News from our Sector Ministers  

Revd Lynda Hulcoop

Anna Chaplain West Sussex

I have now been an Anna Chaplain for about 2 years.  In case you haven’t heard of Anna Chaplaincy before, it is part of Bible Reading Fellowship (who also do Messy Church) focusing on ministry to older people in Care Homes and in the community.  Such people often get forgotten in the busyness of church life, particularly those who suffer from dementia .  This age group still need ministry and support in their stage of life facing life’s biggest issues.
 
I am commissioned to work in West Sussex - Southwick, Shoreham by Sea and Lancing.  I work with dedicated people in teams visiting four care homes in these towns offering room visits, quizzes, services, singing opportunities, etc.   Surprisingly we seem to have a lot of fun and laughter alongside serious conversations and sad moments when some of our elderly friends depart from us.  The highlights of the last year have been the opportunity to conduct thanksgiving services for residents in one home when they die. This provides the opportunity to share the Gospel and bring comfort to other residents and carers who often feel the loss very keenly.  We also have a singing group called SingNShare who visit the homes encouraging singing and sharing stories etc in the programme.  It's lovely to see even those who have dementia join in with some of the songs.  Just recently I have finished recording 53 services designed for care homes - one for each week of the year.  These are 30 to 40 minutes long including 3 traditional hymns around a theme, a Bible reading, a short reflection and prayer suitable for elderly people.  It is encouraging to see some care homes and individuals using these, particularly my own brother who is in a care home suffering from dementia and Alzheimers.  If any feel these might be helpful in your ministry, please be in touch as they are freely available to use. 

Another highlight was being able to take a blanket knitted in one of the care homes to the project I am involved with in Zimbabwe.  It was given to a very needy old lady with much rejoicing. Rejoicing and tears also flowed when I took the picture back to the care home so they could see their work having done a good many miles across the world.
 
It is always good to know when we are in the right place at the right time in ministry.  This is how I feel serving elderly people after long years leading a church as a pastor.  I feel well equipped and appreciate the surprising blessings that come my way in most unexpected circumstances.  Recently, the tea lady in one care home, who happened to be passing when I asked if anyone wanted to share anything, burst forth telling us excitedly that only that morning she had been baptised as a believer!  An encouraging moment for us all.  Please pray that all these opportunities bear fruit.