On Sunday 11 December, Janis Preston was commissioned as the second Anna Chaplain in the Barrow Anna Chaplaincy team. Janis was commissioned by Geoff MacDonald, pastor at Emmanuel Community Church, where she is a member, during their morning service. Janis is joining Babs Lowes, Anna Chaplain, and a team of seven Anna Friends working together across the town of Barrow-in-Furness.
Janis described herself and her calling to this ministry:
'I qualified as a state registered nurse in 1969 at Manchester Royal Infirmary, married and moved back to Barrow and worked locally for a short time. On returning to work after a career break to look after family, I was employed in a private nursing home. Then I moved on to visiting older people in their own homes in Barrow, before training as a health visitor, working in the community of Dalton until my retirement.
'We have three children, only one lives locally, and five grandchildren, aged from 6 to 17, only two living locally. I have been a travelling childminder for years. I am flexible, adaptable and available at short notice and cost per hour…zero. Rewards in simple pleasures are endless.
'Over the years I have volunteered as a Samaritan in Barrow, as well as being involved in bereavement support for the hospice. I have also been running support groups and working in the Dalton charity shop. I think one of the most precious and cathartic things you can do is listen to someone’s story and encourage, comfort and discuss/praise the actions taken in various situations of daily life.
'I was led to volunteer to become an Anna Chaplain after reading the aims of the ministry to provide emotional and spiritual care in later life. I believe the older generation has a lifetime of experience to share with others and are of value in our communities as a wealth of wisdom, life skills and values that are as relevant today as they were in times gone by. Unfortunately many in today’s society treat them as if they have no value.
'In Barrow, the population of 0–64s is predicted to decline, while the number of those 65+ is predicted to rise. So I see the Anna Chaplaincy role growing and working with the united churches of Barrow trying to provide support as the needs of the older population are identified.
'I attend the Emmanuel Community Church and feel blessed to belong to this fellowship of people who have, and are praying for, the ministry of the Anna Chaplaincy.'
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