Dear Cumberland Presbyterians:
Memorial Day has special significance for all of us. Our freedom has been protected by people who have served in the military; many gave the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives.
The General Assembly has approved a Memorial Day offering for the Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies (formerly known as the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel). This reminder is being sent to encourage congregations in the United States to receive an offering in remembrance of those who have protected our freedom and in honor of all federal chaplains who serve the Church and their country.
Military chaplains minister to members of the Armed Forces as well as to wives, husbands, children and parents who must wait and pray. The ministry of all federal chaplains is an extension of the outreach of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies, a partner ministry of four denominations, provides Presbyterian and reformed ministry and support to federal chaplains and their families- whether it be the members and families of our Armed Forces, our Veterans and their families receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, inmates confined in Bureau of Prison facilities and their families, members and cadets of the Civil Air Patrol, or perhaps women and men serving in other departments and agencies of the federal government.
We hope your church will consider taking a special offering that will be used for the important work of the Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies. If your church would prefer to take an offering at a time other than Memorial Day, we encourage you to do so. A downloadable bulletin insert is available for your use. Personal donations are also welcome.
You may send contributions made payable to: Office of the General Assembly, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016, and the offering will be forwarded to the Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies in Washington, D.C.
From the Office of the General Assembly
Michael Sharpe
Stated Clerk
