“Wheels Appeal” Coffee Morning
We held a coffee morning in the Church Hall on Wednesday 10th October. There was a Bring and Buy stall, cakes, MU Merchandise and a raffle. Approximately £80 was raised for our “Wheels Appeal”.
Hospital Chaplain
Our speaker at the October meeting was the Rev Anne Lindsay who spoke about her experience of being a Hospital Chaplain.
She began by asking us why we felt Hospital Chaplains are needed - we decided “to bring hope, comfort and support to patients, staff and visitors”. Anne then went on to explain in more detail some of what her work had entailed.
No day was “typical” she said, but usually first thing she had checked her diary and computer, then there would be morning prayer with volunteers and some patients mobile enough to get to the Chapel unaided; paperwork then followed, also meetings and courses, and visiting patients. Sometimes patients wished to take Communion, talk about their spiritual or religious needs or just have someone to talk to.
On Wednesdays Morning Prayer was replaced by a Holy Communion service with volunteers pushing patients in wheelchairs to and from the Chapel. Volunteers would also sit with and talk to patients on the wards.
Anne said she had felt called to Hospital Chaplaincy when she was ordained. For all its challenges and at times sadness it was work she had enjoyed.
A most interesting and inspiring talk, enjoyed by everyone present.
School Chaplain
Ten ladies, one gentleman and our speaker were at our November meeting. The Rev David Lindsay talked about being a School Chaplain.
He worked for 26 years as Chaplain and Head of Religious Studies at the Haberdashers’ Boys School at Elstree. This leading Independent Day School was founded in 1690 by a Royal Charter granted to the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers from a legacy from Robert Aske.
At this multi-racial, multi faith school the boys, very bright, hardworking and ultra competitive, found an inspiring but sometimes rather daunting environment, especially for newcomers.
His work, apart from teaching the faith and giving spiritual guidance, involved too supporting, listening, giving reassurance and friendship to any in need of it.
The Assemblies, he said, were spiritual without being specifically Christian, but for those who wished there was a weekly Communion Service and a candlelit Advent Service.
A very informative and interesting talk.
Blankets for Two Saints
