Captain Nathan Solomon will serve as Preacher of the Week, July 5-9, during America’s 250th Celebration Week. This week’s preacher is generously supported by Arden & Pam Douce.
On Sunday, July 5, Solomon will preach at the 10:30 a.m. Hoover Worship Service. His sermon, "Patriots & Scoundrels: Authentic Faith in Civic Life," is based on Luke 20:20-26. In this passage, Jesus is questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, raising questions about conscience, citizenship, allegiance and faithfulness in public life. Solomon will explore what authentic faith looks like when civic responsibility and loyalty to God meet in difficult places.
Musical leadership will be provided by Michael Shirtz and the Chautauqua Choir, with liturgy led by Rev. Kimberly Orr. Following the opening prayer, children ages 5–11 will proceed together to Bradley Temple for Children’s Church with Chip Richter, where they’ll enjoy a kid-friendly message, songs, crafts, lemonade and cookies. Preschoolers are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Solomon is a U.S. Navy Chaplain with more than 20 years of service in both the Reserve and active-duty Navy. His ministry has taken him to Afghanistan, the Arabian Gulf and other parts of the world where chaplains serve alongside military personnel and their families.
He has served in senior leadership roles, including Director of Strategic Communications in the Office of the Chief of Chaplains, U.S. Navy, and, more recently, as Naval Forces Africa Chaplain in Naples, Italy. His work has included pastoral care, policy writing, legislative affairs and international chaplain coordination. In 2023, he joined the Religious Freedom Institute as a Military Chaplain Fellow, reflecting his commitment to the intersection of faith, public service and religious liberty.
A recipient of numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star, Solomon is also a Fleet Marine Force-qualified officer. In 2024, he participated in NATO chaplaincy efforts during BALTOPS 24, supporting spiritual care initiatives among allied nations.
During his time at Lakeside, Solomon will also be featured on the Faith for Living Podcast in an episode titled “Caring for Those Who Serve: Military Chaplaincy in Practice.” The conversation will explore the spiritual, practical and emotional dimensions of caring for service members, veterans and families.
The Faith for Living series will continue with three sessions: “Faith in Combat” on Tuesday, “The Church and the Veteran” on Wednesday, and “Caring for the Care-Giver” on Thursday. Together, these conversations will examine military service, the needs of veterans and the church’s role to support those who bear the burdens of care.
Solomon will also lead Vespers by the Lake on Tuesday with the theme “Singing the Lord’s Song in a Foreign Land,” based on Psalm 137. Drawing on a psalm of exile, memory, grief and worship, the service will offer space for reflection on faith in unfamiliar and challenging circumstances.
Through preaching, teaching and conversation, Solomon’s week at Lakeside will address faith under pressure, the ministry of presence and the church’s call to care for those who serve.
Guests are welcome to attend Hoover Worship Services free of charge by requesting a complimentary Church Pass between 7:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday; valid until 1 p.m. The pass includes admittance for guests and auto and must be presented to the gate attendant upon departure. If allotted hours are exceeded, guests will be required to purchase a Daily Chautauqua Pass. The pass does not include access to the pool or wellness center. Complimentary passes are available for all worship services and Faith for Living Hour.
