Celebration of Anna Chaplaincy at Wells Cathedral

debbiethrower0
4 minutes ago
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Some of the Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends present at Candlemas in Wells Cathedral, with Dean Toby (third from left)

While Pioneer Debbie Thrower and BRF’s Anna Chaplaincy Coordinator Marian Muskett were able to join the Portsmouth network gathering for Candlemas celebrations, Ministry Lead Debbie Ducille had travelled to Wells in Somerset for a very special service of Evensong in the cathedral there.

It included a celebration of Anna Chaplaincy in Bath and Wells diocese, conducted by the Dean of Wells Cathedral, the Very Revd Toby Wright and the Rt Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells. Both expressed their gratitude and support for Anna Chaplaincy, which was much appreciated.

It was of great encouragement to local coordinator Wendy Haslam, who took part in the service, and a great number of Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends who also attended and were acknowledged for their gift of serving through this precious ministry.

After the service, Canon Robert Wright (Dean Toby’s father) offered a beautiful reflection on the ministry of Anna Chaplains, drawing upon his own work as an abstract painter. Using the triptych ‘Is that all?’ which was displayed for all present to reflect upon.

Revd Robert Wright's triptych entitled ‘Is that all?’

Robert invited us to ‘see differently’ with openness and curiosity, skills which Anna Chaplains use when listening and drawing out life stories with the older people they accompany. You can read Robert’s fascinating reflection here. It was encouraging to hear that Robert will be offering further exploration of spiritual conversation and encounter with local network members later in the year.

The next morning, Debbie was delighted to join some of the local network for coffee, cake and further conversation regarding ministry locally and sharing ideas for next steps. Located in the Bishop’s Palace next to the cathedral, ‘The Bishop’s Table’ cafe is highly recommended!

Wendy, Patricia, Gill and Fran, members of the local network and supporting coordination in the diocese

‘It’s always such a pleasure to meet with Anna Chaplains, coordinators and Friends around the country’, observed Debbie. ‘A sincere thank you to Dean Toby, Bishop Michael, Wendy and all the team for their commitment to Anna Chaplaincy in this area, and we all look forward to continued fruitful ministry, moving forwards.’

Debbie Ducille, BRF's Ministry Lead for Anna Chaplaincy