A persevering call had brought me to Salisbury. "Come, come" for eighteen
months "Come, Come". For six months we had been well prepared by Angela and
Charles. Lent lesson two loomed large,"The road to Emmaus"and I was ready.
Ready, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be in union with millions of those
who had preceded me into the body of the church. That thought filled the
vastness of this great cathedral church. A sense of excitement and anticipation
grew as we waited for the voice in the darkness to read Isaiah 43""Have no
fear, for I have redeemed you, I call you by name, you are mine.
The congregation is quiet now, the background hum has ebbed away and the Taiz"
chant builds"Veni Sancte Spiritus"Come Holy Spirit"as Genesis 1.1-3 is
read""In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Time
hastens on and the Bishop's procession, moving slowly, arrives at the west end
of the Cathedral. How splendid the Bishops look to the greater glory of God and
such honour to us all. In the midst of this splendour a manifestation of
gentleness is enacted as Bishop David paused perceptibly, extending his open
right hand quietly said "Come", Charles" and we followed. My heart soared with
the warmth of this moment and so I smiled. I smiled for Marjorie, for Celia,
for Maureen, for Sharon, for Sue and for myself when Bishop Tim laid his hands
upon us. The candles were lit, the west doors opened and we carried the Light
into the world. It was then that I realised that the road to Emmaus went by way
of Salisbury and so I smiled.
The following morning after our confirmation, I arrived at St. Mark"s rather
smilingly" which I think lasted all week! Charles had chosen some particularly
nice hymns for the service and as beginners we were presented with an "L" plate
each, as well as cards and a pocket prayer book from our fellow worshippers.
Derek and I were pleased to share our first communion with Celia, Sharon, Sue
and Maureen along with the congregation of St Mark's and our family who had
supported us over the weekend. After the service, we all gathered in the hall
and were surprised with a celebration cake that Jenny had baked, served with
wine and coffee. I felt special as photos were taken of us round the cake and I
was left with happy memories of the whole weekend.
God bless
Marjorie Hyatt