This page is dedicated to providing helpful information, materials and
resources
to help aid the Chaplain. Members are encouraged to submit the names of
resources they have found particularly helpful.
Books & CDs
"A Chaplain's Story - Manual & Guide 2nd Ed." by Harvey H.
Klee" may be purchased from the Texas Chaplains Association on CD as an
E-Book for $12. Print copies are available at $25.
"Chaplain's Card and Funeral Handbook" by Ed Kegley may be
purchased from the Texas Chaplains Association on CD as an E-Book for $10.
Paperback print copies are available at $20. A Hard cover notebook print copy
with sheet protectors is available
at $30.
"No Greater Glory" by Dan Kurtzman, Random House 2004 - The
authenticated story of the Four Chaplains. List: $24.95
"Sea of Glory" by Ken Wales and David Poling, Broadman &
Holdman Publishers 2001 - A novel based on the Four Chaplains and the USS
Dorchester. List: $24.99
The Legion's Officer's Guide & Manual of Ceremonies -
Available through Emblem Sales
Chaplain's Handbook - Service to God & Country - Available
through Emblem Sales
Chaplain's Prayer Manual - Available through Emblem Sales
American Legion Chaplain's "How to..." Manual - available
through The American Legion National Office c/o Robert Caudell
Websites
The American Legion, National -
http://legion.org
The American Legion, Department of Texas -
http://txlegion.org
The American Legion Auxiliary, National -
www.legion-aux.org
Chapel of the Four Chaplains -
www.fourchaplains.org/
The Immortal Chaplains -
www.immortalchaplains.org/
U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School Library -
www.usachcs.army.mil
U.S. Navy Chaplain Care - www.chaplaincare.navy.mil
Bible reference web site - http://bible.gospelcom.net
National Day of Prayer resource -
www.nationaldayofprayer.org
Chaplain Best Practices
The following is an outline of a presentation President Harvey H. Klee
gave at the recently held National Chaplains Conference in Indianapolis on
Chaplain Best Practices.
1. Starts with
the rank and file: the Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies.
a. Need not be a member of the clergy
but must be a person capable of moral and intellectual leadership; one who
gives dignity and respect to the office. Not infrequently, non-clergy
members can be more effective and better received.
b. Opening and closing prayers –
audible, intelligible, meaningful, individualized, appropriate to the
occasion, recited with conviction, etc.
c. Visitations – hospitals, care
centers, homes. Report on visitations
d. Letters and cards (Sympathy and Congratulatory) – Letters
preferred. Report on activities
e. Work closely with fellow officers;
familiarize oneself with members’ names, their families and circumstance -
particularly new members.
f. Active in all ceremonies: Memorial
Day; Veterans Day; Flag Day; post memorial services; funeral and grave-side
services; dedication ceremonies; etc.
g. Active in the community on behalf of
The American Legion: get to know elected officials and other community
leaders, school administrators; etc. Report on activities.
h. Work closely with the schools –
particularly with respect to Boy’s State, Americanism, Children and Youth
programs. Report on activities.
i. Report on activities – You are a
reflection of the Post and its membership. Members take pride in the
accomplishments of the Post, whether it be through their Commander,
Chaplain, Service Officer, etc.
2. Image.
a. Look and act the part without being
ostentatious. Behave yourself in word and deed. Dress appropriately – don’t
flaunt your religion.
b. Avoid controversial subjects e.g.
politics; try to remain neutral and non-committal. Be a good listener and
maintain a good sense of humor.
c. Be cooperative, supportive and
encouraging – be an asset, not a hindrance.
d. Volunteer on work parties – it helps
build relationships, acceptance and trust.
e. Be sincere – not serious! It’s so not
about you. Don’t get in the way of God working through you.
3. District,
County, Division, etc.
a. Same holds true as for Post Chaplain.
b. Letters of concern, sympathy,
condolences, etc.
c. Letters congratulatory.
d. Attendance at funerals where
practicable.
e. Main visibility is through prayer
recitation and the Memorial Service: Well-prepared and
well-presented.
f. Know your audience – make
presentation particularly meaningful to them.
g. Memorial Service should be a joint
service – we are a Legion family and we should interrelate and support one
another.
This site was last updated
10/29/07
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