Bringing compassion and hope - Jo Cookman becomes an Anna Chaplain

debbiethrower0
Oct 14
2 min read

New Anna Chaplain Jo Cookman is commissioned by the Ven' Mones Farah, Archdeacon for New Church Communities in St David's diocese

We're delighted to report on Jo Cookman's commissioning in Wales. Describing it as 'an incredible experience,' she has sent us this account:

'On Sunday September 25, I was commissioned as Anna Chaplain at Holy Trinity Church in Aberaeron in St David's Diocese. Archdeacon Mones Farah took the service along with Revd Canon John Lewis. In attendance were The Holy Trinity Church congregation and my family and friends.

It was wonderful to get to this point, as there had been a lengthy discernment and preparation process. Mones delivered a wonderful sermon, and the congregation were fully-

supportive of a new older person’s ministry, most pledging to support the Anna Chaplaincy by their prayers, some expressing an interest to support and help in other ways.

'In my speech, I stressed the importance of us working together as a whole church to combat the ever-increasing problem of loneliness and the many other issues faced by those in their twilight years in our community, with emphasis on God’s love and goodness working through us as a whole church to bring compassion and hope.'

Thank you to all those who have encouraged me on my journey so far, the Bible Reading Fellowship BRF, Anna Chaplaincy and my spiritual mentors. Special thanks go to The Light College, without whom I would not have considered this path or believed that I could step into this calling as a lay minister for older people.

Please pray for the next steps; including increasing our reaching out with home visits, fostering good networks and partnerships with both community and care providers, but mostly for a clear pathway for God’s plan to be implemented.'

Your word is a lamp to my feet a light to my path - Psalm 119:105