Redeemer Lutheran & St. Theodore’s
By Lisa Rotchford
LW contributor
Veterans Day is an opportunity for all of us to give thanks to God for the veterans in our lives—those who are still with us and others gone before us. My favorite veteran is my father, who went to Heaven three years ago at the age of 98, and was a proud SeaBee in WWII.
SeaBees are Navy sailors from the United States Naval Construction Battalions (hence, “CBs”), whose mission was to build the infrastructures necessary for the other divisions of the U.S. armed forces. Adorning their memorial by the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery are both their official and unofficial mottos. The official one is: “With compassion for others we build—we fight for peace with freedom,” and the unofficial is “With willing hearts and skilled hands, the difficult we do at once. The impossible takes a bit longer.”
As we live in a pandemic-enforced time of waiting, it’s important to remember we are all called to help one another and build each other up. And remember, we are all part of the construction battalion that builds God’s kingdom here on Earth. Following the SeaBees’ lead, we are to compassionately live with one another in peace. With willing hearts and skilled hands we will get through these difficult times. We thank God for the skilled scientists, doctors and nurses called to do the impossible. But together, with patience and God’s grace, we will get through these difficult times. (Tackling the impossible is just taking a little longer). Happy Veterans Day to all the veterans, spouses, parents and children of veterans. Let’s keep constructing for God’s purposes.
The worship services are at 8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. outside, weather permitting, and the inside service starts at 10:30. To adhere to the CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing are required, and the service will be under 40 minutes in length. Organist Sharon Heck will play hymns throughout the gathering time. Bread and wine for Communion are hygienically sealed and distributed for all to take home and share with prayers. Join Redeemer at St. Theodore’s for service at 135654 Saint Andrews (across from Administration) this Sunday.
