Forty-four years ago, John Connolly left his home in Gastonia to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After completing his enlistment as a Petty Officer First Class, he took a break from service to be an electrical engineer. After extended discernment, God convinced him to attend seminary and re-don the uniform as a Navy Chaplain Candidate. After ordination, he was assigned to active duty as a Chaplain to provide spiritual care to military members, advise leaders, and protect the freedom of religion for all members of the Department of Defense. While God’s call to specialized ministry took him all around the world, Chaplain Connolly faithfully remained a rostered minister of the North Carolina Synod.

After more than 25 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Chaplain Connolly accepted a new call to parish ministry back in North Carolina as the pastor of St. Paul, Startown, and Cedar Grove, Vale.

At this year’s NC Synod Assembly, Chaplain Connolly was awarded the ELCA Meritorious Service Medallion for his sacrifice, support, and spiritual care to U.S. Servicemembers and their families. On behalf of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop Tim Smith, and Michael Sonnenberg of ELCA Federal Chaplaincy Ministries, the Chaplain Corps office honored Chaplain Connolly with the citation below.

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDALLION
 
is awarded to
 
CHAPLAIN COMMANDER JOHN D. CONNOLLY
CHAPLAIN CORPS, UNITED STATES NAVY
 
Chaplain Connolly distinguished himself as a pastor representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, serving the spiritual needs of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.  His compassion, pastoral skills, commitment, and dedicated leadership resulted in a faithful, fruitful, and effective ministry wherever he served.  The accomplishments of Chaplain Connolly culminate in an outstanding career serving his Lord, this church, and our country.  His ministry reflects great credit upon himself and the witness of this church.

 The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop                  The Rev. Christopher L. Otten, Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and  Sr. Director, ELCA Chaplain Corps

Thanks be to God for Chaplain Connolly’s faithful dedication and service!