by The Rev. James (Jim) Friedel
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rockport
n August of 2023, while visiting with a new attendee to St. Peter’s, the impetus for our Military Ministry breakfast first came on the radar screen. Robbie Ramirez was visiting to learn more about the parish. We discussed worship, faith formation opportunities, fellowship gatherings, and outreach ministries. It was a good discussion with both of us describing our experiences both here and in other congregations. As we concluded our time together, I asked Robbie, “Is there a particular ministry focus you could really get excited about?” Without hesitation, Robbie stated, “I would truly like to be involved in reaching out to veterans”. My ears perked up. I knew Robbie was a veteran of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He had been deployed numerous times serving in both the Army and Navy. I knew his words were heartfelt and that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who had returned home, still adjusting to the transition from places far away back to the United States. We both understood we would need to start with something we could manage and then see where the possibilities might lead us.
We approached our St. Peter’s Men’s Breakfast group to assess their receptivity to using that time each month to prepare breakfast for veterans in the community (half of this group are Veterans). Six of us sat together to plan the first breakfast scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2023. Offering breakfast to Veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, children, active-duty military, and first responders, the goal was to provide a safe place to enjoy breakfast and fellowship with an emphasis on gratitude, intentionally thanking all who came for their service and to thank them for attending. To raise awareness, fliers were provided to local businesses, the VFW and American Legion Posts in Rockport, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, and Sinton, as well as the local RV Parks
38 guests attended, served by 12 of our volunteers who prepared and served the meal. In subsequent months the breakfast evolved to include door prizes and guest speakers:
- Cowboy Storyteller who shared various stories, and a poem and prayer dedicated to those who have served.
- Military K-9 units detailing the training, courage, commitment, and care shown in the line of duty.
- The Honor Fight program Speaker – Overview included specific on program qualifications, stories from trips to Washington, D.C., and memorials honoring those who gave the last full measure of their lives for the sake of others and this nation.
October 2024 marked the first anniversary of our Military Ministry Veterans Breakfasts. We have been blessed to continue this ministry each month and to build relationships beyond the walls of the parish. Attendance has varied from no fewer than the 38 guests at that first breakfast up to 108 guests earlier this month who joined us both for breakfast and a special honor guard Veterans Day Commemoration, including the flag ceremony, twenty-one gun salute, taps, a variety of patriotic music, prayers and a message of gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessing of this nation and all who serve God’s purposes around the globe.
I love seeing how many of our guests come back again, quite often bringing friends who have not been with us before. Every effort we make in building new relationships allows us to encounter the face of Christ in someone we have not met before. In truth, in our best efforts to be an inspiration, we blessedly find ourselves inspired by others.
Next Steps
Collaboration with local VFW Posts, assisting with regular wellness calls to their members to see how we can provide additional assistance with provision for transportation, shopping, prescription delivery, and doctor’s visits. Each VFW Post will guide us in the best approach with these efforts, always mindful of confidentiality and discretion. We continue to imagine new ways to support these households in our community.
Click here to return to laVentana Fall 2024 home page.
