The Voice for Chaplaincy - Chartered by Congress - Serving Since 1925
Weekly Newsgram - November 22nd,  2017



George Washington at prayer
General George Washington, Thanksgiving, and Chaplains

  In late November, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution calling for the Colonies to observe a time of thanksgiving. Five days later  General Washington issued in his General Orders the following instructing chaplains to prepare and lead observances across the Army in recognition of this national day of gratitude. 

General Orders, 30 November 1777 -  On the 25th of November instant, the Honorable Continental Congress passed the following resolve-vizt. "Resolved .... Forasmuch as it is the indispensible duty of all men, to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with gratitude their obligations to him for benefits received, and to implore such further blessings as they stand in need of: and it having pleased him, in his abundant mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also, to smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defence of our unalienable rights and liberties"-It is therefore recommended by Congress, that Thursday, the 18th day of December next be set apart for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise, that at one time, and with one voice, the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that, together with their sincere acknowledgements and offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their sins; and supplications for such further blessings as they stand in need of-The Chaplains will properly notice this recommendation, that the day of thanksgiving may be duly observed in the army, agreeably to the intentions of Congress.

Tomorrow, 240 years later, our nation once again pauses to give thanks and as was the case so many years ago, chaplains, serving our military and our veterans, will lead in confession of our sins, petitioning for further blessings, and giving thanks for the mercy and grace we enjoy. 

I thank Mitchell Lewis, retired Army chaplain, for his posts on George Washington's Remarkably Modern Chaplain Problems. All are encouraged to visit, read, and marvel at the wisdom, foresight, and support out First President gave to chaplains and their ministry. 

To all our chaplains and their families who are currently serving and continue to serve, we give thanks for you and the blessings you bring. 

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1

Lyman Smith
Executive Director






In Memoriam

 Chaplain Robert Fuehrer
LCDR, CHC, USN (1997-2011)
MCA 1998
PC (U.S.A.)
November 13, 2017
Jeanette, PA

Chaplain Tracy D. Floyd, Jr.
LTC, USA, Retired
United Church of Christ
June 27, 2017
Oro Valley, AZ



Welcome

Chaplain Christopher Slacj
Captain, Civil Air Patrol
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
Bedford, MA


THE 50TH ANNUAL 
FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY BANQUET Honoring 
THE FOUR CHAPLAINS 
& 
THE CREW OF THE USAT Dorchester


KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Steven A. Schaick, Ch, Brig Gen, USAF Deputy Chief of Chaplains

On Thursday, February 8, 2018 At the Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill Hotel 1 Dock Street (2nd & Walnut Streets) Philadelphia, PA 19106 


Book for Review

Co-authors:  Chaplain (Colonel) Jeff Zust, USA and the Rev. Dr. Duane Larson, Senior Pastor, Christ the King Lutheran Church Houston and former seminary president

The title of the book reaches back to an important theme for Augustine who approached the human toll of addressing war-time use of force with ethics and faith.  This book project provides a remarkable discussion by a practicing military chaplain with multiple combat deployments and a pastor and academic focused on a religious and spiritual engagement with moral injury.  Their approach provides a theological, pastoral and practical framework for considering moral injury. Jeff and Duane dig deeply for specific ways faith, language, religious engagement and community are essential for finding life that is truly Life.  

send request to [email protected]



 
MCA 
South Carolina Chapter 
News

Ms Jen Thompson, Executive Director of 'Lighthouse of Life' presented the November program for the SC Chapter of the MCA.

Lighthouse is an outreach in South Carolina for women and young g irls trapped in Human Trafficking.

The membership voted to make a donation of $200 to Lighthouse.   Individual members matched the Chapter Donation with  donations and pledges totaling $800.

This was a record turnout for our local monthly meeting.  Forty two members and guests attended.

If ever in the Fort Jackson / Columbia area the SC Chapter meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month (except July and August) at  The Fort Jackson NCO Club at 1145.  

We always have extra seats.

Visit our  website. There you will be able to update your contact information, join,  pay your dues, make donations,  file ministry reports, contact our supporters, read The Military Chaplain magazine and otherwise connect to resources.

If you missed the November 15th   edition of the Newsgram   click here 
SUPPORTING CHAPLAINCY IN AND OUT OF UNIFORM: Active, Retired and Former Chaplains of the  United States Army,  United States Navy,  United States Air Force, Department of  Veterans Affairs, and  Civil Air Patrol

AND THOSE THEY SERVE: military members, veterans, and their families  at home and around the world

The Military Chaplains Association of the USA
(703) 533-5890 | Email | Website
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