To run a Confirmation Preparation in the Parish of Tugela Rivers is quite a task as people are so widely spread out over the Parish. Two of the candidates, Noxolo and Thandolwethu live at Bell Park Dam, 27,5kms away from Winterton. Together with the only candidate from Winterton, Lettyshia, these girls had Saturday School each Saturday morning. Two of the boys, Nelson and Mofe, were busy at the Choir School, 31,5kms away from Winterton, and were exceptionally busy during the weeks and the weekends. The other boy, Jonah, studies at Glenwood School in Durban and our only adult candidate, the Principal of the Royal Drakensberg Primary School, Thobani, lives 68,5kms from Winterton. Only two of the candidates has access to the internet. It was also difficult to do classes after church on a Sunday, as some of the candidates worship at Bergville and others at Winterton. Some of the candidates travel to worship with parishoners and thus need to travel back home after worship is completed.
Gill Green, who ran the Confirmation Preparation in 2023 and again this year, decided that the two people who had access to the internet should read the book “To be Confirmed” by Gavin Read and answer questions that she prepared, after every chapter. She decided that the only plausible way to train the other candidates was to organise an intensive two day course in the school holidays. This was duly done. Many thanks to Gill Parker for providing a venue for this two day Preparaton. A rehearsal and final training session was held for all the candidates on the afternoon of 1st February.
We are most grateful to Gill for her incredible effort in organising this training. She deserves a medal!!
Thank you to all the others for making the service such a memorable one. We especially thank Jean Elworthy for the stunning flowers. They were exceptionally beautiful. Thanks too to Meridith Barry and her helpers for the tea. Thank you to all who brought eats and cooldrinks for the tea. Thanks to the musicians who helped lead the incredible singing. Thank you to to Gill Parker for hosting Bishop and Mrs Ndwandwe and arranging accomdation for Mr Petrus, the Bishop’s driver. Thanks too to Caroline Beech for sewing two of the girl’s dresses.
Revd Canon John Green (8th February 2025)
From Revd Caroline Beech
Confirmation: A Renewal of Commitment
Confirmation is often seen as a rite of passage, a step forward in faith, and a moment of personal commitment to Christ. But at its heart, Confirmation is more than just an event—it is an invitation to live more fully into the grace we have already received.
For many, the journey of faith begins in infancy, marked by the waters of baptism and the promises made on our behalf. Confirmation is the moment when we take hold of those promises for ourselves, affirming our faith and receiving the strengthening gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is not a graduation from faith but a deepening of it—a commitment to grow, to serve, and to live as Christ’s own.
In the Anglican tradition, Confirmation is a sacramental act performed by a bishop, linking us to the wider Church and to the unbroken line of faith stretching back to the apostles. The laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy Spirit remind us that we do not walk this journey alone. We are part of a great communion of believers, supported by the prayers of the Church and empowered by God’s Spirit.
Yet, Confirmation is not just about that one moment at the altar. It is about what comes next. It is a call to take ownership of our discipleship, to seek out ways to grow in faith, and to live out our calling in the world. Whether young or old, those being confirmed step forward not with all the answers, but with a willing heart—a heart open to God’s transforming work.
For those of us who have been confirmed, it is good to reflect: How have we lived out our Confirmation vows? Have we continued to say “yes” to God’s call? Have we sought to deepen our relationship with Christ and His Church?
Perhaps today is a good day to renew our commitment, to pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and to remember that God, who began a good work in us, will surely bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
May those who have been Confirmed be strengthened in faith, and may all of us remember that we are continually called to walk as children of the light. Amen.
From Revd Vanda Chittenden









































































































