JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The Fort Eustis Deputy Garrison Chaplain Office volunteers from the chapel’s Protestant and Catholic congregation read bible-based bedtime stories live on the Regimental Memorial Chapel Facebook page during its first virtual Evening Story Time, April 28, 2020.
The program was initiated to maintain the bond between chapel members and Joint Base Langley-Eustis families while normal worship services are temporarily halted as the community fights the spread of COVID-19.
The Regimental Memorial Chapel currently has virtual services available, but none are specifically geared toward children.
“We want to have a presence for children on post and our community to know that the chapel is here for families,” said Jeanne Vaul, Fort Eustis Deputy Garrison Chaplain Office senior director of religious education. “This is an opportunity for families to spend quality time together as parents are getting their children ready for bed. After the [children] brush their teeth and get their pajamas on, they can all relax, listen to the bible story chosen for that night, discuss it afterward and then go to bed.”
The chapel typically provides faith services for children through its Awana program every Wednesday night and a children’s Sunday program consisting of the Children’s Church, Sunday School and the Catholic School of Religion.
“I’m very happy with this program because it gives members of the chapel community a chance to stay connected and involved with each other,” said Rochelle Masteller, spouse of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Masteller, 128th Aviation Brigade Advanced Individual Training instructor. “We can’t see each other in person, but connecting virtually has been a highlight of our week through the different services offered, such as bible studies, weekly devotions and Sunday services.”
Vaul said she hopes the new bi-weekly live story readings can become part of families’ nightly routines to sustain the connection with their faith and their fellow chapel members.
“This is for the continued spiritual health and well-being of our families and our congregants,” Vaul explained. “Many people may be feeling isolated, so this is just an opportunity to help them in their faith, to let them know they’re not alone and they’re not forgotten.”
The Evening Story Time program is held every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m. To watch the Facebook Live stories, follow @RegimentalMemorialChapel on Facebook.