Anna Chaplaincy gives back to those who have given so much

Anna Chaplaincy gives back to those who have given so much

Diane Bates is an Anna Chaplain, a ministry for older members of the community. Here Diane explains her ministry in a changing world.

I am an Anna Chaplain based in the south of the diocese. I was commissioned in 2021 in Dore Abbey. Anna Chaplaincy is a ministry aimed at equipping churches to support their older church members emotionally, pastorally and spiritually. It is supported by a national organisation of the same name. It is called Anna Chaplaincy after the faithful older woman, Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke’s Gospel. 

The main purposes of an Anna Chaplain are:
•    Offering spiritual support to older people who are living in care homes and sheltered housing complexes, their relatives and staff who look after them
•    Promoting the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community, particularly those facing challenges living independently.

Of course, much ministry to older people already happens in different guises, without the ‘Anna’ label, but Anna Chaplaincy gives a supported identity to this ministry, for both Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends. (Anna Friends work alongside Anna Chaplains, often giving just a few hours a week to suit their own circumstances and play to their strengths and gifts.)

Although I am based in Abbeydore Deanery, with some 37 parishes, I also run the Tea Service at the Hereford Almshouses under the Anna Chaplaincy banner and recently we held the only World Day of Prayer service in the area; also with a little team of Anna Friends we do a lot of work with Dulas Court Nursing Home in Ewyas Harold (including funeral ministry under my Reader ministry banner), also some work with Broomy Hill Care Home.  Individual visits to homebound members of congregations also happen as and when I have time. 

Obviously this is not a full time ‘job’ but happens when I can fit things in. One wise old lady said to me ‘Jesus, was not a doormat – just be careful you don’t get used as such!’ As you might imagine, with the increasing demands as people get more frail, there is the danger that this could happen! There is also no official financial support for it, so everything we do is thanks to the generosity of individuals. Nevertheless, for all the challenges, it is very rewarding, and the network provides a sense of identity and a supportive community.

I have longed for others to join me and used to get quite down-hearted (thank God for Bob, my husband, who gives brilliant support).   But there seems to be a growing interest in the ministry and new shoots emerging. Jane Peeler is an Anna Chaplain based in the north of the diocese, in Bridgnorth, and others have been coming forward recently in Ludlow and, I believe, in Church Stretton – so it is beginning to happen. And there is a lady from the Elim church who is interested. I think her church are prepared to support her financially, so I am hopeful she will join us.

As people live longer, we are dealing with increased frailty; people who once took care of our churches and communities now need spiritual support from us at home or in their care setting. Responding to this growing need as Anna Chaplains keeps us all very busy so we don’t have much contact with each other – which is a shame. Once someone shows an interest in the role, they are put in touch with Anna Chaplaincy direct – and I tend to lose touch. But I do still tend to be the first port of call when questions come up or one of our elders needs support!

If you are interested to find out more about Anna Chaplaincy, please see the organisation’s website or contact Elizabeth Wild in our Mission & Ministry Team.
 

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