Last week, All Saints Sunday, we paused and gave thanks for loved ones who have impacted our lives and our faith in so many ways, great and small. Well, this weekend we pause to honor and thank our veterans who have served in all branches of the armed forces. This celebration dates back to Nov. 11, 1947 when the first Veterans Day parade was organized in Birmingham, AL. In 1954, Pres. Eisenhower made it official, signing the bill that acknowledges Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.
But if we go back a little further, we’ll see that Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day. World War I, the “The Great War,” officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in Versailles, France. However, the fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, a temporary halting of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars,” or Armistice Day, and was proclaimed by Pres. Wilson on Nov. 11, 1919. Then in 1938 Congress changed the name to honor all veterans of all wars, so it became Veterans Day. That’s some history!
So, this weekend we honor the millions of men and women who have served in the US Armed Forces. We honor veterans. We pay tribute to their bravery, their sacrifice, their uncommon valor and unwavering commitment to ensure that our homeland is safe, while protecting our democracy. We can count on the brave soldiers who put their lives on the line every time they put on their uniform. And for that, we thank you!
Have you ever considered what drives soldiers to do what they do? Is there any advice we could take from one who’s been there? The Apostle Paul was not a soldier on the physical battlefield; however, he knew a lot about spiritual warfare. And for most of us, those who haven’t seen physical battle, our battlefield is spiritual in nature, so perhaps we can take advice from the great veteran warrior for God, on engaging the enemy in spiritual warfare.
14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—
guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
2 Timothy 1:14
I had the honor of visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was an awe-inspiring moment. The solemnity, the austere way in which this tomb filled with the bodies of men and women who sacrificed their very lives, the way in which this tomb was being guarded was so sacred. Each soldier, walking with measured steps, looking ahead, not to the left or right, but straight ahead. You could blow a whistle or yell out, but it wouldn’t break their stride. A singular purpose in mind. A duty. Guarding the treasure. For the world to see.
We, too, have a treasure to guard. The good deposit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The soldiers guarding the tomb exercise enormous strength and restraint, as they methodically and ceremoniously walk back and forth past the tomb, weapon in hand. They are entrusted with a solemn duty. Guard the tomb. And they’ve done it for so long, passing the honor down to others, entrusting it to other faithful soldiers, so much so that if you look closely enough, you’ll see a path in the marble of the ground they have trodden. A tangible sign of their bravery, their valor day in and day out. It is a sacred honor.
Paul exhorted Timothy to stay the course, remain committed to the faith, don’t get entangled by distractions. And by the way, Paul was imprisoned in a Roman jail when he wrote this letter to Timothy, so he knew a little something about showing courage and bravery in times of danger. Uncommon valor.
Join us this Sunday as we remember and honor all of our Veterans. The sermon title: Uncommon Valor. If you can’t make it in person, please join us online at www.umcgt.org.
Veterans Day This Sunday we will honor all Veterans in worship, have a special slideshow, followed by a light brunch. We love you and we thank you for your sacrifice! The church office will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11.
Pledges If you did not have a chance to submit your pledge card, there’s still time. Please bring or mail it to the church office or bring it on any Sunday and place it in the Pledge Box. We will close the pledge period on November 24. Thank you for your ongoing support of the ministries of Green Trails. Together you are making a difference in the lives of many!
New After School Program! GT will be launching an after-school program, Trekkers, through the Children’s Defense Fund initiative, in 2025. We are in the final planning stages and will have an update for the congregation on Sunday, Dec. 1, after service. You will also have an opportunity to sign up to volunteer! It will be for middle and high schoolers. Spread the word!
WOW! Wednesday night WOW is on break for now. Stay tuned for Advent news.
Service of Remembrance Each year we have a Service of Remembrance before the holidays. We remember those who will not be at the dinner table, but who we hold in our hearts. The service will be on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 5:30pm in the Sanctuary.
Vision for 2024:
A House United:
Strong Faith, Strong Families, Strong Future!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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