Face to faith – Florence Toplis

Published on: 1 May 2017

Hello, I am Florence, member of Aylsham Parish Church and I'm ten years old. I am a server for my church and I am a part of the youth group there. I am also very proud to be confirmed and write this article for The Magazine.

Why did you choose to get confirmed?

To further my part of such a lovely community. The work they do is amazing and I felt honoured to just be offered a small part of that. In Christianity, everyone plays a part. Not just the adults, or the teenagers, or the children, or the babies. Everyone has an important part to play and I liked that feeling. That strongly altered my decision in faith.

What was the process for confirmation like?

Exciting and intriguing. I have done lots of things to help me along. I have gone to various meetings held at my church and have been challenged to do 40 things during my prep! Things like reading (a bit of) the Bible every day for a week, learning the Lord’s Prayer, saying grace, writing prayers, knowing the names of the four Gospels. All these things helped me in my journey to faith.

What were your feelings while taking the next step in your Christian journey?

I guess I was quite nervous about the responsibility I was taking on and I was worried about the commitment I was applying myself to. I knew, though, that I had friends and family who were always willing to help and were there for me.

How do you feel now you are actually confirmed?

I am excited about the things I can learn and do during my life through Christianity. I can connect more than ever now with Jesus and God. I can also bond more with not only my generation but other generations as well.

Was your journey hard, or did you pass it with flying colours?

I’d say in the middle of that range: it wasn’t difficult but it wasn’t like walking through water vapour either! I’d say it was more like walking through slime. A bit sticky on the way in some bits but I got there in the end. It was scary, a bit scary, too. I was meeting new people who I’d never seen before.

How did you come to faith?

My mum and dad first introduced me to Christ and I was baptised at just three months old. I have then carried on throughout my journey and have come on to confirmation and I hope that I will go far from there!

Why do you think the church is an important place for young people?

I think it is important because it can help young people to branch out, make new friends, have fun and open their hearts and mind to Christ. I think all this is important because it can help you to open up, not hide in a corner and be like a cobweb whom no-one likes.


This article is from...

Articles in this issue...

A changing world, a changing church and a new generation

Each generation has to cope with changes in technology and culture but how is life really experiences by young people today? How has the church changed to help young people through these current challenging times and will it be enough to keep faith part of English culture? James Dawes has discussed these issues with leaders and fellow young people to discover their thoughts.

More

God calls the young

On our recent Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, our Palestinian guide reminded us that 2,000 years ago the usual age for betrothal was fourteen. So Mary would probably have been a young teenager when she gave birth to Jesus.

More

A pilgrim’s progress in high school

The world is becoming a scary place for young people. With everything going on – Brexit, a new Prime Minister, tuition fees rising – it is even more difficult for those with a Christian faith (I have learnt from experience!).

More

By Your Side: a short story

I have a great friend. He’s always there for me. When I’m having trouble with my work or something like that he’ll help me. If I’m being bullied he’ll get rid of the bully. If I get upset, he’ll comfort me. We’re best friends. He’s the kind of friend everyone would want.

More

My cathedral life: Lucy Thalange

My parents started taking me to Norwich Cathedral when I was three years old so naturally Sunday school was the highlight for me. I also enjoyed people-watching, and at communion I noticed that it was only the people that put their hands out who got the bread.

More

A student in search of a church

I am a first year Occupational Therapy student at the University of East Anglia. My family is from London and I have been part of my home church, The Bear, for around 11 years. I was very sad to leave back in September.

More

One Day with Charlotte Snell – Member of Youth Parliament

The alarm goes off at 8am. I sit up, open the curtains and thank God for the day ahead. Today I have a busy day with the Norfolk Youth Parliament as I will be meeting with my local MP, Chloe Smith, attending the Shelf Help Launch and a meeting about the Make Your Mark Ballot.

More

Young Vocations – called to ministry

It all started shortly after my nineteenth birthday. I was in the pub listening to a friend who was having a tough time when he said something very strange to me, ‘Jack, you would make a great vicar!’

More

A young photographer’s journey around a church

Lucy Thomas, aged 11, has two passions, drumming and photography. Here she shares her shots of a first-time visit to St Mary's, Burgh-next-Aylsham.

More

Keep up to date

Subscribe to our eNews for a snapshot of news, events and resources, usually emailed once a fortnight

Signup to newsletter