NEW RIEGEL—About 100 people gathered to pray for deployed military men and women and their families Jan. 20 at New Riegel All Saints Church.

The ecumenical service was the first of its kind to be held at All Saints, and included Scripture, song and testimonials from former and current military personnel and their family members.

“It’s something I’ve thought we needed for years,” says Dan Borer, a parishioner who organized the service. “Hopefully, we can have this at least once a year.”

Supplies for military care packages were collected during a prayer service for deployed military men and women and their families Jan. 20 at New Riegel All Saints Church. (Chronicle photo by Laurie Stevens)

Mr. Borer’s son, Paul, served four years in the Army and was sent to Iraq with the initial wave of troops in April 2003. The younger Mr. Borer returned to the United States in March 2004, and told those at the service he firmly believes prayers are what brought him home safely.

He related a particularly close call in which seven members of his platoon were injured by an explosion while on patrol. He was unharmed since the incident occurred on his day to stay back at camp.

“I’m here as an example of the power of prayer,” says Mr. Borer.

Steve and Sharon Kimmet, parishioners and parents of 1st Lt. Christopher Kimmet, thanked the community for showing concern for their son while he serves in Baghdad. The couple was eagerly awaiting his expected return to the United States in February.

“Obviously, it’s on our mind every day,” says Mr. Kimmet. “It’s been very encouraging for everybody to keep us in their prayers.”

Mrs. Kimmet adds the experience has increased her faith over the past 15 months. “I wake up praying and go to bed praying, and it just really makes you aware of the power of prayer,” she says.

Parishioners Doug and Sandy Brickner, who recently welcomed their son Sgt. Craig Brickner home from Iraq, expressed similar appreciation for the prayers of the community.

“It definitely is our faith that has gotten us to where we are today,” says Mrs. Brickner. “It’s very heartwarming and encouraging when people are remembering your soldier son and other soldiers.”

Sgt. Brickner was in attendance with his family, and Paul Borer presented him with an award on behalf of the residents of New Riegel and parishioners of All Saints that gratefully acknowledged his service to the country.

Dan Borer read aloud the names of men and women currently serving in the military who need prayers from a book he assembled nearly a year and a half ago.

Filled with photographs and biographies, the book travels to a new home each week, accompanied by a small statue that depicts Jesus embracing a soldier. Parish families offer prayers specifically for the listed individuals.

Mr. Borer says anyone is welcome to submit the names of loved ones serving in the military for the book, regardless of where they are from, where they serve or whether they belong to All Saints.

“We had one requirement: it was someone who needed our prayers,” he explains.

Family members of Lawrence Theis and James Geise, two local servicemen who died in the Vietnam War, also lit candles in memory of all men and women from the area who have died serving their country.

Toward the end of the hour-long service, individuals brought forward care package supplies such as phone cards, microwaveable soup and batteries. Donations were also accepted for the shipping, which costs $8.95 per package.

“As much as our troops need these care packages, what they need most are prayers,” notes Mr. Borer.