It was a lovely evening as we drove down to Salisbury for the Diocesan Confirmation held in the Cathedral on the evening of Saturday 7th January. We arrived rather early but the Cathedral was already buzzing with excitement as a short rehearsal for this significant service took place.

We were all treated to hot drinks and cake in the Chapter House and there we mingled with the candidates and their sponsors and supporters. We were thrilled to see that so many members of our own Minster congregation were there to support our 12 candidates out of 57 altogether. The service commenced at 6.30pm in total darkness with readings from Isaiah and Genesis and as the light entered the world so it entered the church also. The Bishop’s procession then moved to the west end of the cathedral to the hymn ‘O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. The candidates were then presented to the three bishops taking part in the service. There were 2 candidates for baptism so the participants then processed to the splendid font at the north porch to the strains of Guide me O though great redeemer. The supporters and congregation moved and gathered around the font to continue with the second part of this serious though delightfully relaxed and informal service. Bishop Nicholas then baptised the candidates after which the confirmation candidates and members of the congregation—and the Bishops were sprinkled with water as a reminder of our baptisms! A further procession followed as we all moved to the north and south transepts for the confirmation service in the centre nave.

As there were three Bishops present this part of proceeding was shortened with each Bishop confirming 19 candidates. The moment had finally arrived for them and for us supporters with the words ‘Rose. God has called you by name and made you his own’ and so on as these candidates

Rose Egginton - Jody Hughes
Tia Fear - Lisa Hunt
Pheobe Butt - William Ross
Jack Withey - Michelle Meadows
Rebecca Comley - Sophie Carpenter
Adam Carpenter - Alan Beswick (Upton)

were anointed with oil of chrism by the Bishop who then laid his hands on each of them.
After The Peace—a very social event as people from far and wide exchanged greetings
We sang the lovely modern hymn by Melody Green There is a Redeemer

The service ended with the hymn Songs of Thankfulness and Praise during which a lighted candle was given to each of those newly baptised and confirmed and the Bishop led them all out in procession. We were very proud that Jody Hughes was accompanied by Bishop Nicholas during this procession. The following day back in Warminster on a lovely sunny January morning an excited Minster congregation supported those newly confirmed the previous evening as they accepted Holy Communion for the first time from Rector Harvey Gibbons and Assistant Curate Nick Brown. Afterwards lots of congratulations and happy faces were to be heard and seen in the West End of the Minster Church as large quantities of cake, tea and coffee and soft drinks were consumed.

On a more serious note the 12 have now commenced a spiritual journey which they will hopefully continue for the remainder of their lives with the support of families and friends in the sure knowledge that they will never again be alone.

Peter Baxter

The 2011 Christmas Tree Festival will be held from 9 – 11 December
culminating with a Festival Service at 4pm.
Opening Times:
9th December – 10am – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm
10th December – 10am – 4pm
11th December 11am – 3.30pm
Tree Refreshments will be available with Mulled wine on Friday evening.
Local musicians will entertain at various times throughout the 3 days.
Over 50 trees were exhibited last year and we are hopeful the number will exceed that this year. There will again be a variety of trees, some real, some artificial and some homemade. Some will be lit whilst others will not. Each tree will relate in some way to its maker. Businesses, youth groups, church groups, and individuals will again exhibit a tree this year. It will be a wonderful spectacle, especially viewed from the balcony!
Entrance is free.
Donations will be shared between the Church and The Mayor’s Charities (Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Alabare).