It's been a busy spell, travelling the length and breadth of the country, for Anna Chaplaincy Ministry Lead Debbie Ducille who was delighted to join the Portsmouth local network for their annual gathering on Monday February 3.
Each year, the rapidly growing, ecumenical network of Anna Chaplains, Anna Friends and supporters get together from across the diocese for an afternoon of discussion, sharing of resources and training. ‘It was truly heart-warming to walk into a large room next to the cathedral, full of people, conversation and laughter,’ said Debbie.
‘I was so encouraged to reconnect with longstanding members of the network, such as the Revd Jill Phipps, Anne Powell and the Revd Dr Coleen Jackson, but also to meet new folk commissioned in the last year, including Susan Commons, who had just been commissioned the day before at Portsmouth Methodist church! The buzz in the room and sense of vibrant growth in this area was palpable.’
The afternoon’s programme was crafted and led by Local Coordinator Emma Sneddon with input from Coleen, who had previously coordinated the development of Anna Chaplaincy as a diocesan initiative. Included in the gathering were those Anna Chaplains who have taken the role of Deanery Champions, supporting and enabling the teams in their patch.
Stimulating input throughout the afternoon was offered by Emma, who reflected on the theme ‘Changing the Narrative of Ageing’ and her first year in post; Bryony a local hospice chaplain; and Marilyn, one of the Admiral nursing team from the Queen Alexandra Hospital.
Debbie was also able to offer encouragement on the vision for Anna Chaplaincy as a national ministry: a ministry of 'washing feet', which proved a recurring theme.
Before heading into the cathedral itself for refreshments and evensong, Bishop Jonathan joined the gathering and offered a reflection on timeliness – of Simeon and Anna in the Temple in Jerusalem, but also of this ministry across the diocese and its long-term impact.
‘This was one of the greatest encouragements that I took away from a wonderful day,’ said Debbie. ‘With so many varied calls on their time, Bishop Jonathan, Diocesan Secretary Philip Poulter, interim director of Ministry and Discipleship Andrew Hargreaves, and newly- appointed Children’s, Families and Youth officer Heather Powney, were all present, demonstrating the strategic commitment of Anna Chaplaincy as a ministry here.'
'My hope is for other dioceses and districts to embed the same vision, with the same prayer-full determination, as Portsmouth.’
'The day closed with a beautiful sung Evensong service, led by Bishop Jonathan. ‘Each year, when Jonathan calls forward the network to receive their Candlemas candle and to reaffirm their ministry around the altar, more and more people are present!’ reflected Debbie. ‘Out of the evening shadows came more than 50 women and men, committed to their calling and to the older people they serve: it’s a wonderful moment. Thank you, Portsmouth!’
For a further summary and photos, please see the diocesan news article:
https://www.portsmouth.anglican.org/news/2025/02/05/anna-chaplains-explore-positive-picture-ageing/#
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