ANNA
CHAPLAINCY

In 2019 Campden Baptist Church commissioned Wendy Gleadle to be our first Anna Chaplain. Since retiring from being an Anna Chaplain to write a book, Karen Olorenshaw has taken on the role and work. Karen has a long term background in nursing, with many skills and qualities for this sometimes challenging work.

 

Named after the faithful widow Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke’s gospel, Anna Chaplaincy is a community-based network that supports older, frail people and their carers, working across various denominations. Anna Chaplains offer pastoral and spiritual support in care homes, churches and community groups and are there for people of strong, little or no faith. Male or female, lay or ordained, each works within their local church context. Anna Chaplains may motivate volunteers to work alongside them, often known as Anna Friends.

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Karen is developing the role to include many in the community, but her main ministry is to Mill House, Chipping Campden's local care home. She visits them regularly, offering coffee and chat mornings in the residents’ lounge, and one-to-one visits in bed-bound residents’ rooms. She takes various ‘conversation prompts’ with her, including a life-like baby doll, picture books, chocolates and simple prayers. With her small team of Anna Friends, “Vintage Messy Church” sessions are held occasionally throughout the year with fun activities such as “the Good Shepherd” (see below). 

 

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If anyone would like to join Karen's team of Anna Friends, please do get in touch here