The newly formed Benefice of Thorngate and Blackwater have recently celebrated the first full immersion baptism in the community – and even more excitingly, it took place in one of the rivers in the Benefice.
Freya was happy to be baptised in the river, having been prepared by the Revd Sara-Jane Stevens. Lots of people gathered for the occasion from all across the Benefice. The water was cold – but no colder than it is in July! A hot drink with all Freya’s supporters warmed everyone up afterwards. See the wonderful photos below…
Freya spoke about her spiritual journey, as well as the reasons behind her baptism:
I have always been spiritual, but it was only in the last 6 months that things changed for me. I started to see a cross when I was meditating and was periodically being physically pulled into churches by synchronistic events, once when someone stopped me on a county walk to ask me to help them open the church door as the key was stuck!
Although I came from a more new age belief system, I always felt at peace in churches and a lot of the books I read quoted the wisdom of Jesus. During a visit to a church I was profoundly moved by an image of Him and felt compelled to pray. A warmth and peace spread through me and I felt sure that these things were not coincidences, but that I was being gently drawn towards his love and grace.
That was the point at which I realised I wanted to surrender completely and baptism became something I wished to do.
I met Revd Sara-Jane and everything felt so right, especially when she mentioned that a river baptism was an option. I wanted to surrender completely and what better way than a full immersion in a river, out in the wild of nature.
I had expected it to be a very small affair but once again, someone had intervened on my behalf to fill the church with the loveliest souls, who, that day, came out to the river banks and witnessed my special moment.
I had such a feeling of love and gratitude and felt something magical in that water, which I cannot articulate. I will never forget that experience and I am so grateful to Jesus for his gentle, but persistent invitation.
