Anna Chaplains - a 'presence in their community'
Anna Chaplain in Cornwall, Jane Wingrove, has been explaining the thinking behind what she does in her community in St Austell:
'The prophetess, Anna in the Bible was an 84-year-old widow: 'She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment ( to Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus ), she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Israel.' (Luke Chapter 2)
At 84, Anna had a mission, a value, a very important purpose: she was not “retired “ and left by the wayside. We live in a society where 70 is the new 40. People are living longer and continuing to be valuable members of society. When frailty is a feature of their lives they still need to be celebrated and their wisdom applauded.
Anna Chaplaincy was born in Alton in 2010, spearheaded by former broadcaster and Licensed Lay Minister Debbie Thrower. This work was, and still is, supported by BRF Ministries who continue to support and train more than 500 Anna Chaplains in the UK and many Anna Friends who work alongside them.
To quote from the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Herbert, Anna Chaplaincy is all about : 'the gifts that older people have, their richness of experience, that sense that they (we),whatever age are on a journey ,a pilgrimage towards God .And walking together on that road ,sharing our lives ,our sorrows and our joys is a deeply enriching experience for everyone.'
I am one such Anna Chaplain and work in the Parish of St Austell, alongside a newly commissioned Anna Chaplain from White River Church (Edwina Sleeman ),a pastoral lead from the Methodist Church (Jan Massiah) and four Anna Friends from Holy Trinity and Light and Life Church.
So what do we do ? Each week we spend time in various care homes, helping with activities or being a listening ear :often engaged in difficult conversations which people feel that they can’t have elsewhere.
We also offer monthly communion services or times of worship. Now we Live Stream every Third Thursday from Holy Trinity at 11.00am In addition we visit people in their own homes (sometimes referred to us through Social Prescribing).
'These are older people who are feeling isolated and lonely, often with no family or relatives who live far away. For these folk we give them time….just for them...a dedicated space in the week just for them to talk and be listened to. We are Christians but often visit people of no faith, little faith or different faiths and that’s absolutely fine !! Over time we build relationships which bring joy and blessings to us all!'
In addition we offer a Bereavement Cafe on the second Sunday of the month at Holy Trinity Church, The Bereavement Journey Course, a Connect group and various other support opportunities. I, myself, also offer time to people in the local hospice if required.
We each feel called to this ministry and are rewarded by having the privilege of sharing in the stories of such wonderful people.
If you want to know more, need our help, or feel called to this ministry, then do get in touch.
Jane Wingrove, Anna Chaplain, St Austell Parish.(jane.wingrove@staustellparish.uk)
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