MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A new religious service recently added at the Marine Memorial Chapel is designed to serve an audience that may not have be vice, held Sundays at 12:30 p.m., is part of an ongoing effort by the base chaplains to meet the religious needs of a wider range of Station residents.
"There's a liturgical, or traditional service, along with a contemporary service already," said Lt. Cmdr. Arthur Brown, Marine Aircraft Group 12 command chaplain. "We wanted to expand on that. An important thing to have on any base is a pluralistic command religious program, one with a lot of diversity. For many residents, the new Inspirational service will better serve their spiritual needs."
The new service will be accompanied by a youth class Sundays at 11:30 a.m. in Yujo Hall, and a Jabez Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
The congregation is also looking at establishing a monthly "Thank God For Family" night, noted Brown.
"There's been some phenomenal success with the program at Camp Kinser, Okinawa," Brown said. "It's based on giving Christian charity to the community. Families invite a guest, like an unaccompanied Marine or Sailor living in the barracks, and share a family dinner with them. It not only gives the guest a chance to get a nice home cooked meal, but it also is a great opportunity for families who don't always eat together to share in each other's company."
Initial community response to the service seems positive.
"We had 30 adults and 20 children," said Brown. "It was a very diverse group, which was great. That's a pretty good number for a service that's just starting up. The scripture tells us, don't despise small beginnings. We want to start with a strong foundation."
Participants seemed to feel that the new service better accommodated their needs.
"I go to chill out," said Pfc. Cedrick Littleton, Combat Service Support Detachment 36 supply warehouse clerk. "I love gospel music. It's a way to experience something new and different."
The church welcomes guests to come and see the service for themselves.
"We're looking for as many people as possible to come to fellowship with us," Brown said. "Whether it's our new Inspirational service, or any of our programs, the entire community is welcome with open arms."