Chaplain’s Corner

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

Prior to the Nation’s founding, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation recommending “a day of prayer” be observed on July 20, 1775. As declared in the general orders of George Washington:

“The Honorable the Congress having recommended it to the United States to set apart Thursday the 6th of May next to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, to acknowledge the gracious interpositions of Providence; to deprecate [to pray or intreat that a present evil may be removed] deserved punishment for our Sins and Ingratitiude, to unitedly implore the Protection of Heaven; Success to our Arms and the Arms of our Ally: The Commander in Chief enjoins a religious observance of said day and directs the Chaplains to prepare discourses proper for the occasion; strictly forbidding all recreations and unnecessary labor.” April 12, 1779

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This week marks the Christian Celebration of Holy Week, which in Christianity is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter.

Although observances vary by denomination, most all Christians observe at least some events from this week in some manner. While some Protestant traditions do not have elaborate special ceremonies but conduct more informal celebrations, often including sermons about the last week of Christ’s life, and possibly some special services on certain days, many mainline Protestant denominations as well as Roman Catholics and the Orthodox faiths generally have much ceremony and multiple special services during this time.

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Tonight, March 20th, at sunset begins the Jewish holiday of Purim which continues through tomorrow evening March 21st at sunset.

Purim is the Jewish holiday of Purim which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman – a story recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther.

According to the Book of Esther, Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerus planned to kill the Jews, but his plans were foiled by Mordecai and Queen Esther. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing.

Purim is characterized by public recitation, usually in synagogue, of the Book of Esther (known as k’riat megillah). In addition to this there are additions to the regularly said prayers and the grace after meals, the giving of mutual gifts of food and drink, giving charity to the poor, and a celebratory meal. Other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.

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The Jewish Festival of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, which is an eight-day holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing upward to eight on the final night. (One extra candle called the shamash candle is present to provide light as needed throughout the holiday.)

By 165 BCE the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy was successful and the Temple, which had been desecrated, was subsequently liberated and purified. According to the Talmud, olive oil was needed for the menorah in the rededicated Temple, which was required to burn throughout the night every night. The story goes that there was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight day festival was declared by the Jewish sages to commemorate this miracle.

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Sunday December 2nd this year marks the beginning of the first week of Advent, the word coming from the Latin word adventus which means “coming”.

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. For many Christians, the season serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ’s return.

On the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian and Methodist calendars, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, which falls at some point between the dates of November 27th to December 3rd .

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Blessing from Chaplain Ronnie Case from Pittsburg—

Blessed To Be A Signature Chaplain!
These are some of the things I have learned over the years while serving as a Signature Chaplain:
Always expect a miracle: – Help is on the way!
Never give up: – Victory is just in sight!

You always have a friend: – Friends that stick closer than a brother!
Nothing is too small: – cares about the little things, so do Chaplains!
Signature Chaplain’s really care: – Nothing pretentious – genuine!
Prayer is powerful! – Heals cancers, restores health, moves mountains!
Combined prayer is effective: – The effectual fervent prayers on many avail!

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Rockcastle Health and Rehabilitation is thrilled to welcome our new Chaplain, Matthew Griggs. Matthew has 10 years of
Ministerial Experience, which includes 2 years pastorate. He strives to meet our elders, stakeholders, and families at their point of need and display a non-denominational, interfaith approach to serving others through unconditional love and support. Matthew is greatly looking forward to serving the community at Rockcastle Health and Rehabilitation. God Bless!

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For the past few seasons of my life the word honor has continued to come up. As I looked in the dictionary at the word, the definition regards honor as highly respected and esteemed. So as I thought about my role, and my influence, customer service is a huge part of my job and life. In a small town it tends to be easy to find out the gossip and stories of the people you do life with everyday. So I pondered are only war heroes and high achievers to be regarded as honorable? As I approached the lord about this matter he said you can only take people where you have been, so how can someone be honorable if they have never been honored? From the Waiter to a General, releasing honor will produce the glory of that person. We believe in excellence in our company and as we honor the lowly it will quickly be the driving force that will bring us to a culture of Eden. Recently I had the honor to baptize two ladies here at our facility, and I must say it was incredible. With 70 to 80 in attendance it was a great celebration for us as a building and for them personally. I’ve been here for about two years and its been a great journey. We have many things in store here for the future such as a chapel and a music and memory program. As I was participating in this baptism event I recognized this word once again in my spirit.  As you honor someone whether there deserving or not, it will keep you in a place of being honored with the father in secret. A place where integrity grows and blossoms into real relationships that changes the atmosphere of the way we do life. It’s such an honor to serve these amazing people.

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