Chapel provides spiritual, supportive programs for base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Although many Moody members know about a chaplain's ability to provide confidential counseling on many topics, they should also know the other services that are available through the Base Chapel.

The chapel's mission is to provide support for the exercise of freedom of religion for military members and their families.

"The multitude of services and programs the chapel has available is designed to provide what each individual needs spiritually," said Chaplain (Capt.) Jonathan Runnels, 23rd Wing chaplain. "If there's something we don't have available, such as a rabbi to speak to a Jewish Airman, we have appropriate points of contact in the local community who are able to provide that kind of support."

Each Sunday, Gospel and contemporary services are held, as well as Sunday school and Bible study. On both Mondays and Wednesdays, Catholic Mass and confessions are held. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a group for Catholic individuals ages 18 and above, is also on Wednesdays.


In addition to the services listed above, the Chapel provides events such as marriage retreats and events geared toward single Airmen.

"The Airman's Tier Ministry is aimed toward young individuals who hold the rank airman basic through senior airman still living in the dorms," said Chaplain Runnels. "Along with the monthly dinners that feature food from rotating local churches and game systems, we also have occasional outings such as kayaking trips on Banks Lake. Events like these give the Airmen a chance for fellowship."

To better serve Airmen, the ATM will have a designated room in the soon-to-be-built Community Center and chaplains are also working on a singles retreat.

Senior Airman Ryan Cain, 41st Rescue Squadron support custodian, is one dorm resident who takes advantage of these services.

"I make use of many of the programs, including the Sunday service and Bible studies, as well as the ATM," said Airman Cain. "Each chaplain brings something different to the chapel, is very passionate about what he does and is here to serve God and us Airmen.

"Being involved with the chapel has helped me grow in my spiritual life and my church family is a group I can turn to in hard times," he added. "Having a solid religious life is important to many people and better-focused Airmen are more able pay more attention to detail and provide safer aircraft."

Upcoming events for the chapel include the National Prayer Luncheon, scheduled for March 22, an ATM dinner scheduled for March 30 and a marriage retreat scheduled from April 23 to 25.

A full list of programs can be seen weekly in the Moody Volunteer. Individuals may call the Base Chapel at (229) 257-3211 for more information.