You are receiving this newsletter because you have expressed an interest in P.R.A.Y. and promoting Duty to God through religious emblems programs. P.R.A.Y. handles the Protestant Christian program but also provides interfaith resources and links to other religious emblems programs to support both scouting professionals and volunteers.

P.R.A.Y. Update to Members of BSA January 2019

SCOUT SABBATH/SUNDAY Recognize and PROMOTE Religious Emblems to both Youth and Adults

Scout Sabbath/Sunday is a natural time to recognize scouts who have earned religious emblems, but it is also the perfect time to PROMOTE the religious emblems programs. Strike while the interest is high. Challenge all your scouts to earn the religious emblem of their faith. If they start now on Scout Sabbath/Sunday, they can be recognized at the end-of-the-year award ceremony. Here are some resources to promote religious emblems to youth: Religious Emblems Presentation Script Religious Emblems PowerPoint Presentation

SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR ADULTS

Follow the example of First English Lutheran Church in Dorset, MN and publicly thank your adult leaders. Pastor and Scoutmaster Christopher Davis received the Lamb Award for his ministry with youth. Read his story here . Scout Sabbath/Sunday is a great moment to recognize active adult leaders and religious emblems counselors for their work with young people and to thank the congregation's leadership for their support. Find out about eligibility requirements and print adult nomination forms here: https://www.praypub.org/adult-nominations

Religious Emblems – Good for Scouts – Good for SCOUTING!

Everyone knows that religious emblems are good for Scouts. But did you know that religious emblems are good for Boy Scouting, too? Religious emblems are a bridge between Scouting and the faith community. In order for scouts to earn a religious emblem, they must work with their clergy and/or congregation. Those congregations experience firsthand what Duty to God is all about. Clergy are more open to serving on religious relationships committees, serving as chaplains, and even chartering new units. Retention – both of youth and adults – can be improved with this stronger connection to the faith community.  Take the time to promote religious emblems. When you help a scout earn a religious emblem, you are helping to grow the scouting movement at the same time!

Jesus and Me Program - UPDATE

SQUARE KNOT - Since the Lion requirements do not include a Duty to God Adventure, the “Jesus and Me” pin will NOT be recognized with the youth religious square knot. However, first-grade Tigers who earn Jesus and Me are eligible for the knot. Have other questions? Use this FAQ to find answers to similar questions . COUNCIL STORE WHOLESALE DISCOUNT - P.R.A.Y. is extending a trade discount to scout shops and council stores to purchase the Jesus and Me booklets at wholesale prices. This is the only book that BSA National Supply is not stocking; therefore, this is the only book that P.R.A.Y. can wholesale to local councils. Ask your store to request the trade discount from P.R.A.Y.

WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE

Jim Hickey Lake Erie Council Religious Emblem Coordinator District Chaplain Chaplain – Beaumont Scout Reservation Chair, Lake-Geauga Catholic Committee on Scouting Mentor, OH

I use the Duty to God puzzle patches for those who have completed my Chaplain Aide Training class (usually at summer camp). When we have University of Scouting events, I do the regular Introduction to Religious Emblems program session and those participants receive a patch also.

I have also used the Bible Basics RP3 patches at Summer camp offering the Bible study program for adults . Most adults are looking for something to do while the Scouts are busy in program areas. Visit the P.R.A.Y. Webstore for both patch series.

Stories to Inspire

7 Four-Star Awards Presented   Scouts Receive God and Life awards During Alaska Adventure   Mark Shares God and Church Experience Son Surpasses Dad with Four-Star Award Scout Creates Camp Songbook for God and Life Project

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if you or your Scout group benefited from the many resources on the P.R.A.Y. website, please consider a financial gift to P.R.A.Y. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your gifts are tax deductible. Gifts of $25 and over will be acknowledged in the P.R.A.Y. Annual Report. Click here to make a financial gift and become a Friend of P.R.A.Y.

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