A day visit to new Anna Chaplaincy team in Whitefield, Bury
Debbie Thrower and Debbie Ducille were ‘released’ this week from the throes of meeting on Zoom and were delighted to travel up to Whitefield near Bury, Manchester, to meet one of the network’s newest teams serving both Whitefield and Unsworth.
Anna Chaplains Fran Lawson, Sue Orrell and Revd Stephanie Mawhinney (all commissioned in January 2022) offered a warm welcome and together shared a lovely lunch and chat with Anna Friends Ian, Joyce, Anne and Jackie, plus local ministers Donna Williams and Michelle Ryan, as well as members of the newly-formed drop-in club at St Andrew’s Church, Hillock, Whitefield – an inspiring and committed bunch!
It was so encouraging to see and hear what a difference this ministry already makes to individuals in the community and in residential care settings, and to hear that the team is set to grow further in the coming months.
Both ‘Debbies’ were particularly touched by the impact of the wider church ministry too, through the provision of a charity shop and food pantry on site, where the spiritual needs of the community are interwoven with such practical expressions of love and care.
It's intended that a new short film about Anna Chaplaincy ministry will feature – among others – the Whitefield team and their community. Watch out for its launch, it’s hoped, at the annual gathering in October!