Love and pancakes for our Veterans and Active Military

Dear Friends,

How should churches recognize Veteran's Day? A free pancake breakfast, on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 to 10 a.m. for veterans and active military personnel is our chosen response this year. Come and enjoy! Flipping flapjacks is the least I can do to say thank you to those who have served our country or are serving it still. Join us for worship afterwards at 10:30, if you like. There are many ways to honor veterans and engage with our troops, but this is my church's choice this November.

Sometimes churches have difficulty knowing how best to interact with the military. Care packages and letters to troops are great choices. Most people want to support our troops and veterans, however the ideals of the Christian church and those of America's military policy sometimes collide with tension. A church that merely goes along with American policy may abandon its Christian mandate to recognize God's children throughout the world. The body of Christ is not contained in America. As Christians we are called to love, forgive, and care about our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Yet, our country's safety and security requires that we also protect ourselves. I can't thank military heroes enough who are willing to commit their lives to this noble cause. As Christians, we can support and love our troops, while recognizing our highest allegiance to God, challenging American policy when it conflicts with Jesus' example of loving enemies, providing hospitality to strangers, and being peace-makers. We are called to care about the well-being of all people, which includes our troops and people we are at war with. As Christians, we are called to be part of God's international kingdom first and members of tribes or nations second. Reversing that order creates idolatry of national interests.

My father, was Airborne and his five brothers all served various branches of the military. Their devotion was to God and country in that order, never shy to challenge their country's policies, while still committing their lives to its service. One of the six, Jay, with thick curly hair who taught himself to play guitar, lost his life in a battle in Okinawa after World War II ended. The news that the war was over didn't make it to that part of the Pacific in time to spare his life. My Dad would tear up remembering his brother many years after this dreadful unimaginable loss.

As a kid, I remember my cousin, Kenny, my Dad's godson, home on leave from Vietnam, laughing with my Dad. I remember so clearly Kenny kicked back casually with his feet and military boots on top of the coffee table, the last time I ever saw him.

I can't imagine what Jay and Kenny and so many other soldiers endured. Words are not enough and pancakes are only a simple kindness, but know that they will be served with great love, respect, and gratitude.

Blessings,

Pastor Nancy

About Tehachapi UCC:

No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here!

The Tehachapi UCC is an open and welcoming community of faith that believes that each person, created in the image of God, holds a piece of the truth. Therefore we respect each person's unique spiritual journey. We invite you to experience the difference that religious freedom in a caring community can make in that journey.

We are located at 100 East E St., in Tehachapi. Worship and Sunday School are at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Please join us for coffee and fellowship at our Friendship Hall after worship (approximately 11:30 a.m.).

All are welcome.