An Anna Chaplain at work
The octogenarian Anna comes onto the stage on Wednesday.

With Simeon, she recognises the child Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Luke describes a faithful, prayerful, hopeful woman (2.36-8), attributes which inspire our own new Anna Chaplains commissioned last October. One of them was Margaret Blackshaw (pictured), from St Stephen’s Church, Norwich.
An older lady – let’s call her ‘Brenda’ – also from St Stephen’s, well-supported by family but living alone, greatly valued Margaret’s ministry throughout the pandemic. She loved it when Margaret phoned and gave her time and a listening ear. During one lockdown, Brenda fell and spent weeks in hospital. After that, back in her flat but still incapacitated, Margaret’s phone calls became even more important. Brenda could off-load, share her story, be heard.
Lockdown over, Margaret visited Brenda’s flat in person and the two women gratefully prayed together, recognising God’s care and goodness at work in their phone calls.
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Articles in this issue...

Soul Space at Litcham High School
Terms such as “jewel like”, “multifaceted” and “gleaming” seem accurate descriptors for this work connecting Litcham High School and local church.
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Welcoming Hong Kong immigrants
The recent political turmoil in China has resulted in around 90 young professional families arriving in Norwich from Hong Kong in 2021.
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Leading others into prayer
Sometimes it feels hard to find the right words to pray.
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Transforming young lives
It was a privilege to hear Hannah and Naomi as they fizzed with enthusiasm for the work of Christian Union at the UEA.
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A passion for creation care
Hethel Churchwarden, Peter Nicholls, explains his journey of faith in this area.
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A rhythm of prayer for young people at With
The With Community is a new, ecumenical religious community in residence at the former All Hallows Convent in Ditchingham, creating a place of prayer and retreat focused on young people and Christians who work with them.
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Fighting inequality and leading in love
“One of the great joys of my life as a Christian is to get to be God’s hands and feet."
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Caring for our clergy
Ordained ministry can be a most rewarding calling and role. It can also contain many difficulties and demands. Following the Christmas season, many of our clergy can feel wiped out.
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Refugees welcome here
Last summer we witnessed events unfolding in Afghanistan with many fleeing their homeland as the Taliban took power.
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Taizé Prayer
Every other month, a candlelit service is held in Cley Church inspired by the worship of a community of monks in the tiny French village of Taizé.
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