Celebrating and re-affirming our ministry in Norwich Diocese
- debbiethrower0
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Debbie Ducille has been in Norfolk to celebrate the growing network of Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends in the county. County convenor Gaye Hailstone reports on the occasion:
'After much thought and discussion, a decision was made by the Norwich Diocese Anna Chaplaincy network, to move from having an annual Commissioning service at Norwich Cathedral to having an annual service of celebration - a chance for all Anna Chaplains and Friends to re-affirm their commitment to this ministry.
It was wonderful that Debbie Ducille managed to join us for this celebration and after a chance to meet and chat over lunch we all collected in the cathedral's St Luke’s chapel (very appropriate) for the service which was led by Bishop Jane (Steen) on May 1st.
It was a beautiful service, and of course we had Luke’s Gospel reading of Simeon and Anna. Bishop Jane spoke so fondly about the importance of Anna Chaplaincy in a world where church congregations and communities in general are living longer and where many of these old folk are in need of the spiritual support which we can offer them.
All those there who had been commissioned were then invited to re-affirm their calling to Anna Chaplaincy ministry and Bishop Jane prayed:
Heavenly Father, send down your Holy Spirit on your servants
whom you have called to this ministry.
Help them to listen patiently, respond wisely and pray faithfully.
Give them courage to speak up
for those whose voice may not otherwise be heard.
May their hands be ready to do your work.
May their eyes be open to recognise those in need.
May their ears hear soft-spoken words of pain and sorrow.
May their voice speak of healing and peace.
May their feet walk the extra mile with those who falter,
and may they always be aware of your presence guiding them
and your loving protection around them in all that they do.
Amen.
The celebrations also marked the stepping down of Nigel as AC Coordinator and Gaye as AC Convenor. This ministry has continued to grow in Norfolk and will now become a diocesan authorised ministry and will come under the remit of Sue Hemsley Halls, who currently co-ordinates both the AWAs (Authorised Worship Assistants) and the APAs (Authorised Pastoral Assistants) in the diocese.
So, an exciting time ahead for this local network of Anna Chaplains and Friends, who have grown and journeyed together over the last four years and who will continue to grow together... as God calls us to journey in His name, alongside His elderly children so that they are reminded how much they are loved and that they will never be forgotten by Him.'
Debbie Ducille adds: ‘It was a pleasure and a privilege to join the Norwich Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends earlier this month in the city. My thanks and gratitude must go to Nigel and Gaye for their warm welcome, and their care-full, faithful coordination and convening of this super network: I very much look forward to working with Sue, moving forward in the next chapter of developing Anna Chaplaincy across Norfolk.'
'The service in St Luke’s Chapel was beautiful and so encouraging, filled with song and words of commitment spoken over this ministry by all present. The national team are so grateful to Bishop Jane, everyone in the diocese, and all the network members for their continuing support and their ministry shared.’