Loading...The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Bethlehem Diocese combined for a Veteran's Day Service in the Chapel at the Veterans Hospital, Lebanon, Pa., Thursday, Nov. 10.
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The Right Reverend John P. Croneberger, Assistant Bishop to the Diocese of Bethlehem, The Rev. Terry Wible, St. Luke's, Lebanon and The Rev. William Alford, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Harrisburg, blessed over 200 Pocket Prayer Shawls which were presented to Chaplain Joel Copeland of the VA Medical Center.
These special pocket prayer shawls were created by Sacred Stitches members from the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Hooks and Needles Prayer Shawl Ministry from St. Luke's, Lebanon. Members of both dioceses were present along with approximately 100 veterans and VA Medical Center employees.
"Pocket" prayer shawls can be carried in pockets or used in situations where a large shawl is not appropriate or allowed, such as intensive care units or by our troops in combat. Essentially, they are "Prayers you can hold onto".
Rev. Alford, a Viet Nam Vet, is also a Commander with the PA Civil Air Patrol Squadron 306. "This morning I attended a Memorial Day service to honor the military veterans of this country. And while I agree in the importance of remembering the veterans for their dedicated service in the cause of freedom, I feel it is important to remember the people who gave them the ability to do the work the veterans were called to do. I am talking about educators; the people who taught and continue to teach math, English, history and the many other subjects that enhanced the vets God given abilities. So to the veterans and educators I say thank you for a job well done."
The prayer shawls were distributed to Veterans in the hospital after the service.
