N.D. National Guard hosts Clergy Day 2010

  • Published
  • By Capt. Penny Ripperger
  • 119th Wing Public Affairs
Bismarck, N.D. --  On Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to noon the chaplain offices of the North Dakota National Guard will host Clergy Day 2010 at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, located at 1143 North 26th St., Bismarck.

The purpose of the event is to give area clergy and church staff members an opportunity to meet with local military chaplains and learn about resources that are available to help them meet the needs of military families in their congregations.

"For some of our military members, their church is their bedrock and faith plays an instrumental role in their lives. It is essential that area clergy understand some of the unique challenges and stresses placed on today's military members and their families," said Chaplain Maj. David Johnson, staff chaplain, North Dakota National Guard.

In 2009 alone, more than 900 North Dakota Soldiers and Airmen deployed overseas.

"Many of these military members and their families are members of church congregations all over the state," Johnson added.

Topics presented at the event will include: special needs of military families and how local churches can connect with and serve these families, deployment and reintegration issues faced by military members, referral resources available to military families and opportunities for clergy in the military ministry.

The event is free and open to all clergy and church staff members. There is no need to register and a continental breakfast will be provided.

Media is invited to attend this event. Please contact Penny Ripperger, 119th Wing public affairs officer, at 701-451-2194 for more information about this news release.

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What: Clergy Day 2010

When: Feb 18, 9:30 a.m. - noon

Where: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1143 North 26th St., Bismarck, ND