Ways Your Congregation Can Recognize Those Who Served
From special worship gatherings to practical assistance, there are several approaches a church can take to express appreciation for veterans in its midst and beyond.
By Jamie Mitchell
Young man in wheelchair shaking hand of veteran in wheelchair.
Congregations have opportunities to recognize the men and women who served in the armed forces and protected their nation. Here are several approaches a church might consider to express gratitude and respect toward veterans in its community.
A Dedicated Worship Gathering
Paster giving sermon in church.
A church can plan a worship service specifically focused on honoring military veterans. The surrounding community can be invited to join in a period of remembrance and gratitude. Music with both patriotic and spiritual themes, for instance "God Bless America," can be part of the program. The message from the pulpit might center on giving thanks to God for safety and liberty, while also expressing appreciation to those who served. Those veterans present at the service could receive small tokens of thanks. A book or handwritten notes of appreciation made by the church's Sunday school children would be fitting choices for such gifts.
Gathering for Fellowship and Food
Reception dinner.
Another option is to host a reception at the church for military veterans. Families within the congregation can be asked to bring a dish to share. The fellowship hall might be decorated with American flags and table coverings in red, white and blue. A cake with "Thank you" written on top can serve as dessert, accompanied by flowers in those same patriotic colors. A prayer over the meal and a blessing spoken over all veterans would be appropriate additions.
A Display of Remembrance
Older veteran showing son pictures and memorabilia of veterans
Consider setting up a veterans wall in the church entryway. Framed photographs of every serviceman and servicewoman who currently attends the church, along with those from earlier years, can be displayed. Other items with nostalgic or historical value may be included, such as correspondence veterans have sent to the church or newspaper articles about veterans connected to the congregation or their relatives.
Material Assistance
Basket of vegetables
One way a church can show honor to veterans is by providing financial help to them and their households. A scholarship program for veterans and their families could be established. Church members might be invited to give toward a scholarship fund benefiting veterans or the children of those who served. Bringing food baskets to veterans and their families is another means of showing honor.
