RAFM Chapel Grows Virtual Presence

Finding a way to thrive throughout the pandemic

by Jennifer DeRedin

THE UNITED STATES Air Force Chaplain Corps was established soon after the USAF was made into a separate military branch by the National Security Act in 1947. The military chaplaincy caters to all faith practices and promotes military members’ right to exercise their respective religion. Like most organizations, the Chaplain Corps, and locally, the RAF Mildenhall Chapel, has had to re-organize their services due to the Covid-19 pandemic - rising to the challenges of “virtual church.” In order to accommodate changing UK restrictions, the safety concerns of their constituents, and base guidelines, the chapel has re-invigorated and grown their online presence. According to Multi Media Coordinator, Elder Je’Mahl Ray, current circumstances have forced the chapel to expand in the best way possible, “ We have found a way to thrive, where more people can jump in.” By putting content out on more platforms than ever before, the chapel is giving people - who might not otherwise have the opportunity - “a chance to re-energize and be reminded or encouraged” from wherever they may be, Ray explained.

The RAF Mildenhall Chapel Facebook page was launched well before the onset of Covid-19,

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Sunday service streaming live to social media channels.

Campus Life hosts weekly game nights and small group discussion sessions, giving teens a much needed chance to connect

but since the first lockdown, the organization’s various programs have become increasingly active on the page. Sunday’s services are now streamed live and near-daily posts can be found with inspiring messages and information on how to “plug-in” to the various ministries. Additionally, the Multi Media team has launched a major project: a podcast and YouTube page.

Airmen and their families now have the opportunity to listen to Chaplains’ messages on the go on the RAF Mildenhall Protestant Parish podcast, or participate in a new resilience video series, the “Mildenhall Monday Minute,” at RAF Mildenhall Chapel on YouTube. The video series in particular is designed to motivate people at the very start of their week. “We all can find ourselves ‘too busy,’” Ray said, “but everyone can spare a minute. We keep it apolitical so everyone can take part.” RAFM Protestant Parish Coordinator, Virginia Thomas, explained that the Chapel’s main goal is to provide outreach and support for members of the tri-base community. “No matter what you are looking for, you can find it,” Thomas noted, “The fact that we can still commune together is such a godsend for so many people. The people in this community have such good hearts. There is a place for everyone, wherever you are in life.”

“We have had to adapt since the start of Covid,” Thomas said, “a lot of our programs are meeting over zoom,” but despite the challenges, they have continued to flourish. For example, “Campus Life hosts weekly game nights and small group discussion sessions, giving teens a much needed chance to connect,” Thomas explained.

Now that the United Kingdom has begun to loosen restrictions, many of the programs are starting to resume normal programming. “The chapel Facebook page is the best place to find out about the different programs,” Thomas said. She encouraged anyone who was interested to get in contact with chapel staff.