We are so pleased to hear that Sheila Lyons is a new Anna Chaplain in the Estuary and Mountain Mission Area of St Asaph Diocese, North Wales.
'I am delighted to be commissioned as the first Anna Chaplain in the beautiful North Wales Mission Area of Estuary and Mountain. My commissioning service was held in St Mary’s and St Peter’s Church in Bagillt in early January. It was a special and moving service, not least because it was also a leaving service for my wonderful vicar and spiritual director the Revd Kathryn Evans. Kathryn has been hugely supportive and we trained together as Anna Chaplains at St Padarn’s College in South Wales last summer.
With Kathryn leaving, I was concerned I might flounder. I needn’t have worried. I have had great support from other clergy and members of my churches in Gorsedd and Whitford - it’s really busy! I have links with a local care home and visit regularly.'
'I enjoy taking Holy Communion to people in their own homes – it’s very special and a privilege to offer this to people who are often going through huge health challenges.'
'It's also been a privilege to attend a weekly local Warm Welcome Hub for older people. We have lunch followed by music, bingo and chair yoga! I was invited to arrange a (very) Messy Vintage session which was well received. The Revd Andrea DeVaal always ends the meeting with a thought for the day or a short service. It’s really heartening that most people stay for this and hugely value this spiritual aspect.'
'Recently, I was invited to speak at our Ladies Guild and there is a great deal of interest in and admiration for the work of BRF and the Anna Chaplaincy movement generally. I think it may be a good place to recruit Anna Friends in the future. I’m fortunate to live in a very supportive community and Anna Chaplaincy has the potential to give a structure to things so we can harness peoples’ gifts.'
'I thank God for all He’s doing in my community and it’s great to be a part of it.'
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