What a gratifying number of people have been commissioned to be Anna Chaplains this month, as we celebrate Candlemas and the ministry of Simeon and Anna. Here's latest news of yet another... Susan Commons in Portsmouth.
'On Sunday the 2nd of February 2025, I was commissioned as an Anna Chaplain for the East Solent and Downs Circuit Methodist Church' says Susan. The service was held at the Portsmouth Methodist Church in Southsea and was led so meaningfully by the Revd Ray Goddess.
Marian Muskett (BRF's Anna Chaplaincy coordinator) came to welcome me into the Anna Chaplaincy Network on behalf of the Bible Reading Fellowship, also known as BRF Ministries. She explained a little bit more about what they do to facilitate older people to receive spiritual care in their later years.
The Bible reading was Luke 2:25-38, which tells us of how Simeon and Anna acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. They are both examples of faithful older people who spent many years worshipping the Lord and being of service to others.
Afterwards, the congregation said the Lord’s Prayer together and Marian read the Anna Chaplaincy Prayer:
'Faithful God, you have promised in Christ to be with us to the end of time. Come close to those who have lived long and experienced much. Help them to continue to be faithful and, within the all-age kingdom of God, to find ways to go on giving and receiving your grace, day by day. For your glory and your kingdom. Amen'
What made the day even more special is that it was the Methodist Church Covenant Service and we also received Holy Communion.
After the beautiful, powerful and Holy Spirit-filled service we had an opportunity to have fellowship together while sharing some lovely homemade cakes.'
'It is heart-warming to receive so much support from the church family who seem to really appreciate the value and benefit of having this type of ministry in both our church and the local community. It is a total privilege to be able to take God’s love and Kingdom message out to people who may not, for whatever reason, be able to get to church.'
Susan Commons, Anna Chaplain.
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