CAP Sunday
Carlsbad, CA Capt Richard Nelson, Chaplain for Skyhawk Squadron 47 invited the San Diego County CAP squadrons to join him at his church, Coastline Community Church, located in Carlsbad to participate in the nation-wide CAP Sunday on 2 December 2007. This annual event was established to recognize Gill Robb Wilson, the founder of Civil Air Patrol who was a pilot and also a Presbyterian Minister.
Chaplain Nelson and his wife Nancy welcomed LtCol Michael Woods, Maj Dee Osargent, Maj John DiGiantomasso and his wife Andrea, and Capt Dennis Ammann and his wife Kuei-Mei. The worship service started at 1045 hours with the Youth Minister Chris Schmaltz presiding. Chaplain Nelson was asked to come forward and explain why members of CAP were present that Sunday. Chaplain Nelson briefly spoke about Gill Robb Wilson and CAP then acknowledged the two squadrons that were present. Finally, he offered a prayer for out armed forces and their families serving in harms way and that God would look over them and protect them.
Rev. Schmaltz’s message was titled, ‘A Martha or Mary Christmas?’ He spoke about how everyone rushes around each year at Christmas time purchasing gifts and visiting friends and relatives, not taking the time out to find out what the reason for the season is all about (read the Book of Luke, Chapter 10). He offered a tool that everyone could make at home by picking up the instructions in the back after church (how to construct an advent candle wreath). He explained what the advent wreath was and the symbology behind it, i.e., what each candle meant, the wreath, what candle to light each week prior to Christmas, etc. Taking time to do this will help one to remember why we celebrate Christmas. He also shared a story about his youth when a fellow high school student was looking for Jesus but he didn’t take him serious, now his friend is a minister too. Rev. Schmaltz injected a lot of humor in his sermon, but was also very moving as he encouraged the parishioners to slow down this year and reflect about the true meaning of Christmas.
After the worship service, we all had lunch together and enjoyed each other’s company at Coco’s Restaurant in Encinitas. Chaplain Nelson has been leading this event for many years and I can attest that, although only my second time, I’ve enjoyed the fellowship and message from Coastline Community Church who I might add, is celebrating their first year at their new site in Carlsbad. Merry Christmas to Coastline and their congregation!
Capt Dennis Ammann
Commander, SD Cadet Sq. 144
Chaplain Nelson and his wife Nancy welcomed LtCol Michael Woods, Maj Dee Osargent, Maj John DiGiantomasso and his wife Andrea, and Capt Dennis Ammann and his wife Kuei-Mei. The worship service started at 1045 hours with the Youth Minister Chris Schmaltz presiding. Chaplain Nelson was asked to come forward and explain why members of CAP were present that Sunday. Chaplain Nelson briefly spoke about Gill Robb Wilson and CAP then acknowledged the two squadrons that were present. Finally, he offered a prayer for out armed forces and their families serving in harms way and that God would look over them and protect them.
Rev. Schmaltz’s message was titled, ‘A Martha or Mary Christmas?’ He spoke about how everyone rushes around each year at Christmas time purchasing gifts and visiting friends and relatives, not taking the time out to find out what the reason for the season is all about (read the Book of Luke, Chapter 10). He offered a tool that everyone could make at home by picking up the instructions in the back after church (how to construct an advent candle wreath). He explained what the advent wreath was and the symbology behind it, i.e., what each candle meant, the wreath, what candle to light each week prior to Christmas, etc. Taking time to do this will help one to remember why we celebrate Christmas. He also shared a story about his youth when a fellow high school student was looking for Jesus but he didn’t take him serious, now his friend is a minister too. Rev. Schmaltz injected a lot of humor in his sermon, but was also very moving as he encouraged the parishioners to slow down this year and reflect about the true meaning of Christmas.
After the worship service, we all had lunch together and enjoyed each other’s company at Coco’s Restaurant in Encinitas. Chaplain Nelson has been leading this event for many years and I can attest that, although only my second time, I’ve enjoyed the fellowship and message from Coastline Community Church who I might add, is celebrating their first year at their new site in Carlsbad. Merry Christmas to Coastline and their congregation!
Capt Dennis Ammann
Commander, SD Cadet Sq. 144
