I keep discovering new things about the ways the ELCA, our denomination, is involved in ministry and service in our communities, throughout the U.S., and around the world. Whether at a congregational or denominational level, Lutherans show up to serve. Frankly, it impresses me when I consider what is achieved by Lutherans loving their neighbors.

One example is this: the ELCA has an active, vital ministry as chaplains in the active military and VA (Veterans Affairs) medical system. Their website describes it this way, “Chaplains preach the gospel, lead worship, administer the sacraments, perform weddings, provide counsel, bury the dead and teach. They do this while immersed in the world of military members, patients, families and staff at Veterans Affairs medical centers…” ELCA chaplains are often especially appreciated in military settings, as the chaplains from our church are willing to minister to people of different religious backgrounds, or of no religion at all, to include LGBTQ service members in worship, marriage counseling, and other programs, and to help make sure every service member has access to religious services that fit their beliefs, Christian or otherwise.

I found myself thinking about our federal chaplains this week in the lead-up to Veterans Day. The vocation of military service carries a demand on the service member’s time, family, physical well-being, and much more. It also carries a spiritual demand, especially for those who serve in combat zones. I am grateful to know that there are ELCA pastors who have heard God’s call to provide spiritual care to those who serve or have served. 

I read an article in Living Lutheran about a navy chaplain who was recently honored with prestigious awards for his diligent service to his fellow service members. (You can click this link to read it yourself!) That led me to the discovery that the ELCA federal chaplain ministries recently released a workshop for veterans returning to civilian life after a deployment or at the end of their service. Wow! Add that to the prayer book for the armed services, a resource designed to go with military members as they are deployed, and the commitment to supporting active service members and veterans couldn’t be clearer.

You might be wondering what that all has to do with our congregation– after all, we don’t do all that ourselves! We pray for service members and their families, for peace in the world, and for the care and support provided to veterans. We provide care to RLC members who are deployed, along with their families who are at home. But we are also part of something much bigger because of our connection to the ELCA. Every year, we give to the Southeastern Iowa Synod, which in turn gives to the ELCA churchwide offices. Through the staff and connections of the ELCA, we are able to work together to love and serve our neighbors: for example, active and retired military service members, whom we remember this Veterans Day.

Almighty and ever-living God, we give you thanks for the men and women who have served and defended our country and the values of freedom and justice we hold so dear. Help us be mindful of the sacrifices they made and the hardship endured by their families and friends, so that we never take for granted the privileges they have secured for us. Hear us, we pray, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.