Reverend James Rehder
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
Bellevue, WA
Sponsor: Rep. Dave Reichert, (R-WA)
Date of Prayer: 06/19/2013
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to rise to welcome my good friend, the Reverend James Rehder and his daughter, Mele, who is with him today. Jim and I have known each other since our college days at Concordia Lutheran University in Portland, Oregon, before he went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.
Reverend Rehder was ordained into the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church at Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is currently a pastor at Bellevue Pilgrim Lutheran Church and Preschool in Bellevue, Washington.
His passion for service extends far beyond the four walls of his home church. He has been a committed volunteer and supporter of causes like the Northwest Lutheran Ministry Services, the Emergency Feeding Program of Seattle, the Sophia Way Women's Shelter, and the Free Burma Rangers.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Reverend Rehder for being with us here today, and I thank him for his dedication in serving others.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Lord, You are our strength. Grant that we may become a people united in love and peace.
Grant favor to all who hold office in our land, especially President Obama and Vice President Biden, this Congress, Governors, legislatures, all who make and administer our laws. May all be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty.
Holy Spirit, we commend to You our schools, those who learn and teach, that our children may thrive in safe havens and bring forth the fruit of their lives and dreams.
Grant our Armed Forces personnel and families courage and success, and us, for whom they sacrifice, our unending respect and gratitude.
Receive our thanksgiving for those who serve, protect, labor, farm, care, heal, create, and lead. Thank You for this abundant land. Give us calm compassion to live as one nation under You.
In Jesus' name, amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory