didn’t even entertain the idea of going to church. But someone encouraged me to explore it. The congregation is lovely and the services are amazing. Confirmation is the next step on my journey of faith.”
Lola Squires, aged 16, from All Saints, Gurnard, added:
“I wanted to be confirmed to show how my faith had grown and that I was closer to Jesus. We had confirmation lessons with the Rev Emma Taylor and really enjoyed them.”
Joan Wolton, from St Catherine’s in Ventnor, said:
“I had done an Alpha Course with Adrian Pinnock and it sparked something in me again. I was thinking about confirmation and the opportunity came up. It was a beautiful service and very emotional.”
Bishop Jonathan leads confirmation services throughout south-east Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, offering people the chance to affirm the promises made at their baptisms and to commit publicly to a life of Christian discipleship.
