This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 23 May 2019. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
BISHOP Colin was among the gathered clergy, writers and other guests at a special choral Evensong and drinks reception at Christ Church Cathedral to launch the new Bible Reading Fellowship's Bible Reflections for Older People series.
The Bishop of Dorchester, Rt Revd Colin Fletcher The Revd Canon David Winter, a regular contributor to the Door, was also among the guests.
He is one of the contributors to the series, written by older people for older people.
In the central section, Debbie Thrower of BRF's The Gift of Years ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire.
Debbie spoke at the launch at Christ Church about the Bible study notes as well as the wider work of the Gift of Years programme which tackles the loneliness of old age by supporting people in this generation in practical ways. As part of the work, there are Anna Chaplains to older people who deliver spiritual care services and provide a way for churches to draw alongside older people.
These ecumenical, community-based chaplains are promoting older people's spiritual welfare.
This approach was pioneered in Alton, Hampshire, and is now being used in a variety of contexts in other parts of the UK. Anna Chaplains frequent clubs and groups where older people gather.
Such chaplains also create opportunities for two or three people to meet and talk, over books, poetry, crafts or other shared interests.
They also make time to meet with people one to one.