Anna Chaplain, Lay Representative and Sacristan:
I’ve been a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church since moving to East Lothian in 1988 and have held several roles within the church.
In February 2024, I was commissioned as an Anna Chaplain and the following July I was Licensed to be the Chaplain to the residents in Haddington Care Home (HCH). I was appointed and authorised by, and I’m accountable to the Rector and Vestry of Holy Trinity Church. So far, this has been a great success and I find my Ministry there to be very rewarding. Anna Chaplaincy is an ecumenical, community-based chaplaincy to older people, and whilst the organisation is part of the Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF), my role is to reach out to people of all faiths and none. I make no distinction between church-goers and non-church-goers and I include relatives and carers who also need to be shown love and hope. In my time at HCH, I have held regular services of Holy Communion, Memorial Services for residents who have died and a Service of Remembrance on Armistice Day. It has been a privilege and honour to get to know the residents and staff at HCH, and I’m very thankful to have been accepted by all and regarded as part of the “team”.
I have been the Lay Representative of Holy Trinity congregation since 2011. This role requires me to attend the Diocesan Synod twice a year and to report any significant issues or news arising from those Synods to the congregation. Synods are also a good opportunity to catch up with other Lay Reps, clergy and friends in the Diocese! Usually, we hold an annual Diocesan “Big Day” in the spring or early summer which gives every congregation in the Diocese a chance to socialise and meet new friends.
I have held the role of Sacristan since 2004. This involves having a team of Altar Servers to assist the clergy during Eucharistic Services and to make sure the church is set up for the service. I like to involve any children in clearing up after the services such as snuffing out the candles and clearing away the silverware so that they have an idea of the meaning of our service. I’m also responsible for ordering all supplies necessary for our services, candles, Communion bread and wine etc. This is indeed a fascinating Ministry which I’m reluctant to give up any time soon!