In September 2024, people from Cudham Church and All Saints’ Church, Orpington joined together in Cudham Church as Bishop Simon Burton-Jones led a service of Confirmation when adults, teenagers and young people responded to the Good News of Jesus by making promises and declaring their faith publicly. Another teenager from Cudham was similarly confirmed at St Mary’s Church, Green Street Green in October. The following are testimonies from each of the Cudham candidates about their faith journey:
Claire – Getting baptised and confirmed turned out not to be a difficult decision at all. All I needed was the right community around me.
I’ve always been Christian – I was born into a Christian family, regularly attended church and attended Christian schools. My dad works in the mining industry in South Africa which meant lots of relocating when I was growing up, such that we were never around one church community for long enough to establish a personal connection. Despite not having a church community I never let this affect my faith and God has always been an important part of my life.
James and I married in South Africa having a traditional Anglican ceremony. We moved to Downe and had our two children Max and Savannah. It was at this point that I knew I wanted to have them baptised and contacted Rev John Musson. Through the process of my children’s baptism and support of John Musson, my husband and church community, being baptised myself became a wonderful opportunity.
I have absolutely loved the baptism and confirmation preparation, the latter under Kim Curle’s leadership, which has made me broaden my understanding of the world around me, and concepts such as faith, peace, family, and love. I feel strengthened in my faith and am so grateful to have joined the Cudham and Downe community.
George – I wanted to be confirmed because I attend a Christian school, and I feel that God has been a part of every chapter in my journey. Trinity School in Sevenoaks believes that every young person is loved and valuable to God. This is the next chapter for me.
Zac – I was baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Cudham when I was three months old. I have been brought up in a Christian family and attend Cudham Church, this has helped me with my Christian faith development. My confirmation is my next step in faith where I am happy to pursue my future Christian faith.
Tommy – I was baptised in January this year. My god parents have helped me to look to my faith for courage and belief in Christ my light, shaping the person I am today, and I now want to be confirmed. I also feel close to my Nan who sadly passed away. Through God I find strength to follow my dreams and live my life with no fear as God has a plan for me. Football is my life. I am inspired by Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.
If you have thought about being confirmed, or baptised (if you haven’t been already) and you would like to find out more, please contact the Parish Office and leave a message on the answerphone - tel: 01959 571515 or email admin@pcd.org.uk. As we are in a time of Vacancy for a vicar, the Parish Administrator will return your call as soon as possible.