Reverend Scott A. Dornbush
Van and Ben Wheeler United Methodist Churches
Van, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Ralph Hall, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 06/14/2001
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize again the Reverend Scott Dornbush of Van, Texas in my district who offered the opening prayer as our guest chaplain today.
Reverend Dornbush has served as pastor of the Van, Texas and Ben Wheeler, Texas United Methodist Churches since 1997. Each Sunday, Reverend Dornbush delivers three sermons, two in Van and one in Ben Wheeler, which is 10 miles away. As he says with good humor, "That's the way it's done in East Texas."
Reverend Dornbush is actively involved in numerous projects that reflect his commitment to the social implications of the Gospel. He has volunteered at crisis centers for abused women and children, initiated counseling groups, and authored and presented a paper on ministering to abusive families.
His churches also reflect his leadership and are well–known for their mission efforts. They provide foods for over 100 families and distribute, and this is unbelievable, over three tons of fresh produce. The churches also offer preschool and child care.
I want to commend Reverend Dornbush and those in his congregation for their efforts in meeting the needs of those in their communities through these service–based programs.
We know from experience that local citizens and local organizations have a better understanding of their communities' needs and how to meet these needs. We know that some of the most successful efforts have been sponsored by our churches and other faith–based groups.
Mr. Speaker, the time has come to include these viable programs in Federal efforts to improve the lives of our citizens, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this happen. I am pleased to welcome Reverend Dornbush today.
I want to also express my appreciation for the Guest Chaplain program which provides a vital spiritual link between Washington and our faith–based communities throughout America.
I thank Reverend Dornbush.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty God, fountain of all wisdom, guide and direct us in the work before us.
Help us to remember that the Stars and Stripes of our flag represent the needs of a great and diverse people as well as the sacrifice of many who have made possible the freedom we enjoy.
Grant to us Your wisdom as we seek to bring comfort to those suffering the pain of poverty, conviction to those knowing the apathy of affluence, and freedom to those whose path is obstructed. Tune our ears this day, not only to the cry of the mighty, but also to the muffled silence of those without voice. May the work of our hands insure justice for all.
Bless our President and the United States of America. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory