Blessing our care homes in Essex
'Eleven churches across the area (Frinton-on-Sea, Kirby-le-Soken and Walton on the Naze) have come together this Easter to bless our 21 local care homes and sheltered housing units, with their 550 residents and 450 staff,' says Anna Chaplaincy Network member, Sally Bates.
'Each resident will receive an Easter card with a hand-written message of hope and a chocolate heart. Cards were circulated among the churches and individually written by members of the different congregations.
'Each manager will receive a resource pack to support them with providing spiritual care for their residents, including some laminated prayers, some quiz booklets, a perpetual calendar with a Bible verse for each day, a DVD of Easter hymns, a DVD of exercises to do at home, the BRF booklet in the A Carer's Guide series – How to take care of yourself in stressful times – another booklet explaining the Easter message and contact details for all the churches.
'Contents of these packs were contributed by the different churches.
'And each staffroom will receive a luxury hamper with chocolates, biscuits, tea, coffee and toiletries to show our appreciation of all they’ve done – and are doing – during such challenging times. Members of churches across the area donated items and gifts to help make up the hampers.
'We hope and pray that, as we visit each home during Holy Week to deliver these goodies, staff and residents will know they are loved and appreciated and that this may lead to future opportunities for churches to befriend and support our local care homes.'
Sally Bates, Associate Pastor, Frinton Free Church and member of the Anna Chaplaincy network