Anna Friend's Taster Morning

Anna Friends – Anna Chaplaincy Taster Day

The Doncaster Methodist Circuit is the first Circuit in the Sheffield Methodist District to appoint an Anna Chaplain – that being Mr Roger Thirlwell.

The Anna Chaplaincy is developing very well and help to continue and flourish is required.  On Saturday 30th Mat 2026, Roger and Rev John Henry held a Taster Day at Tickhill Methodist Church to encourage people to become ‘Anna Friends’.  To work under the umbrella of the Anna Chaplaincy in the areas of our own local churches.  Combatting loneliness and being overwhelmed by the pace of today and providing a listening ear and support, not just for people unable to attend church but also non-church going members of our local communities.

Roger gave a brief outline of the role of Anna Chaplain and it’s origins and how he became involved – what had sparked his interest.  A video by the Anna Chaplaincy was shown of work in different areas of the country.  We were then asked to split in to groups to discuss what being an Anna Friend could mean in our own communities.

Further discussion of our conversations took place.  Roger encouraged those interested in becoming an Anna Friend to contact the Circuit Office and register interest, with a view to training sessions being held in the Autumn.

The morning concluded with the Anna Chaplin Prayer and a Faith Lunch was enjoyed by all.