TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Chapel is taking measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, while still providing the Tinker Air Force Base community with spiritual services and other support resources.
In compliance with the installation’s enforcement of Health Protection Condition Level Charlie and current guidance to cancel non-mission related events of 10 or more individuals, the Chapel has canceled all regular worship services through May 11.
For Airmen who need more immediate assistance, the Chapel has two Religious Support Teams, one assigned at the Chapel and the other at the Latte Lounge, operating each day. Consisting of a chaplain and a religious affairs airman, an RST is available for any spiritual support Airmen need from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at either of those locations, according to Deputy Wing Chaplain Maj. Christopher Reeder.
“This allows us to have customer service available at both locations for 12 hours,” Reeder said. “It also allows us to maintain social distancing for our team, as we’re not letting the various teams integrate with each other. So, we’re keeping separate but we’re expanding our ability to serve the populace.”
Reeder said that the Chapel is also continuing to maintain regular appointments, with Airmen still able to meet one-on-one with chaplains as needed.
The Chapel will also be discontinuing the weekly Wednesday evening Airmen’s Dinners for the duration of the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Instead, Airmen in the dormitories will be able to get carry-out meals from the Vanwey Dining Facility which opened earlier this month.
While on-site worship services may be canceled, Reeder said that Airmen can still participate in weekly services either through pre-recordings or livestreaming. Reeder said that more information for available services can be accessed through the Tinker Air Force Base Chapel’s Facebook page or specific religious community page, such as the Tinker Chapel Protestant Community page on Facebook.
Airmen can also continue with the Chapel’s two weekly Bible studies via Zoom meetings, according to Reeder. A Protestant women’s Bible study is available Friday mornings and a Wednesday evening study is available over the New Testament's Book of Acts. Reeder said any Airmen interested in participating can call the Chapel and he will add them to the list of attendees.
Reeder said that the shift to long-distance fellowship is a great alternative during this time of social distancing for individuals to maintain a connection with the Chapel, but said that the situation does pose some unique challenges for him and the other chaplains.
“We lose the in-person touch; we are unable to do unit engagement by stopping by and visiting Airmen in their units,” Reeder said. “So much of the ministry, what we do, is relational. Of course, we’re finding ways to work around social distancing like with our online services, but nothing replaces in-person engagement.”
While a difficult time for the Chapel and the base community as a whole, Reeder said that that Airmen should keep in mind that the current COVID-19 situation will eventually come to an end.
“Here in Luke 12:25 it says, ‘Who of you by worry can add a single hour to your life,’” Reeder said. “It just is not going to do anyone any good to worry about it. So, remember that this, too, shall pass.”
For more information on the availability of Chapel services or for more immediate assistance from a member of the Tinker Chapel Team, call 734-2111.