November 11, 2011, Veterans Day, provided another opportunity for Americans to honor the troops who have served our country. On and around Veterans Day there were numerous events and observances celebrating the military service and sacrifices of so many of our citizens. I expect the mystique of 11-11-11 only added to this year’s activity.
In the congregation where I worshipped on November 13th, those who had served in the military were invited to stand and to be recognized during the parish announcements. Folks clapped enthusiastically. A few weeks later, I wish to pose the question: In the church, does our ministry to “John and Mary military” extend beyond the holiday clapping? In most cases, the answer is no.
Most of us are aware of the quickly disappearing World War II and Korean War veterans. Many of the often unsupported Vietnam vets are still dealing with profound issues. (It is estimated there are at least 300,000 homeless Vietnam vets presently in the US.) And then we need to realize that we have been living with deployed soldiers in wars and conflicts pretty consistently over the past 20+ years. We have generations of war veterans and their extended families sitting in our pews. And for the most part, they are relatively invisible because wars don’t seem to have the beginnings and endings they used to have. Military service is voluntary and soldiers often are serving out of economic opportunity and necessity. Many have the option of not getting involved with our “war industry.”
Clinicians tell us we have a lot of people living with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), or I have also seen it labeled (PDSE), Post Deployment Stress Effects. In the church, whatever the acronym, it is called a pastoral care issue.
I invite you to check out a resourceful website, www.CareForTheTroops.org. Care For The Troops is an ecumenical ministry “facilitating the spiritual and psychological care of returning war veterans and their extended families.” The ministry got its start with Episcopalians in my hometown of Marietta, GA. The program is well-developed and has been endorsed by our ELCA Southeastern Synod Bishop, The Rev. H. Julian Gordy, as well as our Southeastern Synod Council.
The biggest present need for this ministry is for pastors and congregations to utilize it! Look at the website. Talk to the people who do pastoral care in your congregation. If you have a Stephen Ministry group, acquaint them with the opportunity. Share the website with your pastor and your parish nurse. Feel free to contact Peter McCall, the ministry’s Executive Director (contact info is on the website). There are several organizations that support veterans, but Care For The Troops focuses on their spiritual and psychological care.
Clapping is for Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. Care For The Troops is a resource for standing with our troops and their families every day.
No comments:
Post a Comment