Minute for Mission: Remember Our Chaplains – Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies

February 5, 2023

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
    you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
    and the power of your right hand saves me.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life —
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:7–8

Four Chaplains (provided)

The Four Chaplains stood on the deck of the USAT Dorchester on Feb. 3, 1943. Linked arm in arm, chaplains George Fox (Methodist), Alexander Goode (Jewish), Clark Poling (Reformed) and John Washington (Roman Catholic) sang hymns and offered prayers as the ship sank beneath the turbulent waves of the North Atlantic. Perhaps these courageous servants of God were comforted, even as we read in our Psalm, by knowing the faithful love of our Lord endures forever.

The commitment the Four Chaplains showed to their calling has inspired today’s chaplains for 80 years. Though only a few have given the ultimate sacrifice, all are committed to ministry when those they serve have need.

One of our reserve chaplains who also pastors a congregation related such commitment recently. He spent time back-filling at an installation while an assigned chaplain was overseas supporting women and men serving abroad. Like all our reserve chaplains, on arrival he immediately joined in the ministry and began to visit and support specific units. During his nearly three months on site, he made many contacts and developed trust relationships with numerous uniformed members.

One Saturday morning, a few months after completing the assignment, the chaplain received a text at 5 a.m. The text simply said, “Hey Chaplain, I have a friend going through a rough time. Can we talk?” Through more texts and conversations, the member received help and guidance. Today the friend is doing well.

The chaplain related on remembering the incident, “for me it is especially affirming because I had met this individual maybe three times total. And yet, a few months later, after no contact, when he was in need, he reached out to me.”

The chaplains sent forward by our church make a difference every day. Our congregations may not be able to reach those who serve, but through their support, prayers, and the chaplains we send to federal institutions are able to connect and respond where there is need – on military installations, in prisons, and at VA hospitals.

The Four Chaplains voluntarily surrendered their lives on that horrendous night in the North Atlantic. Their sacrifice was not in vain. Prior to their descent beneath the waves, they gave away their life jackets and other critical gear, saving many of the crew. But even more noteworthy was the witness they delivered to the faithful love of our God. Jehovah does not abandon us, even when we pass through the grave to the glory of his presence.

Lyman M. Smith, Captain, CHC, USN, Retired, Executive Director of Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies
For more information on chaplaincy or to give to support our important ministry, please visit presfedchap.org.

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Kerry Rice, Deputy Stated Clerk, Office of the Stated Clerk, Office of the General Assembly
Meg Rift, Associate for Curriculum Development, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation

Let us pray

Jehovah Jireh, we give you thanks for your faithful love that endures forever. Today remind us of your protection, even in troubled times. Help us act with assurance of your love in all the circumstances of our lives.

We pray today for the ones who put their lives on the line to help us live in safety and with purpose. We remember especially our chaplains. Whether they serve in the military, in health care, in prisons, in industry or in so many other settings, they go into the world each day to be your presence, O God, amid your people. Encourage them, enable them, and provide them the sure and certain knowledge of your faithful love that others may encounter the peace that only you provide.

Amen

Minute for Mission: Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies

February 6, 2022

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
    you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
    and the power of your right hand saves me.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:7–8

Four Chaplains (provided)

The Four Chaplains stood on the deck of the USAT Dorchester on Feb. 3, 1943. Linked arm in arm, chaplains George Fox (Methodist), Alexander Goode (Jewish), Clark Poling (Reformed) and John Washington (Roman Catholic) sang hymns and offered prayers as the ship sank beneath the turbulent waves of the North Atlantic. Perhaps these courageous servants of God were comforted, even as we read in our Psalm, by knowing the faithful love of our Lord endures forever.

The commitment the Four Chaplains showed to their calling has inspired today’s chaplains for nearly 80 years. Though only a few have given the ultimate sacrifice, all are committed to ministry when those they serve have need.

One of our reserve chaplains who also pastors a congregation related such commitment recently. He spent time this past year back-filling at an installation while an assigned chaplain was overseas supporting women and men serving abroad. Like all our reserve chaplains, on arrival he immediately joined in the ministry and began to visit and support specific units. During his nearly three months on site, he made many contacts and developed trust relationships with numerous uniformed members.

One Saturday morning, a few months after completing the assignment, the chaplain received a text at 5 a.m. The text simply said, “Hey Chaplain, I have a friend going through a rough time. Can we talk?” Through more texts and conversations, the member received help and guidance. Today the friend is doing well.

The chaplain related on remembering the incident, “for me it is especially affirming because I had met this individual maybe three times total. And yet, a few months later, after no contact, when he was in need, he reached out to me.”

The chaplains sent forward by our church make a difference every day. Our congregations may not be able to reach those who serve, but through their support, prayers, and the chaplains we send to federal institutions are able to connect and respond where there is need – on military installations, in prisons, and at VA hospitals.

The Four Chaplains voluntarily surrendered their lives on that horrendous night in the North Atlantic. Their sacrifice was not in vain. Prior to their descent beneath the waves, they gave away their life jackets and other critical gear, saving many of the crew. But even more noteworthy was the witness they delivered to the faithful love of our God. Jehovah does not abandon us, even when we pass through the grave to the glory of his presence.

Lyman M. Smith, Captain, CHC, USN, Retired, Executive Director of Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies

For more information on chaplaincy or to give to support our important ministry, please visit presfedchap.org.

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Nicholas Johnson, 1001 Apprentice, 1001 New Worshiping Communities, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Sandy Johnson, Financial/Budget Analyst, Budgets & Forecasting, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)

Let us pray

Jehovah Jireh, we give you thanks for your faithful love that endures forever. Today remind us of your protection, even in troubled times. Help us act with assurance of your love in all the circumstances of our lives.

We pray today for the ones who put their lives on the line to help us live in safety and with purpose. We remember especially our chaplains. Whether they serve in the military, in health care, in prisons, in industry or in so many other settings, they go into the world each day to be your presence, O God, amid your people. Encourage them, enable them, and provide them the sure and certain knowledge of your faithful love that others may encounter the peace that only you provide. Amen

Today in the Mission Yearbook - A chaplain learns the ministry of presence

On Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies Sunday, we also remember the story of the Four Chaplains

February 2, 2020

Lord, you are my shepherd; I have all that I need. …
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. …
You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

—Psalm 23 (NLT)

Chaplain Smith is with Religious Program Specialist Sean Boyd in Fallujah in 2006.

When faced with chaos and danger, four World War II U.S. Army chaplains on a critically damaged Army transport together chose to offer their shipmates the peace they could. When nothing more could be done, these same chaplains laid down their lives, giving a few of those around them a chance for life. (For more about the Four Chaplains, see fourchaplains.org/the-saga-of-the-four-chaplains.)

This story from more than 75 years ago lives on to both inspire and steady those who have answered the call to military service. Few chaplains find themselves giving their lives for their faith as literally as the Four Chaplains did, but all have raised their hands and taken the oath knowing that they might. All of our chaplains have made that choice.

Serving as the Deputy Force Chaplain at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, in 2006, PC(USA) Navy Chaplain Mark Smith didn’t travel frequently around Al Anbar province. When he did, it was usually a night flight on a Blackhawk helicopter. One rare daytime trip Chaplain Smith took as part of a vehicle convoy moving between Fallujah and Ramadi was a reminder of his call to serve no matter the cost.

After a successful mission and while nearing the fortified entrance back into Camp Fallujah and safety, an explosion sounded in the distance. Chaplain Smith breathed a quick prayer of thanks that the gate was in sight and they had reached safety. The Marines, however, did what Marines do — they turned and headed toward the explosion.

Soon a radio call came ordering a return to camp and all were spared. Chaplain Smith was stirred by the devotion of the Marines he served with that day, and knew he belonged among them. Chaplains are to be with those they serve, in every clime and place, regardless of the circumstances.

Our chaplains work with Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen and Coast Guard members — from the greenest recruits to the most senior officers — standing ready to live out their calls in ways large and small, private and public. Today we recognize and honor the Four Chaplains and pray for those who are now serving as military chaplains. May they choose each day the example set in 1943 that such love can live forever.

Lyman M. Smith, Captain, CHC, USN, retired; Director of the Presbyterian Counsel for Chaplains and Military Personnel

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Paul Seebeck, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray:

O Lord of all, we thank you for the unity and love that the Four Chaplains evidenced for each other and for those they served as they chose to give their lives so that others might continue theirs. May their example be remembered and followed today and always. Today we pray for our chaplains wherever they serve. Keep them safe, O Lord, if it be your will; but even more, keep our chaplains close to you as they go with their flocks in every clime and place. We pray also for our nation and your world, that we might choose your way and pursue peace amid turmoil and hatred. Even as the Four Chaplains embraced despite their differences, may we overcome our differences and love others even as you have loved us. This we pray in your holy name. Amen.