Some 25 chaplains from Army posts throughout the Third Army area gathered at Fort McPherson on July 7 and 8 to explore ways of conducting religious programs to deal more effectively with our changing society.

During the two-day brainstorming session devoted to finding ways to assist people in gaining a deep and abiding meaningful life, the chaplains stressed the importance of multiple worship opportunities so that occasions of meaningful group worship might be accessible to all members of the military community.

Chaplain (Colonel) Richard R. Bell, Third Army Chaplain, who presided at the workshop, reported that Army chapels were having the same problems as civilian churches in maintaining attendance over long weekends and servicing in the recreational areas.

He recommend that the Sunday worship service be presented a second time during the week for those unable to attend on the weekend.

Contacting people at recreational areas was another facet of the religious program evaluated. Chaplain (Colonel) Bertram C. Gilbert told of conducting informal religious services on the beach at the Fort Gordon, GA recreational area. The chaplain draws a picture in the sand or attracts attention in some quiet way, then he conducts a brief inspirational service with folk music being employed. Chaplain (Colonel) Frederick H. Ogilvie of Fort Campbell, KY, holds religious retreats over the weekend for troops at some nearby recreational area. Informal services are held outdoors along with other religious activities.

At Fort Jackson, S.C., the chaplain makes close contact with troops at the “Day of Duty with God,” which is conducted once a month. Participants spend the day in religious activities which range from viewing movies with moral themes to participating in discussion groups and inspirational services.

Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Frank Dolan of Fort Benning, GA, reported plans for conducting Home Mission Masses there. Couples who volunteer to have the Mass in their homes will invite eight to ten other couples to join them. A discussion session will be held following the celebration of the Mass. Two visiting chaplains have been invited to Fort Benning to conduct the program, which will continue for a month.

The use of dialogue with the congregation and of folk music in worship services was also discussed.

The chaplain at Fort Rucker, Ala., told of employing dialogue during the latter half of a recent Sunday morning worship service. Members of the congregation, who had participated in Communion earlier in the service, joined readily in a discussion of its meaning to them. A second chaplain reported good response when he asked members of the congregation about what they wished to pray for before rendering the Morning Prayer. A third chaplain has realized success in telling a short Bible story for young children during the first few minutes of his Sunday service.

Guitar playing Chaplain (Captain) Ronald G. Spry of Fort Bragg, N.C., doubled the attendance at his Sunday service by featuring several folk songs as part of his inspirational message. However, in evaluating the use of folk music, the chaplains agreed that it could lose its value if overdone.