Did you know that Anna Chaplaincy, this wonderful ministry initiated through pioneer Debbie Thrower all those years ago, is marking its tenth anniversary as part of BRF Ministries this year?
Debbie Thrower says:
‘From one Anna Chaplain to over 375 in a national network is something to give God thanks for and we will we doing this, in a variety of ways, this autumn. We want to give thanks for all that has been achieved in serving older people, raise the profile of Anna Chaplaincy as a UK-wide movement and to raise funds that will go towards sustaining the ministry for the next ten years through BRF Ministries.’
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Debbie Ducille will embark on a sponsored walk from the birthplace of Anna Chaplaincy – Alton, Hampshire – to Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 15–20 September, a distance of approximately 60 miles.
The walk will begin with a joint service in Alton, led by Debbie Thrower and marked by stops along the route with supporting churches and their leaders, meeting local Anna Chaplains, financial supporters and dropping by a local care home, before ending with a service of celebration in Abingdon.
While a limited number of people will walk with Debbie on the route, the real emphasis/theme of the walk is ‘Walking side by side’ – this reflects the essence of Anna Chaplaincy as a ministry of accompaniment. It is hoped that, through a call to action to fundraise and celebrate, network members around the country will organise a ‘walk’ or celebration of some kind in their own communities, walking side by side with the older people they serve, as appropriate. It is hoped that many care homes will wish to show appreciation for their local Anna Chaplains by fundraising/hosting such events.
A target of £5,000 has been set, hopefully reached through personal support and local fundraising by the network. Live updates, film and photos from all walks taking place will raise the profile of Anna Chaplaincy nationally, another key aim of the project. To donate, please use this link JustGiving website, or search for Debbie Ducille on Just Giving. To read more and sign up for updates, please use this link.
The real focus, however, is on the Anna Chaplaincy network: what are they getting up to around the country to celebrate this milestone? The national team have already heard about coffee mornings and special services taking place: Judy B in Somerset has held an Anna Chaplaincy fundraiser and information event; an ‘Anna tea’ in Berkshire with Heather T raised funds and awareness, while services and visits in Kent are being planned by the flourishing team there.
Anna Chaplain Helen Sanderson in Romney Marshes offers another great example: with her church leader’s support, a tenth-anniversary service was held followed by a bake sale to raise funds, but it was Helen’s personal reflections on this ministry and memories of her grandmother that were so encouraging: you can read it here.
Debbie Ducille concludes:
‘Thank you SO much to all who have donated, raised awareness and planned celebrations already: it is a humbling and wonderful experience to be part of this extraordinary movement. And the walking hasn’t even begun yet!’
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