Chapel picnic provides food, fun for all ages

By Rachel PonderOctober 5, 2021

crafts
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sarah Arnett, middle, helps her son Andrew, left, and Jacob, right, complete their crafts during the annual Chapel Community Picnic at CAPA Field Sept. 25. (Photo Credit: Photo by Rachel Ponder, APG News ) VIEW ORIGINAL
Chapel Community Picnic
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Deputy Garrison Chaplain (Maj.) Denise Hagler, left, and Tyler Murdock, right, plan their next move while playing chess at the annual Chapel Community Picnic at CAPA Field Sept. 25. (Photo Credit: Photo by Rachel Ponder, APG News) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. —The APG chapel celebrated the beginning of fall and the new school year by hosting a picnic at CAPA Field Sept. 25.

The Chapel Community Picnic is an annual tradition and is supported by volunteers from the Catholic, Gospel and Protestant congregations. Several people said they were happy to be able to spend time together at an outdoor event. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the picnic was canceled last year.

Family fun 

The community get-together featured a lunch catered by the First Sergeant’s Grill, games, face painting, and crafts. More than 80 people attended.

Military spouse Maria Yager, who is a member of the Catholic congregation, is new to the area. Her family enjoyed meeting new people and making crafts, she said.

“We are lucky we can gather together outside and attend an event safely,” she said about the mild fall weather.

Volunteer Marsha Perkins helped attendees create fall-themed crafts.

“I am having a blast, I do a lot of crafts and teach crafts at the senior center,” she said.

“We thank God for giving us the opportunity to come together as a chapel community, it has been a long time since we have done it,” Deputy Garrison Chaplain (Maj.) Denise Hagler said.

Hagler said students received backpacks with inspirational and religious material inside.

“So they can build spiritual resiliency, and continue to encourage themselves emotionally and spiritually, we are focusing on People First,” she said, referring to the Army’s number one priority.

Hagler thanked First Sergeant’s Grill, volunteers, unit chaplains and religious affairs specialists for supporting the event.

Upcoming fall event 

The next community event hosted by the chapel is the Hallelujah Harvest on Oct. 29 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.

Hallelujah Harvest is a family-friendly alternative to Halloween, outside of the Main Post Chapel, building 2485. Families are invited to dress up and come out to visit booths handing out goodies and treats. Social distancing requirements will be adhered to and masks are required.

About the APG Chapel

The APG Chapel offers a variety of community and religious programs throughout the year. The APG Chapel is meeting in person and virtually for worship services. For more information about services visit the APG Chapel Facebook page, www.facebook.com/APGchapel/, or contact the APG chapel, 410-278-4333.