Anna Chaplaincy
Bearing the ‘Anna’ name acknowledges the prophetic role which – at its best – this ministry allows space for. Anna, the first New Testament prophetess of Luke’s Gospel, spoke of redemption to all who would listen.
Anna’s life as a widow was transformed through spiritual practices. An Anna Chaplain embodies such hope of transformation. He or she will grow hopefully, to manifest the personal qualities and characteristics that stem from such practices, and to express the love of God as much by who they are as what they do.
The name ‘Anna’ means grace. An Anna Chaplain is a gracious offering from the church – free, gratis – seeking nothing specific in return, just to be of service.
Anna Chaplains are here to make life easier wherever possible by their presence, their prayers and with practical support and to help older people hold fast to the good things of life and point to a God who will never leave them nor forsake them. It also witnesses to the fact that a church or community takes seriously the need to reach out and serve people in the community, irrespective of whether they have a religious affiliation or none, rather than risking being a self-serving, closed group of the ‘like-minded’.
Chaplains make no distinction between people as churchgoers or non-churchgoers, as people of faith or of no faith at all. • It is person-centred in the sense of focusing on a person’s needs in a non-judgemental way, recognising the importance of acknowledging the world from the perspective of that person.
It is for those coming alongside older people: their relatives, care professionals and volunteers and may be supported by Anna Friends.
It is a ministry focused on visiting older people wherever they may be living, whether in residential and nursing homes, sheltered housing, retirement complexes or other private homes.
The Anna Chaplain’s spiritual focus may express itself in helping people to reflect on their life’s journey – both the joys and the challenges – and, where appropriate, enable the healing of memories and the celebration of life experiences in order to foster hope and resilience.
Anna Chaplains are here to sit day by day with those who face many difficulties in body, mind and spirit, spending quality time with individuals in their private homes, sheltered accommodation, retirement flats, care homes – wherever they might be, and enable older people to live more peacefully in their later years and be better prepared to face the end of their earthly life.
At Life Church we have a small team who visit our local Care Home on a weekly basis. Over the years we have developed good open relationships with both the Residents and staff alike by running ‘craft & communication’ sessions resulting in several residents being reconciled to God in preparation for their journey home.
Increasing the provision of spiritual care services for older people • raising awareness of older people’s spiritual needs • improving the skills, knowledge and confidence within communities in addressing these needs.
Where to find us
Phone
(255) 352-6258
Service Times
Sunday 10:30AM
Address
Christchurch building on Morfa Street: CF31 1HA