Ministry of Meanwhile
Several soldiers and officers were surprised to see me back during drill weekend. Many knew that I was to be deployed. I had more than a few conversations explaining the situation. Most could relate to the Army way. One soldier said that I should "take it as a sign." He is about to start student teaching at McCaskey High School. The Army training will come in handy, was my reply. I can say this since I'm a graduate of J. P. McCaskey.
I lead a brief worship service at 2 P.M. on Sunday. Attendance was more than usual--eight all in all. My homily was remarkably similar to Rev. Hunsicker's which I heard earlier that morning at St. Andrew. Thank God I know where to find inspiration when I'm not being visited by the Spirit myself. During worship, I had individuals introduce themselves. Although this might seem simplistic, it helps to quickly create a sense of community when people are seeking some sense of connection in an institutional environment. This was taught to me by a good mentor and I often use it. Some of the prayers of the people included prayers for tsunami victims and prayers for those who are left behind when soldiers deploy. A Major who was in attendance and I agreed that we feel positive and psyched to go, but noticed a wide range of responses from our family and friends.
The Joint Command is planning to use me as a chaplain for the PA ANG for the time being until I go to chaplain's school on Feb 20. Basically, I will be conducting Family Reunion Briefings for family members of soldiers who are returning from deployment. I have presented one of these before and found it to be satisfying and a feel-good type of event. The program is about having realistic expectations as people reunite and learning to cope with change in others during a time of separation. Now I am waiting for the go-ahead as the position is being funded. It will probably be a day or two yet. After school (April 8) I will attach with the 228 FSB in Mississippi and proceed from there.
In the meanwhile, my spirits are good, the house is in order and I have a little more free time than usual. (And I like it!) Sherman (my first dog; a 6 y.o. bullmastiff of 135 lbs.) and I are becoming reacquainted and are getting more walkies in. One of my greatest pleasures is watching Sherman move. He's beefy, yet light on his feet. When he stops to sniff at the base of a tree or to lift his leg, his mass is resolute and firmly planted. Sherman gets many reactions from others as I walk. Most people see him for what he is--a big doofy loveable dog. I like to think of him as the canine mayor to Lancaster. He makes friends quickly and looks like he should walk around with a cigar in his mouth.
Last night I watched Scent of a Woman for the first time ever. I loved it. I especially liked the tango scene, the blind Colonel driving the Ferrari, and the redeeming ending. The kid saves the jaded war horse. And then officer stands up for the kid's integrity. I'm surprised I never saw it before because it is completely my kind of film. Al Pacino is amazingly intense and versitile. I think I will tackle doing the taxes next. It would be kinda nice to go to school with a refund check in the bank. (I should be so lucky--I think I've paid additional taxes for at least three years in a row.)
I lead a brief worship service at 2 P.M. on Sunday. Attendance was more than usual--eight all in all. My homily was remarkably similar to Rev. Hunsicker's which I heard earlier that morning at St. Andrew. Thank God I know where to find inspiration when I'm not being visited by the Spirit myself. During worship, I had individuals introduce themselves. Although this might seem simplistic, it helps to quickly create a sense of community when people are seeking some sense of connection in an institutional environment. This was taught to me by a good mentor and I often use it. Some of the prayers of the people included prayers for tsunami victims and prayers for those who are left behind when soldiers deploy. A Major who was in attendance and I agreed that we feel positive and psyched to go, but noticed a wide range of responses from our family and friends.
The Joint Command is planning to use me as a chaplain for the PA ANG for the time being until I go to chaplain's school on Feb 20. Basically, I will be conducting Family Reunion Briefings for family members of soldiers who are returning from deployment. I have presented one of these before and found it to be satisfying and a feel-good type of event. The program is about having realistic expectations as people reunite and learning to cope with change in others during a time of separation. Now I am waiting for the go-ahead as the position is being funded. It will probably be a day or two yet. After school (April 8) I will attach with the 228 FSB in Mississippi and proceed from there.
In the meanwhile, my spirits are good, the house is in order and I have a little more free time than usual. (And I like it!) Sherman (my first dog; a 6 y.o. bullmastiff of 135 lbs.) and I are becoming reacquainted and are getting more walkies in. One of my greatest pleasures is watching Sherman move. He's beefy, yet light on his feet. When he stops to sniff at the base of a tree or to lift his leg, his mass is resolute and firmly planted. Sherman gets many reactions from others as I walk. Most people see him for what he is--a big doofy loveable dog. I like to think of him as the canine mayor to Lancaster. He makes friends quickly and looks like he should walk around with a cigar in his mouth.
Last night I watched Scent of a Woman for the first time ever. I loved it. I especially liked the tango scene, the blind Colonel driving the Ferrari, and the redeeming ending. The kid saves the jaded war horse. And then officer stands up for the kid's integrity. I'm surprised I never saw it before because it is completely my kind of film. Al Pacino is amazingly intense and versitile. I think I will tackle doing the taxes next. It would be kinda nice to go to school with a refund check in the bank. (I should be so lucky--I think I've paid additional taxes for at least three years in a row.)
posted by Chaplain (CPT) Fokas at 5:10 PM
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