Beryl Austoni (left) and Gill Mungall (right)
Newcastle Cathedral welcomed two new Anna Chaplains in a special commissioning service.
Beryl Austoni of St Mary’s, Monkseaton and Gill Mungall of Riding Mill were commissioned by the Right Revd Mark Wroe, Bishop of Berwick and Acting Bishop of Newcastle.
During the service, Bishop Mark said: “Gill and Beryl, you’ve agreed to serve as part of the Anna Chaplaincy team. It is my great joy to commission you, and to ask God’s blessing upon you and upon your ministry.
“We give thanks to God that you have responded to this call. To service amongst God’s people. In being commissioned today you are committing yourself to his vital work, and supporting one another in this precious ministry, honouring the older members of our church communities, learning from their wisdom and ministering to their spiritual needs.”
Pamela Nobbs, Chair of the Anna Chaplaincy Task Group, read out a message from the Bible Reading Fellowship, which promotes, resources and develops the initiative: “The national team of Anna Chaplaincy and BRF send their love and prayers to Gill and Beryl as you are commissioned today.
“We are delighted to welcome each of you into the Anna Chaplain family. Thank you for your commitment to older people, and for responding to God’s call to a new chapter of your discipleship and service.”