Reverend Bryce Anderson
Church of the Living Word
Vincennes, IN
Sponsor: Rep. Hon. John Hostettler, (R-IN)
Date of Prayer: 10/29/2003
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
(Mr. HOSTETTLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. HOSTETTLER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that our session today began with a prayer delivered by Bryce Anderson, pastor of the Church of the Living Word in Vincennes, Indiana.
It is a proud and longstanding part of our heritage that the work of Congress begins only after God's blessing and favor is sought, and I am proud that Pastor Anderson could participate in this historical duty.
In 1987, Pastor Anderson and his wife, Bobbie, established the Church of the Living Word as an outreach to their community. In his 16 years as pastor, Bryce has demonstrated the commitment and dedication that make him both a role model and spiritual leader in Knox County.
Bryce shares with the first Speaker of the House, Frederic Augustus Muhlenberg, the notion that service to God and public service go hand in hand. Like so many of our founders, Pastor Anderson believes the church has both a role and responsibility to be active in faith and in service to community and country.
Mr. Speaker, I could not agree more.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
God of our forefathers, refuge of good and wise people in every generation: when history began, You were the first enlightener of minds. Yours was the Spirit that first led them out of their brutish estate. You are the Lord and giver of life, the source of all knowledge, the fountain of all goodness.
The patriarchs trusted You and were not put to shame. The prophets sought You and You committed Your word to their lips. The psalmists rejoiced in You and You were present in their psalms. The apostles waited upon You and they were filled with Your Spirit. The martyrs called upon You and You were with them in the midst of the flame.
Forbid it that we should fail to profit by these great memories of the ages or to enter into the glorious inheritance which You have prepared for us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory