At St George’s Church, Gravesend, a special anointing service has been held to affirm people in their everyday roles and work.
This powerful moment of blessing led by Bishop Simon Burton-Jones, the Bishop of Tonbridge, was a meaningful reminder that faith is not just for Sundays but for every moment of life.
These anointings are a regular ministry offered by Bishop Simon across the Diocese, providing individuals with encouragement and spiritual empowerment to live out their faith daily:
“I always remind people,” says Bishop Simon, “that whatever they do—from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to bed—that is their role, their work, and their life. I will pray for that.”
The Rector of St George’s, the Rev Jim Fletcher, says this understanding has been central to ministry at the church, as he and his church team seek to equip and uplift the congregation in their personal and professional lives:
“I wanted us to really explore what it meant to be a Christian in our places of work and in our homes—where we spend most of our time each week. I interviewed a variety of people about what having faith at their workplace meant to them.”
He adds:
“It seemed like a natural conclusion to have Bishop Simon with us today, leading us into a wonderful time of anointing.”
Among those anointed was Lynda, a dedicated volunteer at the church, who expressed how the experience affirmed her sense of purpose:
“This anointing has helped me understand that I am here because of God and that I am led by Him.”
Another person anointed was Neil, who says that the prayer and anointing validated his role and gave him renewed encouragement in his daily life. Rev Jim says the impact of the service has been deeply felt:
“The anointing, I believe, has filled people with confidence to be who God wants them to be within their roles. We have certainly been filled with the Holy Spirit here today.”
Bishop Simon says that any church in the Diocese is welcome to invite him to attend and to carry out an anointing:
“I find that our churches are full of people who want to know how to look for Jesus from Monday to Saturday, and the prayer and anointing is a way of commissioning them for the role that they have in life.”
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