HAZLET – “Our veterans must never be forgotten!” These were the words of Veterans’ Ministry leader Sgt. David Nordt at St. John’s UMC in Hazlet, as he led a group of volunteers to special veteran events in August. Following church service on August 19, the group travelled to NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park to spend time with veteran residents. During the visit, veterans enjoyed the opportunity to share stories and photographs of their military service, as well as their lives after their service. Prayer shawls crocheted and prayed over by the members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. John’s were offered to veterans during the visit. The volunteers found it a privilege to spend time with these patriots, including many from WWII. The Veterans’ Ministry supports the Veterans Home with ongoing visits during which they distribute small gifts such as word searches and puzzles.
On August 20, a group of volunteers from St. John’s accompanied Sgt. Nordt to Operation Jersey Cares in Raritan. OJC supports deployed military, proud veterans and military families. During the visit, volunteers participated in the packing of care cartons for active military. They shared that it was wonderful to witness the tremendous work being done by so many volunteers of different ages and from many different places in New Jersey. The Veterans’ Ministry continues to support Operation Jersey Cares with much needed items for shipment as well as monetary donations, all made available through generous contributions from members of the church congregation as well as others.
Sgt. Nordt invites participation from all who are interested in this ministry. You do not have to be a veteran to be a part of this important cause. He can be reached at 732-703-0064.