New Bishop baptises and confirms in Gorleston

There was a day of celebration in Gorleston as the new Bishop of Thetford presided over a sea baptism and twelve confirmations.

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Bishop Ian Bishop started the afternoon by leading a short service on the beach for the baptism of Hazel Hammond, aged 15. As part of the service Hazel gave her testimony, sharing: “I was raised in a Christian household. Becoming a Christian wasn’t a lightbulb moment but a gradual, gentle and warm knowledge that I am a Christian and always will be.”

Hazel was then baptised in the sea by the Bishop and Revd Matthew Price, vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church. In spite of the coldness of the sea, Hazel reported that she “felt the Lord’s presence in the sunshine as we were worshipping.” She expressed her gratitude for the crowd from local churches who came to support her.

The afternoon then continued back at St Mary Magdalene Church, where Hazel, along with 11 other individuals, were confirmed by Bishop Ian. Nine of the candidates came from St Mary Magdalene Church, with the other two coming from Cliff Park Community Church. Half of the group were under the age of 18.

Ian Bishop was consecrated as Bishop of Thetford at the end of September and this was his first service of confirmation.

Picture above, Hazel Hammond's baptism courtesy of Bishop Ian.

Picture right, some of the confirmation candidates, courtesy of Bishop Ian