Welcoming John Faulkner as an Anna Chaplain in East Yorkshire

The Revd Beck Lumley and new Anna Chaplain John Faulkner

It has been a busy and an emotional month for John Faulkner who has been commissioned as an Anna Chaplain in Beverley, East Yorkshire, as well as becoming an Authorised Lay Minister at a service in York Minster.

John (second left in the group) with the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell and other Authorised Lay Ministers and supporters at York Minster

We asked John to tell us a little bit more about himself and how it had all gone recently:

'Hi, my name is John Faulkner.  I have an active ministry, in St Mary’s Church, Beverley. My working life began in education, and quickly moved into the pastoral welfare of children.  Following the declining health of my parents, I became self employed and converted our family hotel into a residential care home. This allowed my parents to be cared for by family until they were called to Glory. Although it wasn’t intentional, a significant number of our residents, including our GP, an active Deacon in the Baptist Church, were Christians.

A life-long friend of mine developed young onset dementia, which had a profound effect on the way I viewed the ageing process. I have found deep personal fulfilment whilst working with elderly people and learning from their lifelong experiences. For the last two years I have been an Anna Friend and felt the calling to study further, to become an Anna Chaplain.

On Saturday, September 12, I was called to serve the Church as an Authorised Lay Minster. This included an invitation by the Diocese to read the Old Testament Reading and the Responsorial Psalm in York Minster as both an ALM and Anna Chaplain. The beauty of the ceremony and the emotional impact of the day will remain with me for many years to come.

John at the lectern in York Minster

My commissioning as an Anna Chaplain took place at St Mary’s Church the following Sunday, when I was ‘welcomed’ at our three regular morning services!'

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John at York Minster with supporters, Dr Carolyn Kirk and Alice

'I have been delighted to offer spiritual support to our elderly both within the church and the wider community. Our intention is to expand this work as our number of Anna Friends and supporters continues to grow. I remain grateful for the mentorship of Dr Carolyn Kirk, an Anna Chaplain and Licensed Lay Minister (LLM). We share many laughs together and lead a wonderful team of God inspired people. Please pray for our ministry.'

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