Christ Church was honored to host our annual Veterans Dinner on November 3, an event dedicated to honoring the men and women in our parish who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans and their spouses filled the Fellowship Hall—dressed in semi-formal attire—for an evening marked by fellowship, remembrance, and a renewed call to prayer.
The program opened with a solemn and dignified presentation by The American Legion Peter J. Courcy Post 178 from Frisco, whose honor guard presented the colors during the national anthem. They also shared the moving POW/MIA Table presentation, a symbolic remembrance of those who are still missing or held captive. Their presence lent a ceremonial weight to the evening, reminding all in attendance of the sacrifice woven into the fabric of military service.
Guests enjoyed dinner and music, including a performance by a local barbershop quartet coordinated by Mark Snow, Canon for Cathedral Music at Christ Church.
Bishop Jay Cayangyang delivered the keynote address, a message entitled, “Strength for the Battle: Faith, Chaplaincy, and the Power of Prayer across Generations.” Drawing from his years of chaplaincy and pastoral ministry, he spoke powerfully and empathetically about the spiritual resilience found in service, the importance of intercession, and the enduring hope found in Christ—no matter the battlefield.
For Father Matt Purmort, Director of Pastoral Care at Christ Church, a Navy reservist serving as chaplain, and organizer of the event, the evening carried a deeply personal significance.
“The evening was a way to both honor our Veterans at Christ Church and to call them into the service of prayer for those who currently serve our country,” he shared.
