Gornal and Sedgley parish have been very encouraged recently by a new member of their congregation who started coming to church in September 2025 after being prompted to do so by God. He attended every week and within a few months sought to renew and affirm his baptismal vows.
Renewal leader Diane Cooksey said:
“Back in September, Andy walked into All Saints Sedgley for our 11am service saying that he felt the need to come to church. He received a good welcome and came back the following week asking if he could have a bible. His enthusiasm and faith has grown from there. He's been coming every week and occasionally tells me how he's getting on with reading the bible.”
“In November Andy asked if there was any way he could renew his commitment. He was baptised as a child and confirmed so I suggested a renewal and affirmation of baptismal vows. This went ahead on Sunday 11th January.
“The service focused on the Baptism of Christ, so it felt like a fitting occasion to do it. We had a service of communion, and I included the liturgy for him to affirm his belief and commitment to Christ and to sign himself with the water of baptism.”
“Andy gave a short testimony as part of the service, about what had drawn him back to church and
how attending was shaping his faith. Andy said that he felt called to come back to church because he felt he was missing something inside. He spoke of feeling empty and as he used to attend church as a child, he felt the need to return. Now he is attending church and reading his bible he says the feeling of emptiness has gone away.”
“When asked about how church was shaping his faith, he spoke of Matthew 5:13 and of salt losing it's saltiness. He feels that coming back to church is helping him regain his saltiness. He treated himself to a new study bible and brought it along for me to bless.”
“Despite the snow lowering our numbers 20 folk came along and there were many comments about how encouraging and uplifting they found the service. Those present also had the opportunity after receiving communion to sign themselves with a cross using the water in the font, which they all did.”
“We have all been bolstered by this small sign of renewal at All Saints”
