Bringing festive cheer - Hampshire's Avon Valley Churches' Anna Chaplains

On December 3, Anna Chaplains Mary Melbourne and Julie Francis organised a special communion service for those who are housebound and, perhaps, lonely, followed by a wonderful two-course lunch! 

They explained how the service took place in the North Chapel at St Mary's Church in Fordingbridge - part of the Avon Valley Parish group of churches. The customary 10am Wednesday communion service was moved to 11am in order to accommodate care home residents, carers and drivers and ensure people were able to make the service in good time. There were some 34 people at the service.

The Revd Luke Wickings, Rector of Avon Valley Churches, said “It was absolutely wonderful to see so many of our older people join us for this special communion service”. 

Mary added: “At one point we had around twelve people and were getting a little worried that there would be too much food; but as the service began, slowly more people began to arrive and then I realised I had to organise more chairs!” 

Stephen Darke kindly played piano as the congregation sang three seasonal hymns. Julie preached a sermon with the message that God's Grace is for everyone, and later said:

“It was a very special day to be able to meet with people who often miss out on communion in church due to disabilities. To see carers and older people all together as one family is something that touches my heart”.

Sue Ledger and Sarah Perrelle from Avon Valley Community Matters charity, cooked a superb lunch. The congregation were treated to a splendid array of Beef Bourguignon, jacket potatos and peas (with a vegetarian option) plus pudding that consisted of several choices: fruit salad, Christmas pudding and apple pie with cream. 

Each person was given a small gift to take away.  The carers who attended with residents from local Allenbrook care home said that it was an absolute joy to be able to bring people to church and see them chatting and having fun with each other. With around thirty-one diners the table service ran like clockwork thanks to the organisation and planning of Sue and Sarah.

Just as the meal had finished Mike Ireland treated every one to a selection of Christmas carols played on his brass baritone horn during which, to the delight of all, the diners began to sing along.

Julie and Mary both said that without the help of the volunteers, this special service could not have taken place. 

'It really was a joint effort, reminding us that we all have a small part to play in bringing joy to those who do not normally get the opportunity to leave their surroundings.'

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