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Anna Chaplains explore positive picture of ageing
OUR diocese’s network of Anna Chaplains came together for an afternoon of inspiration, equipping and encouragement.
They gathered at our cathedral for an afternoon session that looked at views of ageing within our congregations and communities. They then shared in worship in our cathedral led by Bishop Jonathan, and the chance to be re-commissioned in their work.
Our diocese now has a network of more than 70 Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends. They are named after the prophetess Anna, who was one of the first to recognise Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented in the Temple. They offer spiritual care to elderly people in care homes and in the community, as well as recognising the wisdom and insights older people can offer.
This get-together was held shortly after the festival of Candlemas, which celebrates the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple.
During the afternoon, the Rev Dr Coleen Jackson, who pioneered this ministry on the mainland, reflected on the story of Anna Chaplaincy so far. It was originally launched by Debbie Thrower, who pioneered the work with the Christian charity BRF after becoming the first Anna Chaplain in Alton back in 2010.
Since 2020 Anna Chaplaincy has become an embedded ministry across our diocese, with more people considering this as a possible vocation in 2025.
The gathering heard from Emma Sneddon, who is the Anna Chaplaincy co-ordinator for our diocese, and heard an update and encouragement from Debbie Ducille, who is the older persons ministry lead for BRF Ministries.
The day was entitled ‘Changing the Narrative of Ageing’, so the gathering looked at how to provide a positive picture of ageing in our churches and communities.
Among the topics we tackled was how to advocate on behalf of older people to secure justice; how to help people to prepare for older age; the physical, cognitive and environmental changes people face; and the value of working in community, especially across the generations. They heard from speakers from the Rowans Hospice and from the Admiral nursing team at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, and about opportunities to grow relationships with those agencies.
Three people shared the same theme in their content – without knowing others would do the same. It was an encouraging sign that older people are on God's heart and Anna Chaplains are his co-labourers in this.
