Here is a brief synopsis of the ministry written by our Military Care Package coordinator, Theresa Phillips:

"Never take counsel of your fears" -Stonewall Jackson

After some time away from practicing my faith, I felt the urge to return to St. Paul's in Quincy. Fr. Lance Horne was rector at that time and being former military himself presented to the congregation a ministry for some of our local deployed soldiers. We had them on our prayer list but he was thinking more along the lines of military care packages and he needed a team to be assembled to take care of these duties.

I was approached by several members about joining the Alter Guild and singing with the choir but I was not certain I was spiritually ready to return to these duties. Fr. Lance's petition for the military seemed to go into one ear and out of the other however, something seemed to sink in my heart. The thoughts began to make me wonder what I could do to participate without being deeply involved until I was ready. Then I read Ephesians 6:7 which says "Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men." I thought about this passage and wondered what I could do to "serve the Lord" and it prompted me to pick up the phone. I told Fr. Lance that I was interested in participating in the team but to my surprise the following Sunday it was announced that I was the chairman. Boy, what a leap. I could not refuse nor hide in the background after that announcement.

As time rolled on, contributions were made from the congregation and packages were getting mailed. The first Christmas (2006) was really fun as we staged a packaging party (as I called it) to prepare and mail 8 packages. Cards and letters came back from the soldiers full of thanks which made the congregation really proud to bring a little cheer to them. A table was set up in the Parish Hall displaying pictures and letters sent from the soldiers. Easter of 2007 packages were mailed with items that I went shopping for at Havana's Little General Store. I found old time candies, toys, games local papers and such to give them a touch of home.

These packages really brought back blessings to St. Paul's congregation. Kim Metzger (one of the soldiers we sent packages to) came to visit St. Paul's one Sunday while she was on leave. She got up in front of the congregation not only to thank everyone but told us a story of a harmonica that was sent in her package. A young boy was distressed to the point of uncontrollable crying and Kim went to get the harmonica she received. She showed him the way it worked and handed it to him, the little boy's tears faded and he paraded through the camp playing proudly that harmonica the remainder of that day.

Fr. Lance left St. Paul's but our ministry continues. Fr. Mike Sowards became our new priest in charge (he is also former military) and loves this ministry and has been a great supporter/encourager.

This past year our list grew and included was a group of medical care troops. It included the helicopter transports, triage, emergency, doctor & nurses with the hospital care. I found out that these groups like to share their packages with the injured soldiers and children so special packages were made up for them. I filled stockings with candy, small toys and beanie critters. That was a great hit with the children (so I learned just recently).

The blessing of giving has come full circle to St. Paul's when Kim's troop (Taskforce Thoroughbred 160 H MP Battalion) honored St. Paul's with a commemorative plaque containing an American flag that had been flown over one of the detention camps for 9 hours 11 minutes. This plaque is now proudly hanging in our Parish Hall and we would love to have you come by to see it.

There are many stories to tell and many blessings to share, more than should be told here.

Our ministry to our soldiers continues and more stories are bound to come back to share. We want to be sure our soldiers know St. Paul's is praying for them always and they are loved.

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal". - Albert Pike

If you have a soldier or troop you would like a package sent to, please let us know. St. Paul's will be happy to serve them.

Theresa Phillips

Military Care Package Coordinator