Minute for Mission: Remember Our Chaplains — Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies

Matthew 25: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me…I was sick, and you took care of me; I was in prison, and you visited me.”

On Feb. 3, 1943, four U.S. Army chaplains from different faith traditions selflessly gave up their life jackets to others on the USAT Dorchester as it sank from a strike by an enemy torpedo. Survivors recall seeing four chaplains, arms linked together, praying as the ship slipped beneath the waves. Since that date, Feb. 3 has become an observance called Four Chaplains Day, which brings together people of diverse backgrounds to recognize our shared humanity.

Our Book of Order states, “God sends the Church to join the mission of Jesus Christ in service to the world.” Just as those four chaplains were called to serve their military community during World War II, today, dedicated PC(USA) chaplains minister in various federal, state and local ministries as they seek to remain faithful to that call.

The Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies endorses PC(USA) chaplains serving in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Veterans Affairs hospitals and the branches of our military. As highlighted in Matthew 25, these chaplains are called to bring hope and transform their respective communities through acts of love and compassion: feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, visiting prisoners, freeing captives, sheltering the homeless, welcoming strangers, comforting those who mourn and being present with all who are in need. These times include:

A VA chaplain called to sit with an elderly veteran in his hospital room during his last few moments of life. The chaplain conveyed words of love and reassurance and offered prayers while waiting for the family to arrive. They were grateful knowing their loved one was never alone.

A military chaplain conducted a funeral service for a soldier whose remains were identified 73 years after he was declared Missing in Action. The chaplain said it was an honor and privilege to help bring closure to the family that waited so long for their loved one to be returned.   

A Federal Bureau of Prison chaplain advocating for incarcerated adults and daily proclaiming God's grace as they deal with shame, guilt, anger and the belief that no one, not even God, can ever love them. This chaplain firmly believes these spiritual and emotional chains can be broken, and chaplains can help release them from their control.

Whether it’s 1943 or 2025, PC(USA) chaplains engage with people when life brings about cause for celebration, sorrow, accomplishment, doubt, renewal and despair. Pray for our chaplains who selflessly give of themselves so that the voice of the voiceless can be heard, the needs of those in need can be met, and the gift of hope and life itself can be given in the darkest moments in unexpected ways.

For more information on serving as a Veterans Affairs, federal prison or military chaplain, go to presfedchap.org. 

Rev. Dennis E. Hysom, Executive Director, Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies and retired Army Chaplain

Let us join in prayer for:

• Susan Dudgeon, Operations Specialist, Presbyterian Foundation 
• Angela Duffy, President & CEO, New Covenant Trust Co., Presbyterian Foundation

Let us pray:

Loving God, you know how deep wounds go. You know that many in our communities suffer, and you feel that pain in their lives. You know the memories that haunt them and the scars that many of them continue to carry. O merciful Savior, bring healing to those who are still hurting. Please grant patience and wisdom to those around them who cannot understand but can sometimes help. Permit both physical and spiritual healing to wounds that remain. For this, we pray in your most holy name, Amen.

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