'It was exciting to see three new Anna Chaplains being commissioned as part of the annual Blackburn Diocese Lay Commissioning Service on September 7th,' writes Katherine Froggatt, Anna Chaplaincy Coordinator for the Diocese of Blackburn.
'Coming from different backgrounds and serving in different parts of the diocese we welcome Helen Hindle, Jane Loveland and Michael Seymour to their new roles working in their parishes.
We hear from each of them about this step:
Helen Hindle is serving in Rufford St Mary’s and Tarleton Holy Trinity. With a background in speech and language therapy she has, over recent years, been involved in ministry with older people, and Anna Chaplaincy was an opportunity to develop this role further. Helen says:
'I will be building on the connections with a local care home, and continuing as warden of a Simeon and Anna Prayer Guild, a prayer ministry with older people who are committed to praying. I will also be supporting connections between local churches and between generations within the church.'
Jane Loveland recognises the life journey that has brought her to this point. She describes herself as 'a committed Christian, mum-of-four and coming from a community nursing and palliative care background (having trained more than forty years ago and recently ‘retired’).
'In the rich tapestry of life God has recently brought me back full circle to the Church of England family, opening those doors and giving me the privileged opportunity to be an Anna Chaplain. To utilise the skills that He has given me over the years (and that I am constantly learning) to minister to others and to show Jesus’ love. As my daughter (Anna) said to me ‘Mum, it combines the best bits of your nursing with your faith’… and it does.'
Jane will be ministering from St John The Evangelist, Little Thornton.
Michael Seymour is based at St Matthew’s, Burnley and also comes from a healthcare background. His background is in nursing and he spent approximately twelve years as a dementia nurse. He says: 'I have been attending Church all my life and for the last 10 years worshipping at St Matthew's Burnley where I am part of the Pastoral team.'
'I became an Anna Chaplain as I feel that the Church neglects people in later life especially in care homes which is where I see my ministry.'
Katherine adds, 'We are also supporting a number of other people, who are interested in becoming Anna Chaplains, through the process of being trained and equipped to move into this important role. So watch this space!'
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