Kent Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends gathered at Rochester Cathedral for a special service of choral evensong on Sunday 15 September 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, Rev’d 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.
The Nunc Dimitis was sung by the choir partway through Julia’s Bible reading from Luke 2 about Anna and Simeon greeting the infant Jesus in the temple. This was felt to have great impact and was appreciated by the congregation.
As Bromley Mayor, Councillor Dr David Jeffery’s 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 the Government Advisor on Medical Technology.
He also joined Julia on a visit to Bromley Anna Chaplains John and Kim Curle on 13 September, as part of her 10 for 10 Challenge to mark the anniversary of Anna Chaplaincy.
Julia reflected:
"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 our experiences of caring for friends and family members.
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
When memory fades and recognition falters (StF 621) - Methodist Church