There was much joy at the commissioning of two Anna Chaplains, Revd Brenda Rigg and Revd Sharon Edge and one Anna Friend, Joan Powell, during a special service of Holy Communion at St David's Church Abergwili, Carmarthen, on Monday October 3.
The archdeacon of Carmarthen, Canon Dorrien Davies led the service and many of the local clergy attended to support those being commissioning into Anna Chaplaincy ministry, including Canon Dr Rhiannon Johnson, the diocesan director of ministry.
Revd Brenda Rigg – Anna Chaplain coordinator for St. David's said:
'I have walked with the Lord for 45 years. My journey towards Anna Chaplaincy started about four years ago when I was first introduced to the organisation. This ran along side my calling to those on the outside of society, for whatever reason, and hence those on the edge of church. To follow this calling, I headed down the path to ordination in the Church in Wales and was priested June 2022. Although the Anna Chaplaincy is a ministry to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of older people, it is not exclusively so. My dream of having a vehicle decked out as a café to serve as a safe place for those who struggle to leave their homes and who live in very isolated areas, was equally acceptable to Anna Chaplaincy. The idea of helping to bring some peace into the hearts of the people we reach… by listening to their stories is much needed.'
Joan Powell – Anna Friend remarked:
'I have been following the Lord for 50 years. I followed God’s leading and moved to Wales with my husband not long after we both became Christians, on the same day! While living in Wales, at different times I have worked in Sunday school, been a Guide leader and became involved in Christian counselling and the healing ministry. I also have a background in financial work. I have worked for my local church as church centre leader and find that I have been waiting on the Lord to see what he has for the next phase of my life. When I heard about the Anna Chaplaincy, I was drawn to it and felt that this was something that I could contribute to.'