Kent Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends gathered at Rochester Cathedral for a special service of choral evensong on Sunday September 15 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Anna Chaplaincy at BRF Ministries.
They were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bromley, David and Ann-Marie Jefferys. BRF author, and Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral, Revd Canon Dr Gordon Giles led the service. Cathedral Anna Chaplain Chris Bostock and Anna Chaplaincy lead for Kent Julia Burton-Jones contributed readings and prayers.
Movingly, the Nunc Dimittis was sung by the choir partway through Julia’s Bible reading from Luke Chapter 2 about Anna and Simeon greeting the infant Jesus in the temple. This had great impact and was much appreciated by the congregation.
Bromley Mayor, Councillor Dr David Jefferys has chosen Alzheimer’s Research UK as one of his chosen charities. He and his wife Ann-Marie are licensed lay ministers in Rochester Diocese, and Ann-Marie is a chaplain at the Cathedral. Before retiring David led research and regulatory strategy for a major pharmaceutical company developing new medicines for dementia, cancer, epilepsy and obesity. He spent 20 years as the Director and CEO of the UK Agencies Regulating Medicines and Medical Devices and was the Government Advisor on Medical Technology.
Dr Jefferys also joined Julia on a visit to Bromley Anna Chaplains John and Kim Curle on September 13, as part of her '10 for 10 Challenge' to mark the anniversary of Anna Chaplaincy. Ministry Lead, Debbie Ducille is currently on a sponsored walk encouraging donations to Anna Chaplaincy as well as raising the profile of this way of supporting people in later life emotionally and spiritually.
Julia reflected on Sunday's Rochester Cathedral service:
'It was a moving occasion, with music from the choir providing an uplifting backdrop to the service. Several Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends among the first commissioned in Kent joined in celebrating with others commissioned in 2024, representing the complete story of Anna Chaplaincy in the dioceses of Rochester and Canterbury through the years.
I am deeply thankful to the team for their commitment to older people and faithfulness in this ministry and joining them for this special occasion was a deep joy.'
Canon Gordon chose a hymn written by Mary Louise Bringle for a friend with Alzheimer’s (sometimes referred to as ‘the dementia hymn’) which spoke to the experiences of caring for friends and family members with the condition. It features in the newly published 'Ancient and Modern: Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship' and is sung to the tune Finlandia, (a large print words edition of the new hymnbook is available.)
Several members of the team said after the service how touched they were by the words and planned to use the dementia hymn at services in their own parishes:
'When memory fades and recognition falters,
When eyes we love grow dim, And minds confused,
Speak to our souls of love that never alters;
Speak to our hearts by pain and fear abused.
O God of life and healing peace,
Empower us with patient courage, by your grace infused.
As the frailness grows, and youthful strengths diminish,
In weary arms, which worked their earnest fill.
Your ageing servants labour now to finish....
Their earthly tasks as fits your mystery's will.
We grieve their waning, yet rejoice, believing,
Your arms, unwearied, shall uphold us still.
Within your spirit, goodness lives unfading.
The past and future mingle into one.
All joys remain, un-shadowed light pervading.
No valued deed will ever be undone.
Your mind enfolds all finite acts and offerings.
Held in your heart, our deathless life is won.'
Mary Louise Bringle to Finlandia
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