Heather's Baptism Testimony

Heather and her daughter Sophie were baptised on Sunday. It was a joyful and fun celebration, with both Heather & Sophie sharing beautiful testimonies about why they were being baptised. Below is the honest and moving reflection from Heather. We hope this encourages us all in our journey of faith.

Heather - ‘When I think back to my childhood, one of my clearest memories is trotting down the road every Sunday to our little village chapel - usually excited, occasionally angelic, and quite often causing mild chaos in Sunday school. Then we’d head home for a roast dinner, which, if I’m honest, was probably the biggest motivator for good behaviour.

As I grew up, that memory stayed with me. I wanted my own children to have something similar, not just the roast dinners, but the sense of belonging, a community that would hold them, guide them, and help them grow. A place where you could believe in something bigger, even if you can’t fully explain it, and find comfort in the idea that God is everywhere, even in the madness of daily life.

Elijah (older son) was baptised as a baby, and I hoped the same for Sophie. I even hoped I might convince my husband Shaun that church has far more to offer than he realised. But then Covid happened, and as with so many things, plans went completely out the window. We blinked and suddenly Sophie was six, so we decided to let her choose for herself - her baptism, her godparents, and her own journey.

Then we met Faye and Lewis through school, came along to our first Tea and Toast service, and instantly thought, “this is what we didn't know we were looking for.” The community, the welcome, the gentle way of learning about faith, the complete lack of judgment - even Shaun was convinced, which truly felt like a minor miracle in itself.

Sophie loved it so much that she decided she was ready to be baptised. And then we discovered something slightly awkward - I had never actually been baptised myself.

When Sophie asked if we could do it together, my heart just melted. It’s not every day you see a 35-year-old lining up for baptism, but with the right place and the right people, it suddenly felt like exactly the right thing.

So today is special for both of us. It’s about faith, community, family, and unexpected journeys. It’s about doing something meaningful together. And it’s about finally proving that you’re never too old to start something new, especially when your six-year-old tells you it’s time.

Thank you all for being part of this moment with us.’