ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.-Members of the APG community paused to think about what they are grateful for during the annual Thanksgiving Prayer Luncheon at Top of the Bay here, Nov. 17, 2022.
The Thanksgiving Prayer Luncheon is an annual tradition on post. Hosted by the APG Chapel, the luncheon included readings by organization chaplains, special music and a message from Chaplain (Col.) Harry Huey Jr., who serves as the chief of the Policy and Government Affairs Division in the Office of the Chief of Chaplains. Leaders, including APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II attended.
Michael Kreilein, deputy to the garrison commander, gave opening remarks.
“Prayer luncheons like these are blessings, for through them we build relationships which will build trust and trust brings hope and courage,” he said.
Kreilein gave thanks to Soldiers for their service to the nation.
“Our service members are ready and resilient, prepared for any challenge,” he said. “They are in the serving business, committing themselves to serve this country and its people. With so many lives lost, and families impacted by conflict, they need prayer for their safety and security more than ever.”
Service members and government employees all serve the U.S. Constitution, he added.
“We have committed ourselves to the people of this nation,” he said. “Like those in the military and civilian service, our family and community members sacrifice, if not more so for the betterment of our lives. We owe them a great debt of service; a debt I don’t think we can really pay. But we can learn from the many examples of their sacrifice and continue to pray for them.”
Huey talked about the first Thanksgiving and recounted that more than half of the original 102 pilgrims did not survive their first winter in the New World. Yet, they decided to give thanks to God during this tragedy, he said.
“Husbands lost wives, wives lost husbands, children lost parents, parents lost children. Over a 50% casualty, and yet, what did they do, they had a thanksgiving celebration of some type,” he said.
Thanksgiving is part of the American cycle, he said. He challenged attendees to think about their faith during this season of Thanksgiving.
“[During] Thanksgiving week, as you process difficult things, also process the good things and know that all of those things come from the Father in Heaven,” he said.
Latecia Mesngon, a military spouse and a member of the Catholic Women of the Chapel said she enjoyed that the program was ecumenical.
“All of the individual prayers made me very grateful,” she said.
More religious services
The 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.
For more photos, visit APG community reminded to be thankful during difficult times- | Flickr
Social Sharing