BRIGHT SPARKS ABOUND
Some 50 lively sparks of all ages attended Ickenham churches’ alternative to Halloween – ‘Bright Sparks’ - organised by Youth Worker James Wood and his team. They were celebrating ‘All Hallows’ - an ancient Christian Festival about remembering and giving thanks for all those people who have gone before us.
 Taking the theme ‘Shining Lights – Super Heroes’, they played games, crafts, prayed, sang and enjoyed a buffet supper. The theme game involved identifying from their pictures a variety of Christian heroes who had contributed to the progress of civilised living over time.
Crafts included Christmas tree and biscuit decorating as well as the joint production of a large montage with the theme of colour, light, joy and the love of God (pictured). Congratulations to Juli Harris-Powell for designing and leading the group on this.
CONFIRMED!
St Giles’ was full to witness the Confirmation Service last month, conducted by the very friendly Bishop Edward Holland. There were five candidates for Confirmation (Jean, Holly, Rebecca, Sophie and Eleanor) and two (Sophie and Matthew) for Baptism.
Rebecca read the lesson from Judges about Gideon and his huge army about to enter into battle with the Midianites. God told Gideon to leave the majority behind and proceed with just the 300 men who had proven their alertness. By doing exactly as instructed, these men so surprised and frightened the enemy that they fled, crying, and the battle was won. Bishop Edward explained that this story showed that the chosen ones were “those who were unafraid and alert; just as you who are to be baptised and confirmed need to be, as committed Christians. Pray every day; be aware of and listen to God. Be alert to the needs of others and the sheer beauty of your surroundings – look at the world through the eyes of Jesus”.
Adrian asked the candidates why they had decided to be confirmed. Jean explained that being a Christian had helped her to cope with the loss of her husband and she wanted to make a commitment to God. Holly said she had been brought up in a religious family, and now wanted to confirm her own faith in God and show everyone how strong she could be.
After the baptisms and confirmations, the candidates were welcomed by the whole congregation; the peace was exchanged and Holy Communion received. The service ended by Bishop Edward giving
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