ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
For its second year, the Andrews chapels are hosting "Tuesday Life Night," an evening that offers dinner and various classes for children and adults.
"Tuesday Life Night gives Team Andrews' families the opportunity to receive some quality, biblically-based education, and, at the same time, build strong and lasting relationships with others," said Capt. Brandon Parker, 316th Wing Protestant chaplain. "The concept is that we are learning to 'do life together.'"
Starting this Tuesday, the free meal begins at 5 p.m., and programs run from
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Chapel 3.
"There will be a free meal available each week so parents don't have to hurry home from work, prepare dinner and then come back to the chapel," Chaplain Parker explained. "Parents are able to pick their kids up from home or school without the additional worry."
Tuesday Life Night includes Approved Workers Are Not Ashamed classes for preschoolers through high school, an adult Bible study on spiritual warfare and an upcoming men's study.
Chaplain Parker explained, "AWANA is the key piece of the evening for children. AWANA is a Bible-centered curriculum that teaches the children the importance of knowing the word of God and practicing it in their daily lives. This program is run in more than 15,000 churches around the world with over a million children and youth weekly in more than 110 countries."
Technical Sgt. Aaron Vance, Air National Guard Readiness Center Command Air Transportation manager who works with the AWANA program explained the approach:
"Boys and girls memorize and recite verses as well as participate in community and mission-driven activities."
Sergeant Vance explained that the children then receive incentive awards. They also complete workbooks and have small group time and game time, which is centered on sportsmanship and having fun.
"It's much like scouts, but with a more ministry-driven approach," he said.
AWANA offers five sessions, including Cubbies, which is for kids ages three and four; Sparks, which is for children in kindergarten through second grade; Truth and Training, which is for third through sixth graders; and Trek, which is for seventh and eighth graders. High school-aged teenagers are eligible to participate in the AWANA Leaders in Training program.
"Each child works through his or her booklets at a different pace so families can begin AWANA anytime throughout the year," Chaplain Parker said.
In addition to the AWANA program, two adult programs are being offered - an adult Bible study and a faith-based group solely for men. The Adult Bible Study is focusing on the topic of "Spiritual Warfare."
"Most people understand the components of physical warfare - especially in the military - but few people understand the nature of spiritual warfare. This study will explore this in hopes to prepare us for the battle that is being waged each and every day for the heart, minds and souls of people and how we need to put on the 'armor of God' to be prepared for the battle," Chaplain Parker said.
The Protestant Men of the Chapel begins this month as well. It is hosted by Capt. Jack Stanley, 316 WG Protestant and Civil Engineer Squadron chaplain.
"The purpose of the study is to focus on spirituality, education, social services and recreational fellowship for Protestant men of the chapel," explained Chaplain Stanley. "PMOC has large regional retreats and conferences, and many local chapters sponsor their own retreats, Bible studies, prayer breakfasts and service projects. Our vision is that the PMOC of the National Capital Region chapels will unite to reach toward this vision."
Chaplain Stanley said the official kickoff is Sept. 29 at Chapel 1.
To register for any of these events or for more information, call 301-981-2111.