Ellsworth chapels to host Christmas services

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  For those interested in events hosted by the 28th Bomb Wing chapel services, the holiday season offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy festivities from Christmas through New Year's Day.

"We want to welcome anyone to come out to the chapel this holiday season," said Capt. Thomas Foley, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain.  "Anyone on base, their friends and family can come out to our services. If you don't go to church regularly, or don't have a particular denomination preference, we encourage you to stop by [anyway]."

A Catholic Christmas Mass will be held Christmas Eve at 5:30 p.m. at the Black Hills Chapel, while a Protestant Christmas candlelight service will be held at the same time at the Freedom Chapel.

"Advent begins on Nov. 30th, and it marks the beginning of the church year," Foley explained. "The four Sundays leading up to Christmas, one candle on the Advent wreath is lit each week. For Catholics, Advent also includes penance services, which we do not provide on base, but we can locate churches around the area that do for people that wish to participate."

Ellsworth's religious community has adopted the tradition of Las Posadas, a Hispanic custom that takes place the nine days before Christmas, where people gather in a different home each night with prayer, songs, food and fellowship, commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph and their travels to Bethlehem.

"Las Posadas is a tradition that people love here," said Capt. Karlton Edison, 28th BW chaplain. "This year, the Catholics and the Protestants are participating in it together, which is the whole purpose of this season, bringing people together to celebrate."

Edison explained that the goal of the Chapel staff during the holidays is to create a community of love, comfort and connections.

"The Ellsworth Chapel wants to create a healthy spiritual community," Edison said.  "I believe that is what we provide to the base, not necessarily religion, but spiritual strength -whatever that might mean to you."

The Chapel staff would like to extend their welcome to Airmen who are unable to travel home during this season and to be a part of their celebrations.

"We welcome all," Foley explained. "The chapels will be filled and there will be beautiful celebrations. However, we can also point you in the right direction if you want something more denomination specific if our services don't fit your preferences."

For more information on services, call the chapel at (605) 385-1598.