Many thanks to everyone who helped assemble the Memorial Day treat bags on Sunday, May 26. Over 300 granola bars and Memorial Day notes were shared with parade watchers.
Thank you to Gerrie Oliver for creating our new Memorial Day banners. Thank you to Rosemary Huss for decorating our Memorial Day cross. Thank you to Roy Merz for painting our miniature St. Paul’s church. Thank you to Gerrie Oliver, Barbara Guile, Sarah Chung and Eric Holsten for helping to decorate our St. Paul’s float and also the front steps of St. Paul’s.
Pastor Holsten led the invocation and benediction at the ceremony in Memorial Field. Katy Holsten played “Taps” at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Thank you also to Katy, Adam and Eric Holsten, Jamie Kenney and Amanda Abbott for their help putting away the miniature church and decorations.
Memorial Day Prayer
By Pastor Robert Holsten
We make our beginning this day in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear heavenly Father, help us to keep in mind the sacrifice of those who left hometown, family and friends to serve in our nation’s armed forces. This day we remember those laid down their lives, in places ranging from Belleau Wood, France, to Quang Tri, Viet Nam. Help us to honor the memory of these sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers, and in other towns, daughters, sisters and mothers. Help us to appreciate the tears and quiet sacrifice of those they left behind.
We ask Your healing for those recovering from injury in battle. We ask Your care for those suffering from post-traumatic stress. We ask Your blessing in receiving and caring for our veterans.
We thank you for all in our military who protect us this day. Help those in our armed forces to carry out their duties with faithfulness, diligence and courage. Keep them safe. Comfort them in times of loneliness. Bless the ministry of chaplains who share compassion, faith and hope with those far from home.
Bless the families of those who serve in military. Be with all who wait for them here.
Bless those in towns, counties, states, and these United States who protect, serve and rescue others. Help all who lead to do so with wisdom, honor and compassion for all people. Help each one of us to appreciate the gifts You have given us as citizens of this country. Give us loving hearts and faithful, compassionate hands and feet. Guide and strengthen us in service to others.
I pray in the strong and sure name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen.