The Alton Anna Chaplain is a key post in the national Anna Chaplaincy network. The Hampshire market town and surrounding villages are where the story of Anna Chaplaincy began. 'I was the first one back in 2010' (writes Debbie Thrower) 'and since then the community has been served by three other chaplains - the Revd Helen Jesty, the Revd Rachel Sturt, and Kate Powell.'
Now the search is on for Kate's successor as she moves on after nearly three years in the job to become a Chaplain to Seafarers in the port of Southampton.
It is a paid post, under the auspices of the ecumenical Greater Alton Project (GAP) which was formed back in 2009 as a joint initiative between Anglicans and Methodists in the area.
In recent years there has been an emphasis on growing a team of volunteer Anna Friends - men and women - working alongside the chaplain.
The deadline for applications to the post is the end of the working day, Wednesday January 22.
Anna Chaplain to Older People
An ecumenical post promoting the spiritual and emotional welfare of older people, including those living in residential care homes, sheltered housing and the wider community of Alton, Hampshire.
An ability to develop teams of volunteers, lead care home worship and offer pastoral care to people of all faiths and none.
20hrs/week
Salary range £14-£17 per hour
It is an occupational requirement for the person appointed to be a practising Christian, lay or ordained, in a church affiliated to the Council of Churches in England & Wales.)
Closing Date: Weds 22nd January 2025 5.30pm
Application Pack from Mrs Liz George
altonmethodist@hotmail.com Or Phone: 07703 648935
Do pass on details to anyone you know who might have the right qualities and skills for the role. https://16c83d98-45f1-46e6-af2d-f9ea21360d6b.usrfiles.com/ugd/16c83d_184289983abf4cf4bc495a3aa1132ad5.docx
In a recent article in the Farnham Herald, Kate Powell was asked: 'What do you like most about Alton?
'The people are so down-to-earth and lovely and it has been a pleasure to work here.
I am so impressed by all the different groups and activities on offer for older people and have really enjoyed the community spirit' she said.' You may read the article here: https://www.farnhamherald.com/news/its-thank-you-and-farewell-to-altons-anna-chaplain-kate-powell-750375
Over the years Kate has written an occasional series for the paper called 'Growing Old Gracefully' , sharing profiles of some of the amazing people she has met and ministered to and why they chose Alton in which to live out their final chapter of life.
Each person in post has brought their own skills and emphases. Debbie admits, 'I was far from being the 'finished product' when I applied for the post 15 years ago but I grew in the role over the years.'
In 2014 the Anna Chaplaincy concept was gifted to BRF to expand nationally and Debbie became the Ministry Lead while retaining links with Alton and still offering part-time chaplaincy.
Here are the background details for a fuller picture of the evolution of the post. https://16c83d98-45f1-46e6-af2d-f9ea21360d6b.usrfiles.com/ugd/16c83d_94f3ce340948480d92c47e0795b1bd79.docx
If you feel you may be being called to become an Anna Chaplain in this part of Hampshire do find out more. Or if you think of someone who may be interested, but who might just miss seeing the advert, you might forward this information to them?
'This is a very exciting time for Anna Chaplaincy as it grow in reach and effectiveness. As this New Year begins we now number 421 in the Anna Chaplaincy network in towns and villages across the UK.
Debbie Thrower - Pioneer of Anna Chaplaincy
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