Alton's Anna Chaplaincy Strawberry Tea - as a new era beckons!

The Anna Chaplaincy Summer Event at Alton Methodist Church yesterday, Wednesday June 11, went with a swing as all declared that ‘God is good.' (Psalm 73)

Anna Friend Sarah Neish, who has been leading the team of volunteers while the search was on for a new Alton Anna Chaplain, expressed 'love and huge gratitude for such a happy, busy, buzzy afternoon with much to be enjoyed by all who came.'

'Events like this are a huge team effort and thank you to everyone who contributed in so many different ways, ' she said.

Everyone present appreciated the time and care taken to create the event - from the helping to set up, (wash up and clear away), to the welcoming, sitting, listening and talking, the baking and strawberry preparations, the delicious tasty cakes and cream tea service with a smile, the gift stalls, craft table, hand massages and singing. A big thank you, too, goes to Ian for his skilful keyboard-playing.

'I'm sure I will have missed something' added Sarah, 'but what a fulsome afternoon of fun and joy!'

'The icing on the cake is that we have appointed a new Anna Chaplain. We all look forward to welcoming Emily and helping her settle in.'

It's hoped that Emily Spencer will be commissioned at the end of August at a joint Methodist/Anglican GAP (Greater Alton Project) service and will start her ministry in the town and surrounding villages in September.

---