27 Aug 2026, 09:18Fiona Bedford
Baptismal Joy at Windsor Street South
Lydia Rafferty-Weekes publicly declares her faith, with a second commitment following the appeal
Lydia Rafferty-Weekes was baptised at Windsor Street South Seventh-day Adventist Church in Birmingham, with a second person committing to Christ during the appeal.
On Sabbath evening, 8th August 2026, Windsor Street South SDA Church in Birmingham became the setting for a joyful occasion as Lydia Rafferty-Weekes publicly proclaimed her faith in Jesus Christ through baptism. Family, friends, and church members joined in witnessing this important step, including Lydia’s parents, Pastor and Sister Rafferty who watched online.
During the service, Lydia expressed her love for God and her trust in Him by singing a beautiful duet of “It is Well with My Soul” with Sister Sasha-Louise King.
Lydia’s chosen Scripture texts - Romans 12:17-21; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Romans 8:38-39 and Romans 5:6-8 - reflected her commitment to Christ, and her confidence in God's love, comfort, and sustaining grace.
Pastor McFarlane, officiating minister, based his address on the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. He commended Lydia for “rolling the stone away” and opening her life to Jesus as the only One who can call her to a new life in Him. He also encouraged her to remember that Christ will be present with her in the difficult and dark seasons of life, and that He will reveal His power and faithfulness in those moments.
As Pastor McFarlane immersed Lydia in the baptismal pool, her family, friends, and the congregation shared in the joy, joining the celebration that must surely have been happening in heaven.
The joy continued when another individual responded positively to Pastor McFarlane's appeal and made a commitment to Christ for the first time.
Following the service, church members warmly greeted their new sister in Christ. Welcome to the family of God at Windsor Street South, Sister Lydia!
Lydia Rafferty-Weekes was baptised at Windsor Street South Seventh-day Adventist Church in Birmingham, with a second person committing to Christ during the appeal.
On Sabbath evening, 8th August 2026, Windsor Street South SDA Church in Birmingham became the setting for a joyful occasion as Lydia Rafferty-Weekes publicly proclaimed her faith in Jesus Christ through baptism. Family, friends, and church members joined in witnessing this important step, including Lydia’s parents, Pastor and Sister Rafferty who watched online.
During the service, Lydia expressed her love for God and her trust in Him by singing a beautiful duet of “It is Well with My Soul” with Sister Sasha-Louise King.
Lydia’s chosen Scripture texts - Romans 12:17-21; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Romans 8:38-39 and Romans 5:6-8 - reflected her commitment to Christ, and her confidence in God's love, comfort, and sustaining grace.
Pastor McFarlane, officiating minister, based his address on the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. He commended Lydia for “rolling the stone away” and opening her life to Jesus as the only One who can call her to a new life in Him. He also encouraged her to remember that Christ will be present with her in the difficult and dark seasons of life, and that He will reveal His power and faithfulness in those moments.
As Pastor McFarlane immersed Lydia in the baptismal pool, her family, friends, and the congregation shared in the joy, joining the celebration that must surely have been happening in heaven.
The joy continued when another individual responded positively to Pastor McFarlane's appeal and made a commitment to Christ for the first time.
Following the service, church members warmly greeted their new sister in Christ. Welcome to the family of God at Windsor Street South, Sister Lydia!
