Congratulations to the four Anna Chaplains and four Anna Friends who have been commissioned at a summer ceremony in the garden of the Bishop of Rochester's official home Bishopscourt.
Those commissioned as Anna Chaplains are:
Revd Elizabeth Robertson – Rural North West Kent group of churches
Jane Sankey – St Mary the Virgin, Platt
Jo Ellard – Christ Church, Bexleyheath
Richard Percival – Christ Church, Bexleyheath
During the event, Bishop James Langstaff said: 'The role of Anna Friends and Chaplains requires sensitivity, discretion and patient love. Do you promise to carry out your duties with due understanding for people, and with courage to advocate on behalf of those left in the silent places of this world?'
To which they, and the four Anna Friends replied: 'With the help of God, I will.'
Dementia Specialist Project Officer and Anna Chaplaincy Lead for Rochester and Canterbury, Julia Burton-Jones, read excerpts from a new poetry book inspired by dementia, Penumbra (see my earlier blog, Water Resistant).
Guests, friends and relatives celebrated with those being commissioned at a garden party afterwards in the grounds of the historic residence.
This occasion brings the total number of Anna Chaplains in Rochester Diocese to 21, with 34 Anna Friends working alongside them, in seven different chaplaincy hubs covering Kent and south London.
The story so far...
If you'd like a copy of Julia's BRF book, Anna Chaplaincy in Rochester Diocese: A blueprint for other dioceses across the UK, which is relevant for any church grouping wanting to develop this ministry strategically, please send us your full name and address: annachaplaincy@brf.org.uk