CAPTION: Hana and Jo came to faith through an Alpha course, and decided to take the next step in their faith by being baptised
Women take the plunge with baptisms at Lido after Alpha course
St Disen’s Church in Bradninch recently celebrated the baptisms of two adults, Jo and Hana, who both became Christians through an Alpha course which was held at the church.
Hana and Jo celebrated their baptism with their loved ones and church family
The full immersion baptisms took place at Clyst Honiton Lido. Both Jo and Hana enjoy being outdoors, so they wanted their baptisms to be outside instead of an inside pool.
Having the baptisms at Clyst Honiton Lido was particularly special for Jo, who holds fond memories of spending her childhood there with her family and friends.
Jo’s Story
Jo found faith through attending an Alpha course held at St Disen’s Church in Bradninch, near Cullompton. She had met Rev’d Olly Mears, who is the Priest in Charge at St Disen’s Church, and his wife Rev’d Hannah Mears, Director of Licensed La Ministry Training at SWMTC and Diocesan Vocations Advisor at the local Bradninch preschool.
It was through them meeting, and Olly’s Christmas Eve sermon that she was encouraged to try Alpha, where she found faith and became a Christian.
Jo reflects on the time when she encountered God during Alpha, “During Alpha Hannah prayed for me and from that moment, I felt ‘still’.”
“I saw a variety of people going to church and being accepted. I’m a single mum, I didn’t have much in my world, but I was accepted.”
Jo had considered getting baptised for a while. “I started seeing adult baptisms online and especially on Instagram, and I started following people’s stories.
“Then there came a time that Hana and I had a chat, and it was a serious ‘ooh, shall we?’”
“God has helped me to become a better version of me, a better mum, sister, auntie and friend.
“It was the next step for me in my faith, as soon as Hana and I decided it was ‘yeah, let’s do it.’ It felt right.”
Jo described her baptism day as ‘one of the best days in her life’.
Jo said, “I left all the old stuff and past things in the water, I came out new and fresh. I don’t dwell on the past anymore, and if I do it’s fleeting.”
Steps in Discipleship
Rev’d Olly Mears and Rev’d Hannah Mears prepared Jo and Hana for their baptism day.
Rev Olly Mears, Priest in Charge at St Disen’s Church in Bradninch, said, “It’s always a huge privilege to journey with people as their faith grows and be involved in significant moments as they take steps in discipleship.
“Seeing others come alive in Christ is the greatest joy – and it makes a baptism enormous fun!”
Rev Hannah Mears, Director of Licensed Lay Ministry Training at SWMTC and Vocations Advisor for the Diocese of Exeter, said “At the baptisms I commended Hana and Jo for their courage in making a public declaration of faith in front of friends and family, in being open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit and in being ready to be sent out by Christ to join his mission in the world.
“I’m thankful for everyone who has supported and encouraged them along the way.”
If you would like to find out more about being baptised, click here.
