Friday, October 26, 2007

Peace-loving congregation adopts a U.S. Army platoon that is heading to Iraq

Holy Trinity Church describes itself as a "...vibrant, growing and caring community in the Anglican tradition". I found it to be that and more! It is a relatively small congregation in a ethnic diverse neighborhood called Inwood in the upper tip end of Manhattan, New York City, which has a most hospitable welcome for all who pass through its doors.

The church nearly folded a few years ago. However, the Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of New York wisely appointed a new vicar, the Rev. Johann-Karen Johannson-- a very passionate, positive leader whom the congregation obviously deeply respects and loves. She, and the small handful of others who were the congregation at the time, bonded together in their commitment and the church is experiencing a new vibrancy in attendance, worship, fellowship and mission. Nowadays on any Sunday there are about 40 or so regular worshippers and the congregation is once again a viable presence in the community with important local ministries which are described on their web site, http://www.holytrinityinwood.org/.

The age and culturally diverse members make up one of the most friendly congregations I have encountered. The members --young, old and in between -- seem genuinely happy to greet each other and visitors before and after worship. And the same is true during the well-attended coffee hour (which is actually a pot-luck, sit-down lunch each Sunday!) where almost everyone stays and enjoys the fellowship in their simple, crowded parish hall and kitchen. Genuine love and acceptance seems to abound at Holy Trinity.

During the two Sundays I visited the congregation I have witnessed beautiful, spirited singing by "the pew-choir" -- i.e. the entire congregation (their only "choir"); well-done, non-elaborate Episcopal Church liturgy; and a conversation-style homily by their gifted communicator-preacher-vicar, Mother Johanna. At the time of the homily, a chair is brought to the center aisle amidst the congregation and she "preaches" conversational style while seated. The listeners are very attentive to the Gospel-centered, engaging sermon. Some even audibly respond to her occasional question and all warmly laugh at her natural humor.

I was invited to Holy Trinity in my role as the Director for Federal Chaplaincies in the Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies. (The Rt. Rev. George Packard is my "boss" and also happens to know Mo. Johanna.) Apparently the majority of the members at Holy Trinity are opposed to the war in Iraq, yet they decided to reach out in a non-judgemental manner to some of those men and women of the U.S. armed services who have bravely volunteered to serve and now are asked to put their lives on the line in an unpopular war.

Janis Handte, one of Holy Trinity's outreach-ministry leaders, contacted our office about their already in motion plan to "adopt" a platoon at Ft. Drum, NY -- a unit which is about to deploy to Iraq. She said this is venture "outside the box" for Holy Trinity and asked to discuss it with me and also to come speak with their congregation. Among other things, I talked about our HoST (Home Support Team) program suggestions we have posted on our web page, http://www.tec-chaplain.org/, especially geared for congregations and dioceses which recognize the need to engage in outreach with persons directly or indirectly touched by the war -- including non-church members in the community as well as those in their church family.

None of Holy Trinity's current membership is part of the military and none has immediate friends or family serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Yet the church is reaching out and "feeling its way" into this ministry of compassion. It has resulted in the church establishing rapport with the platoon by way of the Platoon Leader, Second Lieutenant Paul Moeller of the 2nd Platoon, Company 57 (Transportation) of the 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry at Ft. Drum, NY -- located more than three hours north of New York City.

Although Holy Trinity's "Adopt a Platoon" coordinator Janis Handte had spoken with LT Moeller via telephone, on Sunday, October 21, the congregation finally met LT Moeller for the first time. He worshipped with them at their 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist and stayed for the fellowship lunch afterwards.

During the worship service Mother Johanna blessed 2o copies of the Episcopal Church's "A Prayer Book for the Armed Services" and 20 Church Service crosses which can be attached to a service member's "dog tag" ID. These were presented to LT Moeller for him to make available to the platoon members. Prayers were offered on behalf of the platoon as it prepares to deploy to Iraq very soon.

Throughout the platoon's 15-month deployment the congregation hopes to stay in touch with LT Moeller and the other members of the unit -- supporting them with regular prayers and with occasional "care package" items which hopefully will brighten their long days a bit.

Christian hospitality is at the very center of being Christian and being church; of living out the Great Commandment of Jesus to "love God and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves." Holy Trinity, Inwood, is beautifully demonstrating Christ-like hospitality to its neighborhood and now to a platoon that is heading into harm's way.