Sue Ambrose will be commissioned as an Anna Chaplain on Sunday 23rd February. She writes:
'Many people at St Andrew's are aware that I have been training to become an Anna Chaplain. So what is Anna Chaplaincy? Well, it’s a way of supporting older people both emotionally and spiritually, offering support to people of strong, little or no faith at all.
Anna Chaplains are named after the widow Anna, who for most of her life never left the temple but worshiped night and day fasting, praying & waiting. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, she immediately recognised him as the Son of God and shared the news with everyone.
Anna means “grace” or “favour,” and I feel it is a real privilege to work with older people. Some of the most moving experiences I’ve encountered have been when listening to older people share their stories, both their joys and sorrows.
As a society especially since COVID, there increasingly seems to be a (perceived) growing emphasis on youth and young families, and many older people feel that they are beyond the interest and concern of the wider community, making them feel isolated and rejected. Anna Chaplaincy seeks to help redress this perceived imbalance and accompany them at this stage of their lives.
I’m not sure yet exactly how this ministry with look, precisely what it will involve or where it will take me, but it will include visiting people at home, in in care settings and in hospital, taking Holy Communion to them, and offering spiritual support. I will also be around for Coffee and Company.
If you have any questions about Anna Chaplaincy please come and find me, and I will try to help. Thank you to St Andrew's for your support and prayer so far on my journey.'
The Anna Chaplaincy Prayer
Faithful God, you have promised in Christ to be with us to the end of time.
Come close to those who have lived long and experienced much.
Help them to continue to be faithful and, within the all-age kingdom of God,
to find ways to go on giving and receiving your grace, day by day.
For your glory and your kingdom.
Amen
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