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Local Heroes Honored by First Congregational Church of Raynham, UCC
 The Stone Church sponsors concert with proceeds benefiting veteran organizations
With Memorial Day just around the corner, many towns are making plans to honor those who have died in our nation's service. Many churches participate in the Day's observances by saying prayers at gravestones and memorials or participating in town parades.
The First Congregational Church of Raynham, UCC, better known as the "Stone Church," honored its local heroes last Fall in a different way -- by sponsoring a Veterans' Day benefit concert to honor a citizen of their town who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama.
Karen Jackson, a member of First Congregational who sings in the choir, explained that Jared Monti was a Raynham native who was killed in action on June 21st, 2006, while deployed with the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. His parents were presented the Congressional Medal of Honor for Jared's bravery in attempting to rescue one of his soldiers under heavy fire.
"The church had no connection with the Monti family prior to Jared's death," said Rev. Jim Tilbe, pastor of the Raynham church. "He was Roman Catholic; but after he was awarded the Medal of Honor several church members expressed a desire that he be honored by his home town. So we decided to honor him with music and use the occasion to raise money to help our service people and veterans."
"The town supports us in our strawberry festival and suppers and other events. We are in the center of town, we have historic roots, and we are the town so we try to welcome everyone to whatever we do. Since everyone was moved by the news of Jared, it was natural that we wanted to do something," said Jackson. "Before you know it, we were planning an event, printing the tickets, and having a sellout."
The concert featured The First Congregational Church Choir and the S.O.S. Big Band. The Stone Church choir is locally known for a variety of inspiring music. They sang a number of pieces, ranging from reverent to uplifting. The S.O.S. Big Band, from Rhode Island, performs numbers from the swing era with the big band sound. "The SOS Big Band definitely made people want to dance -- which is a bit limited when sitting in pews," said Tilbe.
Members of Jared's family spoke to the audience and displayed photos, a flag and the actual medal. The audience participated in the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and God Bless America. Veterans in attendance were honored and stood at specific times during the service. The church served lemonade after the concert. "The crowd loved the program," said Tilbe.
The concert was promoted through the church newsletter and local newspapers. Due to the size of the Stone church, tickets were limited to 100; and it was a quick sellout.
All proceeds raised by the concert -- $1205.00 -- were split evenly between Homes for Our Troops and Holy Joe's Café. Homes for Our Troops helps those who have selflessly given to our country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries since September 11, 2001. Holy Joe's Café helps military chaplains provide a safe and informal place where they can receive spiritual care and good coffee.
Jackson said: "I'll never hear a military hymn or see a flag without thinking of the service and remembering Jared and others who have served in the past, are serving in the present, and will serve in the future."
You can find a list of resources regarding "The War and Pastoral Care of Soldiers, Military Families, and Chaplains" at http://www.globalministries.org/mee/from-war-to-peace/the-war-and-pastoral-care.html.
Karen Jackson can be reached at: stonechurch@tmlp.com or 508-822-6177.
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