Silver wholeness

Ministry in care homes

There's a growing appetite for more training for those who conduct worship services in care homes. You may be interested to read new Kent Anna Chaplain, Elizabeth Bryson's talk on the topic at workshops held on care home ministry in both Maidstone and Ramsgate recently.

Elizabeth was joined by Julia Burton-Jones (Anna Chaplaincy Lead for the Diocese of Rochester), Eric Thorn (Chaplain for Methodist Homes, MHA), Cathy Richards (a registered music therapist), as well as Judith Andrews (another Anna Chaplain, who was commissioned along with Elizabeth in Canterbury Cathedral in September and who operates in Thanet).

Julia said of the training, which was under the banner 'Silver Wholeness for Thanet – An event to inform, encourage and provide practical ideas that support older people in their spiritual well-being': 'We had an excellent day. Our first event was attended by 22 people from 12 churches in and around Maidstone, many of whom are involved in regular care home ministry. The Area Dean was with us for the afternoon, to support and listen to the participants. As a result of attending, several are now exploring Anna ministry and others are taking on new commitments to care homes in Maidstone which have requested chaplaincy.'

Encouraged and enthused

'Participants greatly valued the opportunity to share their experiences of care home ministry and have requested an annual networking event. The commitment of everyone to the well-being of older people in care homes was infectious and humbling. There was a deep desire to learn and grow in this ministry, discovering ways to introduce objects and pictures in sharing Bible stories, and ways of using music to best effect. Everyone left feeling encouraged and enthused, affirmed in their commitment to local care homes, and open to embracing Anna Chaplaincy.'