Military Veterans’ Fellowship

Who we are:

This ministry is comprised of veterans, led by veterans, and dedicated to serving veterans in order to meet both spiritual and tangible needs. Male and female veterans of all branches are welcome and encouraged to join our group, which meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 19:00 hours, in Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia’s Church Office Conference Room. There is ample parking in the church lot, adjacent to CCP’s flagpole entrance. You may be asked to provide proof of your military service, in the form of either a DD214 certificate of discharge, or a valid military ID card.

Why we meet:

It is our desire to follow the will of God, as we welcome brothers and sisters who have served during peacetime or wartime, or who are serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps. Both former and current service members, active duty, reserve, and retired are welcome and encouraged to gather as a unit, bound by shared sacrifice, and a sense of camaraderie and fellowship. We know from first-hand experience the duty, honor, loyalty and courage which unite us, and set us apart from our civilian brethren. We know the drive and determination you possess as a veteran, and your immense capacity for courage and selfless service. Our nation depended on us in a time of need, for its safety and security. Now it’s time to depend on each other.

Regardless of our duties while in uniform, we have all been affected to one degree or another by things we’ve done and things we’ve seen. Some veterans come home with anger, anxiety, fear, or other signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some veterans have difficulty in coping with civilian life; develop addictions to alcohol or drugs, or find it difficult to hold onto personal relationships or their jobs. Still other veterans come home and make what appears to be a seamless transition to life out of uniform. Regardless of your service experience, regardless of how long you served, regardless of how you’ve struggled or succeeded since returning home, this group is for you!

What we do:

As a starting point for our group, we address both spiritual and practical issues in relation to our reintegration with civilian life. Among the publications we use as resources are The ESV Bible (English Standard Version text), and the books I Always Sit With My Back to the Wall, authored by Harry Croft, and both The Combat Trauma Healing Manual, and When War Comes Home, authored by Chris Adsit. Through God’s Grace, all of the group’s materials are provided at absolutely no cost to the veteran.

It took a team to accomplish your mission when you were deployed. Whether your job brought you face to face with the enemy, or kept you in a supporting role. Side by side and shoulder to shoulder with your comrades, you succeeded and you came home. Today, here and now, is no different. It isn’t necessary for you to attend Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia in order to join the group, as veterans of all faiths are welcome. And there are no membership fees, because you’ve already paid your dues. Join us, and together we’ll work to reveal God’s grace in our lives.