Confirmation for many is an important part of their journey of faith. On Sunday 7 April, Sarah McCormack and Pete Longbottom were confirmed by Rt Revd Paul Slater, Bishop of Kirkstall. During the service both Sarah and Pete spoke briefly about their Christian faith and what has brought them to this point of confirmation. Their talks are transcribed here:-

Sarah McCormack

“Like most relationships, my relationship with God has evolved over the years. Although there have been periods in my life where I have questioned my faith, God has never left me, and I have been overwhelmed by his mercy and love. God knows, so when I am unsure, he is my certainty. In the space between clarity and confusion, his word is my guide. This is why I seek him. My confirmation is an important part of my life-time journey of faith as a follower of Jesus, to strengthen and affirm my personal relationship with God.”

Pete Longbottom

“How I came to this point…
If you can imagine working in a dark place
And never seeing the light.
Big metal door and a key that’s too heavy to lift
You’re looking through that door, you want to get to the other side but you can’t.
You just can’t get there.
All of a sudden God came into my life and said, “lift that key”.
Go through to the other side.
I did and I have felt his love and presence ever since. It’s the best thing that Jesus has ever given me – that God has ever given me.
It doesn’t matter if you are the richest man or the poorest, all you need is to have love in your heart.
I have found love in my heart. I love my mum, my family here today and I love each and every one of you here today.”

• Otley Parish Church Beer Festival 2018

  

  Otley Parish Church Beer Festival seek to raise funds for the parish church and three main charities each year.  One of our committee members suggested the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund following a procedure his son had done at LGI.  He had witnessed first hand the difficulties children and their parents had to face and the wonderful work done by CHSF.  The Beer Festival made a profit of nearly £7000 from the two day event held in November half of which was given towards the maintenance of the parish church which is the oldest building in Otley.  £1500 was given to both CHSF and Wheatfields Hospice and £500 to Otley in Bloom and the attached photograph was taken at the presentation event held on 23 January 2019.

• Commoners Choir – More Than A Mouthful

  Click below to see a short film including coverage of the event at our church on 28 April 2018.

  More Than A Mouthful – Commoners Choir Food Tour