Maryland State Council Chaplain

Maryland
State Council Chaplain

The Role of Chapter Chaplain:
A Workshop for Maryland VVA Chaplains
Held at Chapter 451 Home, Baltimore, MD, July 27, 1996
Jackson H. Day, Chaplain

Opening (10 AM)

Who we are, where we were in Vietnam era

Why we became chapter chaplains

Desired outcome from this meeting

Two Chaplaincy Concepts

Welcome Home

God "goes before"

Concept 1. Welcome Home

Numbers 31:21-24

Contrast: Rice Paddies today, Scranton PA tomorrow

Chaplains and those still "outside the camp"

Discussion: What do we encounter in chapters?

Concept 2. God "goes before"

Isaiah 52:12

Wherever we go, whoever we talk with -- God is already at work

Step 1 always = listen & find out what God is doing

Discussion: What spiritual imperatives do we bring with us?

Selection of a chaplain

Certification of a chaplain

Duties of a chaplain

Spiritual Ceremonies

Referral to civilian churches

Interpretation to civilian community

Other duties

Discussion: Getting the needs met vs. meeting the needs

Philosophical background

When to use

Relating to family and clergy

Denominational (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish) Services

Typically only on weekend-long events - Conventions

Don't pretend "one size fits all"

Make sure options available for all

Innovations we can propose

Discussion from floor

Where do we go from here?

Individual Chapters

State Council level - newsletters

Memorial Day, Veterans Day Services

Next meeting

Updated March 21, 1999

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Write to State Council Chaplain Jackson Day