Faith, I am halfway through my 9 weeks of training! Thank you for keeping me and my family in your prayers. I loved seeing you wave on Sunday, I miss you, too!

On Sundays, I have worshiped at different ELCA churches in Columbia and have enjoyed that they use the same readings, hymns, and liturgies that we do. My non-Lutheran chaplain friends who join out of curiosity feel welcome and appreciate seeing and hearing how we praise God. Each church gets a kick out of a large group of visitors who are checking them out!

Most of my time at Fort Jackson is spent in a classroom. My biggest learning required me to become proficient at Army writing style. I’m listening to the instructors and following their expectations pertaining to format, grammar, and specific content. I’m graded on how my paper looks and how concisely I articulate my points. No long winded sermons in an Army paper!!!!

This week, we practiced giving memorial ceremony messages with different scenarios. Then, we went outside to practice graveside services with an actual pink coffin to simulate how to walk and present ourselves. On Friday, we completed a 5-mile march with 50 lb packs to prepare for a 6-mile march in August where we have our final evaluation period in the field. Think “camping trip” but in full Army uniform with no s’mores, canoes, or campfires.

In the Army, we practice everything. I included a picture of me in my dress uniform. We had to practice putting it on so our instructors knew that we would look right for our graduation. I also made a trip to Fort Sumter in Charleston to visit the historical site where the Revolutionary and Civil Wars were fought.

I completed a 5k (a little more than 3 miles) in the Harbison State Forest last Sunday and signed up for a 10k along the Atlantic Ocean that I will run on July 29^th with a few of my classmates. I am surrounded by caring and thoughtful colleagues that lift each other up. It’s a real gift of this experience to gain new friends that I can turn to in the future.

I continue to pray for you and am grateful for the ministry you are doing at Faith this summer. I’ll share more again soon!

Pastor John