US Senate Chaplain gives thanks in Culpeper

This year’s annual Community Thanksgiving Service, sponsored by the Culpeper Ministerial Association, is an invitation for all citizens in and around Culpeper to join together, thanking God for everyday blessings that are evident all around us.

This year Rear Admiral United States Navy (Ret.) Barry C. Black. Black, the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate, is paying a visit to Culpeper to deliver the message at the Annual Community Thanksgiving Service being held at Culpeper Baptist Church Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.

Black, who served as Chaplain for the U.S. Navy for 27 years, is the first black man to hold the office of Chaplain for the U.S. Senate. His message, titled “The Habit of Thanksgiving”, is the meat of the community service.

“The thought I want to leave people with is that we should strive to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving,” Black said.

Raised in a poor Baltimore neighborhood, Black grew up with a strong faith. In a recent interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News, Black recalls how his mother gave him and his siblings five cents for each verse of scripture they could recite. It didn’t take long before he memorized the whole book of Genesis. 

Opening the Senate with prayer every day, Black runs four Bible studies and is a pastor to Senators, staff and families, a group encompassing 7,000 people. He doesn’t take his responsibilities lightly, saying in his Fox interview that, “I never walk into this building [U.S. Capitol] without a sense of wonder and without a sense that this was my destiny.”

Nancy Sharman, organizer of this year’s service, said Black is amazing. “His voice and articulation – he’s mesmerizing. To get him out of Washington is awesome; you don’t get him out of Washington,” she said.

“A guest speaker, such as Black, really highlights the importance of Thanksgiving to our Nation,” said Wayne Duncan who is assisting with the plans for this year’s service.

Elected officials will be in attendance, “as we are saying thank you to our public officials and honoring them,” said Duncan.

“This isn’t about us,” said Sharman. “It’s about the community. It’s our invitation to come together.”

Harbor Lights is providing music throughout the service. The Hochstetler family, residing in Madison County, comprises the a cappella group of nine. Junior Marine Corps ROTC, from EVHS, will be presenting and retiring the colors for the service.

With a focus of encouraging folks of all denominations to come together for Thanksgiving, this community service provides that opportunity.

“People should seize the opportunity to come together to give thanks. It can produce greater unity,” said Black of Culpeper’s Thanksgiving service.

Amy Wagner covers church news for the Star Exponent. Have a story idea? E-mail her at recopps2002@comcast.net

Want to Go?

What: Annual Community Thanksgiving Service, sponsored by the Culpeper Ministerial Association

When: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 7 p.m.

Where: Culpeper Baptist Church, 318 South West Street

For more information, contact Nancy Sharman at nancyndp@verizon.net or 540.547.3012