A Reflection on My Confirmation Experience: Unity in Christ and the Blessings of Fellowship
- Tym Novak
- Apr 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 18
As a theology student studying at St. Mellitus College in Nottingham (with the University of Durham) and an ordinand with the Lutheran Church in Great Britain, I find myself constantly navigating the space between different Christian traditions, which I love! Growing up as a Jehovah's Witness and now being deeply rooted in the Lutheran faith while engaging with the rich Anglican heritage of the Church of England has given me a unique perspective on what it means to follow Christ and what the unity of the Church truly signifies. This past weekend, I had the honour of being officially confirmed in a service led by Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman, which, for me, was a powerful experience of unity, faith, and the presence of God among His people.
The Confirmation service held at St. Andrew's with Castle Gate United Reformed Church in Nottingham was a meaningful occasion to reflect on the importance of baptism and the reaffirmation of faith, as well as to witness Christian unity in action. One often can find oneself caught up in the theological differences that can divide us. However, this service, marked by its powerful liturgy and heartfelt worship, reminded me of the more profound unity that connects us as followers of Christ. It truly resonated with me and embodies what I believe to be God’s will, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 133:1: "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"
It is this unity that genuinely captures the essence of following Christ, revealing the fruits of recognition in our lives. Being different yet the same as one humbles my heart and highlights the works of the Holy Spirit within His whole church, which is so imperfect yet holy due to the sacrifice made. (Matthew 7:16)
Let’s return to the event itself, as I can write for hours regarding the catholic profanity of the institution that has so imperfectly yet served God's people for thousands of years. For me, the whole ceremony started in the sacristy; before we entered the church, all the clergy, congregations council, and Confirmants gathered together in a vestry to pray and seek the blessing of the Holy Spirit; Rev. Emily Rova-Hegener, Trinity Nottingham Lutheran church guest from America, led this intimate prayer.
Once we entered the church, we stood at the altar together with the congregation and sang the opening hymn: "The Mighty Fortress is Our God" by Martin Luther.
Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman, alongside Dean Laura Haupt of the LCiGB, beautifully exemplified the essence of ecumenical leadership as she led the service. Laura, who has led with Sermn, highlighted the role we play as followers of Christ.
Dean Laura highlighted: "Jesus is the one who has completed the profound work of salvation! On the third day, He fulfilled His mission by conquering death and violence, ushering in a new era of hope and renewal for our world."
(YouTube live stream - time 42:45)
Through His resurrection, He not only overcame the grave but also demonstrated the power of love and redemption, offering us a path to eternal life. He accomplished our salvation once and for all, providing a foundation for our faith and a model for how we should live.
As His followers within the community of the Church, we embrace and continue His mission.
We, as confirmands, wholeheartedly agree to join in the transformative work of Jesus, actively seeking to bring new life to those around us.
We are called to dismantle the status quo, challenging injustice and inequality while promoting love, compassion, and understanding. In doing so, we strive to create a world that reflects His teachings, fostering an environment where everyone can experience the grace and hope that comes from a life rooted in Christ. Together, we will work tirelessly to spread His message and embody His spirit in our daily lives. I couldn't relate to this message more! The sermon was indeed the highlight of my event.
Dean Laura concludes her sermon with these encouraging and profound words:
"Christ has already completed the work to which we are called to,
This is our Now & Not Yet in Lutheran Theology. See, it's not up to us to do everything in the mission perfectly or to save the whole world! That's overwhelming, and it's not our job because Christ Jesus has already done that on the third day.
But it is up to us to live our faith with boldness, one loving encounter at a time, in which the Kingdom of God unfolds in our midst. Amen!." (YouTube live stream - time 46:50)
We are not here to save the world, as Jesus has already done that.
Special guests included Rev. Jonathan Smithurst from the Church of England, Rev.Chris Ford from the URC, and Katrina Bentsen, a Lutheran intern from America serving the Trinity Lutheran Church in Nottingham.
Their presence served as a living testament to the idea that God's love and calling transcend denominational boundaries. Their presence was a living testament to the belief that God's love and calling surpass any denominational divides. As the Bishop laid hands on us during the most intimate moment of our confirmation ceremony, I was enveloped in a sense of peace and clarity, as if I were receiving direct approval or rather a "smile" from the transcendent. It was a reassuring message, telling me that I was precisely where I needed to be—a simple witness of His glory, filled with the Holy Spirit. At that moment, I couldn't help but shed a tear of joy.
Filt with his presence while still having my eyes closed and head slightly tilted in the presence of glory, I've reflected on the words written in Acts: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). So, in that moment facing the alter having bishops hands upon me,
A profound sense of connection fills me as the pin drops; I remain his "Witness."
Within that emotion, realisation, moving away from the altar, I was still meditative.
I reflected on the fact of how easy it is to love those who share our "exact" beliefs and practices, but true unity in Christ comes when we can look beyond our differences and love those who may worship differently or understand certain "truths" their way. (Matthew 5:46)
Moving on from my personal meditative experience, the service was enriched by the accompaniment of the South Notts Man's Chorus, whose voices soared in a symphony of praise. The music was not just beautiful but spot on with the occasion, starting with "Be Though My Vision" by,-Irish, 8th Century; vers—Eleanor H. Hull, followed by "Deus Salutis" by David Charles. The choir, with its harmonies, led us into that sacred space where we could encounter the bliss...
In the act of Confirmation, we were reminded that, though we may belong to different branches of the Church, we are all united in Christ. That unity is not merely a human construct but a divine gift transcending time, culture, and denominational lines. The diversity of the Church is a beautiful reflection of God’s kingdom, where every tribe, tongue, and nation is welcomed into His embrace, and ALL are welcome.
As I stood there, being confirmed, I felt a deep sense of awe and gratitude.
The Confirmation was not just our affirmation of faith; it was a communal celebration of God’s grace and the calling He placed upon us.
As I reflect on my short journey as an ordinand student of Theology, I am increasingly convinced that unity in Christ,
which transcends divisions and invites all into the fold, is one of the most evident signs of God's blessing on His Church. It is a reminder that we are all part of something much larger than ourselves – a global family that spans across continents, cultures, and denominational lines, united in our love for Jesus.
What else can I say? In summary, the service was a beautiful, humbling experience, and it reminded me of the importance of fostering unity in all aspects of my ministry. Again, It's easy to love those who share my own views, but true Christian unity lies in loving and serving all, regardless of tradition. It is in this spirit of unity that I feel closest to God, and it is in this spirit that we are called to serve the world – not in division, but in harmony, reflecting the love of Christ to all.
In closing, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a loving yet imperfect church and be part of a service that so clearly embodied the unity of the Church.
It was a beautiful reminder that the Church is not defined by its divisions but by its calling to love, serve, and worship the one true God.
I'm so grateful for all that could come, and thank you so much for your lovely cards and gifts!
May we continue to seek unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, for it is in our shared faith and love that God's blessings are made most evident.
But most importantly, let us continue to serve and love one another, the greatest and foremost commandment that stands above the whole law!
-Matthew 22:37–40.
Tym Novak
Student of Theology
Durham University & St.Mellitus.
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