Veterans Day
Dear church family,
No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:3)
Today, November 11, 2021 is Veterans Day. A day set aside in our country by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 with a three fold purpose:
Remember and celebrate the contribution of all who have served in the military,
Remember those who have fought and died,
To promote an enduring peace.
The United Methodist Church opposes war and urges all nations to find peaceful means of conflict resolution. I and the UMC believe it is important for us to honor, support, and uphold the men and women who serve in our armed services in prayer. I also believe we are called to participate in ministry and partnerships that provide pastoral ministry to members of the armed forces and their families both during their service and after.
Our church, in connection with other United Methodist churches, are called to advocate on behalf of veterans, particularly those who are suffering from physical and emotional injuries, for medical care and benefits to promote their healing and successful return to civilian life.
There are an estimated 19 million veterans in the United States. I wonder how you and I might celebrate Veterans day this year? How can you and I join in showing our veterans appreciation and support?
Here are a few suggestions I came up with.
Attend a local Veterans Day Events: (Here are two local events)
10:00 a.m. - Carrollton's VETERANS MEMORIAL: The American Legion Auxiliary will place a flag and a wreath at the Carrollton Veterans Memorial in honor of our Veterans. 1700 Keller's Springs Road behind the Library to the West.
3:00 p.m. - Carrollton Farmers Branch Rotary will be laying a Wreath at the Carrollton Black Cemetery, please arrive around 2:30 p.m. The Laying of the Wreath will happen at 3 p.m. @ 1523 W. Beltline Rd.
2. Recognize veterans in your workplace.
At both worship services this week we will recognize and pray for our veterans.
3. Hold a moment of silence.
Another way to honor veterans — whether you have any in your workplace or home — is by taking a moment of silence together at 11 a.m.
4. Assemble care packages.
Check our local VFW Hall or contact an organization like Support Our Troops or Any Soldier.com. Each site offers detailed instructions on making sure your package will reach its destination with appropriate items. If you don’t have time to organize a collection/packaging event for Veterans Day, it’s the perfect time to talk to your children or grandchildren about creating a care package to send for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What other ideas do you have?
Jesus calls us to love and he calls us to a life of service. Service to and with others. That service and serving requires things from us. It takes intentionality. It takes time. It can mean giving up power, position, and putting others' needs above our own. It is a commitment to the “common good”. Serving as Jesus did, means doing things we might not want to do, doing things others would not do, all because we know and believe the action we are taking expresses love for others, our families, our neighbors, and even strangers.
I am grateful for all who serve and have served. I am grateful for the love they have shown to put others' lives above their own. Let’s find ways to celebrate their service this week.
With gratitude,
Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor