Hot dogs, hamburgers and spirituality. The three don’t normally go together, but don’t try telling that to Naval Station Everett’s chaplains.

That’s because Command Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. John Hakanson, has found they do. Hakanson is the creator of the new lunchtime chaplain’s Bible study program on base that integrates religious education with chow.  The group meets regularly every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in the All-American restaurant.

The idea came to Hackanson while searching for a way to improve the religious education at NAVSTA Everett.

“In order to provide a well rounded chaplain’s program, we thought it would be great to have a lunch time study,” explained Hakanson. “It’s something that anyone can join at anytime.”

The Bible study program started in May and has been popular among both civilians and servicemembers alike. Each week, the group studies a different passage from “The Way, the Truth and the Life.” The book combines the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John into one story combining the different apostle’s views.

“They differ like when two different people stand on a corner and witness an accident,” said Hakanson of the four gospels. “They might pick up on different things. What this study does is use a book that has interwoven all four accounts into one story.”

The lunchtime Bible study is a relaxed, roundtable discussion of the book that’s nondenominational and open to those with all levels of religious knowledge. Hakanson said even those who aren’t necessarily religious can take something away from the conversation.

“It’s for people who’re curious about what’s in the gospels. We give out a lot of historical information about the time and the setting and what might’ve been going on behind the scenes,” he said. “People who believe that there’s some validity, even historical value to the gospels, would get something out of it even if they aren’t a Christian. It’s something that can be appreciated and learned from no matter what religious perspective they come from.”

NAVSTA Everett’s Ombudsman Assembly Chairman, Melissa Worthey, said the study group provides her with some much-needed stabilization during her busy week.

“I’m a Christian woman and it’s a way to get refueled in the middle of the week,” she said. “I found it very beneficial.”

Chief Fire Controlman (SW) Chia Hsia agrees.

“I think it gives a person a better understanding of what the Bible is all about, he said.  Especially if you’re a person searching for answers.  I always walk away with a sense of peace.”

All participants are provided with a free copy of the study book by the chaplain’s office. Active duty, civilian and family members are all welcomed to attend. Hakanson encourages anyone who’s interested to sit down and learn anytime they can.

“Just bring an appetite for food and for learning,”