What could he do with three rubles? After much thought, he purchased a small votive candle, stationed it on the communion table and lit it. On hearing his story, his congregation agreed to make it a permanent accessory of the chancel and purchased a supply of votive candles so he could make a ‘‘peace candle” available to any visitor wishing to take back to his⁄her own church.

Today, candles burn in England, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Kuwait, South Africa, Denmark, and in the U. S., to name a few. One burns in the Marine Corps Memorial Chapel during the Protestant Services. It was given to me by a confirmation student while stationed at the Naval Academy, which I brought with me here. This small, unthreatening symbol of peace helps us to remember to pray for peace, to emphasize our role as peacemakers and highlights the power of prayer in the lives of those who are powerless in the world.

How many stories are there of small acts that have begun a major change in the world? Jesus told a story about a person who was given little and faithfully invested it. Someone else who was given more, buried what they had. The one with less was praised for his⁄her faithful action. Jesus also told about a woman who humbly gave all she could as an offering and she was praised not for the size of the gift but for her willingness to trust. Can you think of something small that someone has done today to change the course of your day, or perhaps something you have done that you didn’t expect would have the impact it did?

I invite you to try a small action of your own, to make a small investment of your time and energy. It doesn’t take much — little time, no money, and probably because you can do this on your way somewhere else – no gas, and it is life-changing.

We all make time in our lives for eating, sleeping, physical work outs, and countless other activities. And we tend to go from activity to activity without pause. I invite you to come to the chapel on base to pray. It is open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 16:30 p.m. You will find a quiet place to reflect, pray, dream, meditate, in a word — ‘‘chill” Most activities are associated with a location. While you don’t have to go to a certain place to pray, Jesus did advocate going to a private place, away from the normal activities of the day. And he tended to return to the same spots and visit those that were holy places for others. So, I invite you to choose the chapel as your place, and to make it a part of your week. It doesn’t take much to make a big difference in your life.

The chapel is a place that has often gotten lost among the other larger buildings on base, you may not even know where it is (by Lejeune Hall.) We had a great celebration June 20. A long awaited (for 50 years) Annex was opened. The chapel complex now has a bigger ‘‘footprint.” It has chapel offices, a library, a nursery, classrooms, a kitchen and reception area, a prayer room, and MCCS offices. Soon we will be moving all our activities from Larson Gym to our new space.

When we do move, it won’t take much to find someone who can listen to your needs, and help you on your way. What a blessing to have a building dedicated to activities that ease the stresses and burdens of life. It doesn’t take much, so come.