An example of where Anna Chaplaincy ministry can be taken: an unusual aspect of funeral ministry shared from the North East.

Anna Chaplain Joan Grenfell got in touch again recently with a deeply moving story that she had recently had the privilege of experiencing in her ministry. Joan serves in Jesmond, Newcastle, and sent us the following:

Just to share with you what has to be one of the most meaningful and beautiful events of my Anna Chaplain ministry. I had previously taken the funeral of one of the residents in one of the care homes I regularly visit. She was a lady who had spent some years in the Merchant Navy, describing them as ‘the happiest days of her life’.

It was fitting then that her ashes be scattered at sea, and I was invited as Anna Chaplain to be present when this happened. The Tynemouth RNLI had agreed to take the ashes out to sea. They did this so movingly, turning the boat to come as close to those of us watching from the shore as they could. When all was set, the ashes were scattered onto the sea, and then the boat pivoted on itself and circled four times. 

Then the engine was shut down… and it was still. Such a profound moment. After giving three short blasts of its horn, the boat turned and went on its way. ‘V’ was safely entrusted to the sea she loved. It was so spiritual as if we were in a huge open-air cathedral, reminding us of God’s power over the elements. I had been asked to offer some prayers, which I share with you.

(As the boat appeared and took its position)

Thank you, Lord, for the love and fun ‘V’ brought into our lives. As we stand beside the sea, we offer these ashes as a symbol of our love and remembrance, as we remember in particular the years ‘V’ spent as a Merchant Seafarer, years she described as the ‘happiest days of her life’.

(As the ashes are scattered)

May the depths of the ocean now cradle her soul in serenity and peace.

(After the scattering)

Like the boundless ocean Lord, your love knows no end, and so we find comfort in knowing that ‘V’ now rests in your eternal embrace. Give us the grace to carry her memory in our hearts as she is now carried into the beauty of the sea’s eternal rhythm.

Rest easy now ‘V’, and move gently with the ebb and flow of the sea.

You will be forever remembered.

You are loved, you are cherished, you are deeply missed.

May ‘V’s soul find solace in the depths of the ocean, where the currents of time and tide carry her to a place of perfect peace.

I hope I have been able to give you a sense of what will always be a highlight of my ministry.