Just as we haven't been accustomed to in-person training for months so the new diocesan offices for Bath and Wells haven't welcomed many visitors (or office workers, perhaps?) since staff moved there just before the pandemic started. It was a great pleasure, then, to cross the threshold of Flourish House in Cathedral Avenue, Wells and see what a beautiful and hospitable space has been created for groups such as ours as well as the diocesan team.
I led a day (writes Debbie Thrower) on 'Exploring Anna Chaplaincy' for those interested in knowing more from a variety of churches in Somerset. Chaplaincy development adviser, Revd Mike Haslam, has already helped and encouraged Anna Chaplains Hazel Ramsay and Stephanie Packham in the county (Wiveliscombe and Wellington respectively).
Flourish House boasts an airy chapel, a foyer with space for relaxed, informal chats and ample, well-ventilated facilities for groups, large and small.
Wendy Haslam (far right), Mike's mother, who is a counsellor and licensed lay minister (LLM or Reader), is seeking to become one of the first of the next cohort of Anna Chaplains to establish their own ministry locally among people in later life.
Wendy has been part of the recent Anna Chaplaincy Online Training Course which she told colleagues yesterday was 'excellent'.
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