A Special Welcome to Military Members
And
Military Families
There is a painting that hangs just outside of the Secretary of Defense’s office at the Pentagon showing a family at an altar rail. Above them, seemingly in the family’s thoughts, and far away,
are their loved ones serving their country in various forms. At the bottom of the painting is a small brass plaque from the Book of Isaiah, which reads, “Here am I…send me.” The painting is a powerful
statement which reminds all who see it that the men and women who serve our country are not forgotten, that they are constantly in our prayers, and that many leave behind families when they perform
their duty.
We at Holy Comforter are acutely aware of the sacrifices that military members, and their families, make in order to serve our nation. Sumter is very much a military friendly town, and Holy Comforter
embraces that long tradition. Many of our members are retired military who have returned to Sumter to begin the next chapter of their lives. Many of our members are active duty, some single, some
with families. Many of our members are veterans from all branches of the military. All understand the calling of duty, sacrifice, and family. Holy Comforter serves as a home--or a temporary home--for
all of them while they are here.
We know that stress can take many forms, and can affect not only the military member, but also their families. Besides the weekly spiritual sustenance provided for all families, Holy Comforter
also provides programs and courses which we have found can assist with the rigors of military life. Programs such as small groups, Alpha programs, a vibrant Youth program, marriage encounter weekends,
Cursillo weekends, men’s and women’s devotional studies, adult, youth, and children’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, various music groups…all are designed to provide support and a safe haven
for the special stress and needs of military life for the member and their families. We know what it means to serve. We know all that is entailed in a deployment. We are there for you, and your
family.
Just as the families in the painting, Holy Comforter continually has our nation’s military members--and especially those of our Holy Comforter family--in our prayers. We look forward to meeting
you, and serving you, while you and your family serve our nation.
Heavenly Father, we commend to thy gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with thy heavenly grace; strengthen them in their
trials and temptations; give them courage to face perils that beset them; and help them to know that none can pluck from thy hand those that put their trust in thee.
Links of interest:
20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB
U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT)
3rd U.S. Army, U.S. Army Central Command (ARCENT)
South Carolina National Guard
169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Joint National Guard Base
59th Aviation Troop Command, McEntire Joint National Guard Base |
