To receive free resources to celebrate LCMS “Armed Forces Sunday” May 20, all congregations must place new orders by Feb. 10. This year’s theme — “New Mission … New Orders … Move Out!” — is based on John 17:11-19.
The website for ordering bulletin inserts in quantities of 50, a suggested sermon and responsive prayers is www.lcms.org/armedforcessunday. Items will be mailed in April.
Also available on the Ministry to the Armed Forces website — at www.lcms.org/armedforces — is a form to register congregational members who are in the active military for its “Ministry-by-Mail” program. Servicemen a
nd women receive materials in an initial packet when their name is put into the program and then regularly receive copies of Portals of Prayer.
Congregations are encouraged to ask their members who are veterans to come in uniform to worship on May 20 and that a special recognition ceremony be held for them and their family members. Also, a military chaplain may be invited to speak for the occasion.
“If your congregation chooses to celebrate Armed Forces Sunday on a day other than May 20, appropriate days could include a Sunday close to Memorial Day, Independence Day or Veterans Day,” said Chaplain Mark Schreiber, director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces. Resources will be sent closer to those dates.
“Armed Forces Sunday, as celebrated by our church body today, gives every member time and occasion to reflect upon the dedicated service and tremendous sacrifice of all veterans in all wars who have helped to secure our place as a nation, by the grace of God,” Schreiber added.
To locate a chaplain in your area or for more information about Armed Forces Sunday resources, call 800-248-1930, ext. 1337, or send an email to lcmschaps@lcms.org.
Posted Jan. 25, 2012
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