CARE GROUP GOES to GETTYSBURG

David and Susan had a great idea when they planned a weekend in Gettysburg

The Baladerry Inn was a good choice, even though only one of our group is bald--

OOPS-- wait, B-A-L-A-D-erry---Nevermind...

 The Baladerry Inn, built in 1812,

was once used as a hospital in the Civil War---

as were many farmhouses in the area...

 Saturday began with devotions and meditations at the Inn

                                                    Followed by lunch on the patio

Then John Wega of the U.S. Christian Commission

began his presentation.

 This is not your normal tour of the Gettysburg battlefields...

This was a spiritual journey--in a school bus

 The U.S.C.C. was established in November 1861 when the Civil War began

It provided supplies, religious tracts and Bibles, medical services, 

recreational activities and chaplains to the soldiers.  

In 1866, the war was over and the USCC dissolved. 

Nearly 144 years after it first began, John and Susan Wega saw that 

there was still a need to bring supplies, religious tracts, Bibles, 

and healing to many of the wounded who still walk the battlefields 

as tourists, students and seekers. 

In 2005, they incorporated the USCC in the state of Pennsylvania.

I can't recommend the tour enough...

From Benners Ridge looking toward Culps Hill

 John's stories of miracles and holy deaths that occurred during those

 hot summer days in 1863, are emotional, humorous, touching, and provoking. 

 The little town of Gettysburg--population 2400--experienced 3 Invasions in 1863:

The Battle in July with the influx of army extras and the press, 

 The Aftermath with relief agencies plus families searching for their loved ones.

The Cemetery Dedication in November 1863 when Lincoln arrived with 15-20,000 visitors

Many came through the Railroad Station that also served as a hospital during the battle. 

Just as the military had to focus on POSITION (high ground), TIMING, ACTIONS, and the OUTCOME/CONSEQUENCES, so did the men and women serving the soldiers who were wounded, dying, scared, and forever changed by what happened on the battlefield. 

 At the location where the Confederate soldiers began Pickett's Charge

 John served us communion

 Jim was his lay assistant...

 

 And, on the very ground where blood was shed.

 We remembered the blood shed by our Savior

 Before our tour could end we had one last stop...

 Johnny Como's Cupcakes

 John and Susan's business in downtown Gettysburg.

I highly recommend the Almond Joy cupcake...

But the Raspberry and Coconut Cream ones are pretty good, too!!

 

 

 

Too soon the tour was over and it was time to say farewell to our guide...

John's ministry is far-ranging.  

Like those in the USCC 150 years ago, he also is a chaplain.

Today he serves the Adams County Sheriff's Department

near the battlefields of Gettysburg.

Our final outing of the day was a wonderful dinner

at the Dobbin House

 Before the Civil War broke out in our nation, 

only about 5-13% of the population attended church

After the Civil War was over, 70% attended church.

Today 31-40% of the population attend church weekly.