‘May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy…’

Anna Chaplain Eileen Simmons has been in touch recently, sharing reflections and news about the HOPE group held as part of Benfleet Methodist Church’s ministry in Essex. Eileen shares:

Benfleet Methodist Church, Essex has a lively programme of community involvement and the Monday morning HOPE Group is one example. It takes place every week including Bank Holidays, and this August Bank Holiday fish and chips were on the menu. Any Monday there may be around 40 people enjoying themselves and the organiser runs a varied programme of activities including keep fit, visits from local choirs, bingo, visits from trainers and therapy dogs, talks from community police officers, etc, etc. Most attendees are not Sunday worshippers.

There is always a very positive atmosphere and although there is no age specified most of us are fairly old. Attendance and participation is one of my Anna Chaplaincy activities. We have four large round tables where one group do craft activities, another group specifically make cards, another just enjoy chatting (as we all do) and the table I join call ourselves the dominoes table. We certainly enjoy our dominoes but also most of us have links with people who have dementia. Several continue to come even when their loved one has died or is in a care home. It is good for the carers to be able to talk with those who understand as they have experienced that role. Those with dementia feel safe and enjoy joining in ,particularly with music activities.

I think reflection and analysis are for me important features of my work and I have sometimes moved on when I felt that I was not really needed. I decided therefore to reflect on what I thought I had contributed, during August 2024. I need to say that we never really can know and that by being present, listening carefully and responding to need is what it is all about:

• On our table I chatted to two widows (husbands died of advanced dementia within the past year) about their holiday in India this October. I had recommended the BBC programme My Tiger Family and apparently it was amazing (I am still to watch it). Their tour itinerary includes viewing tigers, and they hope they will be lucky.

• Had a lovely conversation with a lady who has dementia, prompting stories of her late-teenage years, when she loved her job as a window dresser. We always talk about her parents. It was her 80th birthday a couple of days later and she was overjoyed to blow out the candles on a birthday cake. Her photo was taken and I suggested the photo was sent to her husband’s phone so he could show the family and to remind her of the day.

• Chatted to a very elderly couple who are regular members of the church and both are now very frail. They live very close to the church and can come using their special walkers. He spoke of his sadness of no longer being able to be a  worship leader and how much he used to love taking services. My emphasis is always on listening.

• A lady who helps to run the wives’ group asked for my ideas about card games for one week’s programme.

• I showed another lady the new Methodist Prayer Book which featured her nephew working in Honduras/Belize and then offered to get a copy for her. She always used to show me his regular newsletters.

• Had a quiet chat with a lady who is having treatment for her cancer.

• Talked with a lady who fears older age.

• A recently bereaved widow wanted to talk to me about a visit she made to Leigh-on-Sea; so pleased that she took the decision to take herself on a day out.

I love my work as an Anna Chaplain and on reflection, the longer I continue at HOPE the more I can offer as I have a working knowledge of so many of the attendees.

‘Thank you for this thoughtful update, Eileen’, says Debbie. ‘Anna Chaplains are encouraged to reflect on their ministry and what impact they may have. This deceptively simple ministry of accompaniment, compassion and patience is beautifully demonstrated in what you offer: thank you, HOPE team!