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Welcome to The Canteen Chapel
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Although we are always aware
that the Canteen is operating
in Cyberspace, we want the troops
and anyone who is on the receiving end
of prayers at the Canteen,
to know that these prayers are very real.
I hope the troops and Canteeners
alike, will view this Canteen Chapel,
as a place where you might go in times of
trouble or times of joy to be with your God.
"Come unto me all ye who are weary and
burdened,and I shall give you rest." (Matt: 11:28).
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The Chaplain's Corner
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J. Grant Swank, Jr.,
Pastor, New Hope Church
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BIBLE FELLOWSHIP IN THE STATE CAPITOL?
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Bob Riley, Southern Baptist, opens his Bible with others each week. Is not that a kind way to start a day — particularly in a desperate world in need of soul nourishment?
Bob listens. Bob speaks. Bob prays. So do the others, or they would not have walked through the Bible study / prayer door.
In this land of freedom of religion, it is heartening to realize that believers take their faith practically. What a country! Not all borders harbor such religious liberties. But the USA does — and may that heritage continue.
What makes Bob’s gathering special is that Bob is governor of a state within this precious union. He is governor of Alabama. Further, the studies are held in his Capitol office.
Now of course we are not talking about a political novice here. We are talking about a political veteran who knows the realities of political existence. Nevertheless, with his head on straight and his convictions in balance, Governor Robert Riley invites staff to meet each week around the Word of God. No one is obligated to attend; all is strictly voluntary.
"This is not coercion. This is just something we wanted to do to come together," he said. "It's voluntary. Anyone that wants to come is more than welcome."
Cabinet members and senior staff have been extended the opportunity to call upon the "higher power." What humbling experiences must be forthcoming when those bowing their hearts before God confess their need for God. Naturally, no state affairs are discussed at these conclaves. Further, other sessions with the governor are afforded those who do not wish to attend the spiritual meetings, according to Toby Roth, chief of staff.
Naturally the American Atheists do not take to such religious inspiration. Therefore, it is not surprising to read that Larry Darby, Alabama director for AA stated to the Associated Press that "it’s a form of Christian terrorism." Those with sound minds and patriotic hearts take note of that and work that one through with your own reasoning powers.
For six years, the Governor was present at different Bible fellowships in the nation’s Capital while a member of the US Congress. With such spiritual help from those memories, Mr. Riley concluded to provide the same in Montgomery.
Rob Boston of Americans United for Separation of Church and State endorsed the Governor’s study / prayer gatherings. Also, Steve Glassroth, a plaintiff in the much–publicized Ten Commandments lawsuit, said he has no problem with Mr. Riley’s invitations. "This is not one of those in-your-face public things."
Various clergy from a variety of denominations speak to the Governor’s scheduled sessions. Other faiths will be put on the docket in the future, according to deputy press secretary Pepper Bryars.
Shirrell Roberts, state employee, says that "it’s good to come together and think about things other than self."
Amen.
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Click on banner above to listen to this song.
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Our Canteen Chaplain,Grant Swank,is pastor
of the New Hope Church. He has pastored for
40+ years, ministering in Calgary, Alberta;
Indianapolis; Kansas City; Manchester CT;
Akron OH; Fishkill NY; Walpole MA and presently
in Maine.
Grant also finds ministry in writing for various
Protestant and Catholic publications, including
CHRISTIANITY TODAY, DECISION and THE PRIEST.
Presently, Grant is providing columns for
websites such as CHALCEDON, INTELLECTUAL.
CONSERVATIVE,
MENSNEWSDAILY, MICHNEWS and WOUNDEDSHEPHERDS.
He also writes a weekly column, "Lakes
Religion," for the PORTLAND PRESS HERALD
newspaper, Portland ME.
He and his wife, Priscilla, have traveled
extensively, including the Middle East, Europe
and South America. The Swanks have three adult
children: Crystal, Jay and
Heidi Jo.
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Bush and God
Newsweek
March 10, 2003
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Click on Newsweek cover to read Howard Fineman's article.
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A Charge to Keep
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W.H.D. Koerner
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A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master's will!
Charles Wesley
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President Bush speaks about the painting and hymn
that have inspired him.
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"Hanging in my office is a beautiful oil painting by W.H.D. Koerner entitled "A Charge to Keep". The painting, inspired by the hymn, pictures a horseman determinedly charging up what appears to be a steep & rough trail.
The painting and hymn have been an inspiration for me & for members of my staff. "A Charge to Keep" calls us to our highest and best. What adds complete life to the painting for me is the message of Charles Wesley that we serve One greater than ourselves. It speaks of purpose and direction. In many hymnals, it is associated with a Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 4:2: "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
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. A Prayer for the United States
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Translation:
He who gives victory to kings and dominion to
princes, whose reign is a reign for all eternity,
who saved David, his Servant, from the evil sword,
who made a road through the sea and a path through
mighty waters, may He bless, guard, protect,
aid, exalt, make great and raise on high
The President of the United States George W. Bush
May the King of all Kings in his mercy, keep him
alive and guard him from every distress, grief and
trouble.May he lead nations beneath his feet and
cause his enemies to fall down before him, and may
he have success in all that he shall undertake. May
the King of all kings in his mercy, place compassion
into his heart and into the hearts of all his
advisers and ministers, to deal kindly with us and
with all of Israel. In his days and in our days may
Judah be redeemed and Israel dwell securely, and may
the redeemer come to Zion, may this be His will, and
let us say, Amen.
Thank you Alouette
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Music from Israel
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A Sabbath Song..........May the Temple Be Built
Shalom Medley .........He That Keeps Israel
On The Sabbath Day ...........They Will Rejoice in Thy Kingdom
(You will need Windows Media Player for these songs)
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Songs of Israel
(over an hour of music)
Listen Here
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George W. Bush: A President of Faith
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A Man of Prayer
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A reporter on CNN was asked
"What did George W. Bush do
on his first morning as president-elect?"
This was Tony Clark's answer:
"He attended a prayer service with family,
friends and staff members."
George W Bush's priorities were established
on the first day of his Presidency.
The President Takes His Faith to Work
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President George W. Bush looks over to Thomas Martello, 6,
during the signing ceremony of the Victims of Terrorism
Tax Relief Act in the East Room Jan. 23.
"We're joined today by families who have lost loved ones
in the great acts of evil," said the President.
"As you draw on faith and personal strength to cope with your grief,
I hope you'll also find comfort in the knowledge that
your nation stands with you and prays for you.
We mourn those whom we've lost, and we face the future together."
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The President Lives his Faith
During his presidential campaign, George W. Bush said he'd been 'called' to seek higher office and talked openly about his faith
President Bush says he prays every day
in all kinds of situations,
and has been seen to quietly bow his head and pray
before news conferences and important meetings.
"I pray for guidance. I do not pray for earthly things
but for heavenly things, for wisdom
and patience and understanding."
"For strength and support, Bush turns to
the same things that have sustained
him for two decades: his faith and his family . . .
Bush prays and reads the Bible every day.
These days, aides say, they often spot
a Bible on his desk in the Oval Office.
In conversation or meetings, he often refers to
passages of Scripture that he has just read."
"There are prayers that help us last
through the day, or endure the night.
There are prayers of friends and strangers
that give us strength for the journey.
And there are prayers that yield
our will to a will greater than our own."
George W. Bush September 14, 2001
National Day of Prayer and Remembrance.
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Music for a Sunday
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Eternal Father (organ)....Joyful We Adore Thee (organ)
The Hallelujah Chorus ...... Ave Maria (Kiri Te Kawana)
How Great Thou Art (Elvis).....Just A Closer Walk (Anne Murray)......
Church in the Wildwood (Charlie Pride).....Faith Like That (Anchormen)
In The Garden (Loretta Lynn).......Our God is an Awesome God (Carman)
Take My Hand (Mahalia Jackson).....We Shall Behold Him (The Ruppes)
Where Were You? (Alan Jackson).....The Old Rugged Cross (The Statler Brothers)
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The Children's Corner
Click on child in prayer, to hear Veggie Tunes
(this is over half an hour of music)
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Jesus Loves Me
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Hymns of the Military
Army Hymn: "God of Our Fathers"
Navy Hymn: "Eternal Father Strong to Save"
Air Force Hymn: "Lord Guard and Guide the Men Who Fly"
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We, at the Canteen, offer these prayers
to those serving their country
today. God Bless you all.
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Psalm 59:1,16&17
(Patti Vaillant)
"Deliver me from mine enemies,O my God:
Defend me from them that rise up against me.
But I will sing of thy power;yes I will sing
aloud of thy mercy in the morning; for thou
hast been my defence and refuge in the day
of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength will
I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of
my mercy."
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Our Prayer
(Celine Dion/Andrea Bocelli)
I pray you'll be our eyes,
And watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know.
Let this be our prayer,
When we lose our way.
Lead us to a place,
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe.
I pray we'll find your light,
And hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night,
Remind us where you are..
Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe.
We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above.
We hope each soul will find
Another soul to love.
Let this be our prayer,
Just like every child,
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe.
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Sleep well, God Bless our Troops and God Bless America.
