ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.-The APG community gathered in person and virtually for an annual APG tradition, the National Prayer Luncheon at the APG Recreation Center Ballroom, March 4.
Hosted by the APG Chapel, the National Prayer Luncheon included a meal catered by the First Sergeant’s BBQ, prayers for the nation, Soldiers and families by organization chaplains, special music and a message from U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Chaplain Col. Steve Moser. The theme was “hope and healing.”
Caring for others
Garrison Commander Col. Timothy Druell gave opening remarks, emphasizing love, unity and healing for the nation. To love America, he said, is to love all Americans regardless of age, race, disability or creed.
“As people of different faiths and ethnicities we gather together this morning to draw on the diversity and collective strength of our great American spirit, demonstrating hope and healing for all,” he said.
Druell said change “begins with us” and challenged attendees to “never give up” caring for our families, friends and neighbors.
“The simple act of caring changes our community, changes ourselves, to make a world of difference,” he said.
Celebrating religious liberty
Moser said religious liberty, the right to choose which religion to follow and to worship without interference, is a cherished value in our nation.
“Respecting whether a person chooses to embrace it or not is a cherished value in our nation,” he said. “Today is about expressing that freedom through prayer.”
Moser said the National Day of Prayer is an invitation to observe, not an order to practice. This sets our nation apart in a unique way, he said.
“The free exercise of religion and religious liberty supports the mission-enhancing benefits of a positive command climate that encourages respect, tolerance and ample opportunity for expressing or abstaining from religion and worship,” he said.
Moser said he believes religion is a critical foundation for ethics and morals. He challenged attendees to lead, to rise above and inspire. He said people tend to get pulled into superficial matters, group think and sensational news, also known as “clickbait.”
“Pursue your God from your heart, don’t be distracted or caught up in the vain deceit that it often is, that we get sucked into, for something that we may call religion but it really is clothed in that garb, so rise above,” he said.
Moser concluded his remarks by saying we should inspire others during these “deeply divisive times.”
“Let us move our nation at the same time towards unity, to respecting and supporting people regardless of their positions on faith,” he said.
Musical selections were provided by Russ Hughes, a chapel volunteer, and 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Command Chaplain Resource Manager Lt. Col. Martin Cho. Brian Wilson, with the U.S. Army Evaluation Center, performed the national anthem.
Hughes, a military family member, said he felt fortunate to perform an inspirational song called “Heal Our Land” for the annual National Prayer Luncheon. He volunteers in the community by playing piano for the APG Protestant congregation every Sunday and leads group singing in local assisted living facilities.
“It’s so nice to serve Soldiers and their families,” he said. “I stay busy. I have a beautiful life in my retirement, a life of privilege.”
More religious servicesa
Chapel volunteer Russ Hughes performs an inspirational song called “Heal Our Land,” during the annual APG National Prayer Luncheon at the APG Recreation Center Ballroom March 4. VIEW ORIGINAL
Installation Religious Support Office offers in-person and virtual services for Catholic, Protestant and Gospel congregations. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/APGchapel/ or call 410-278-4333.
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