“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

The above text was preached by the Rev. Peter Mühlenberg (pictured to the side), on January 21st, 1776. When he reached verse 8 (A time to love...), he took off his black clerical robes and revealed his full dress as a Colonel in the Continental Army. Pastor Mühlenberg knew then, as we know now, that men and women can owe their faith to God and to country. It is for this reason that the ELCM is an official Chaplaincy Endorsing Agency.

The ELCM’s Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agent is the Rev. Russell N. Burr, Lt. Col CH, Retired. For more information on Chaplaincy Endorsing through the ELCM, please contact ELCM President Rev. Roy Steward and request to be put in contact with Rev. Burr.