September 2004
P.R.A.Y. is pleased to announce a new quarterly bulletin designed specifically for users of the God and Country program. This bulletin is written with pastors, counselors, mentors, and parents in mind. It will include program helps, best practices, and special features to support a God and Country ministry.
We see this bulletin as an “idea exchange,” and we encourage God and Country users to share their stories and suggestions with us so that we can pass them on to others. If you have received this bulletin, it is because your name and email appeared on a God and Country application (you either placed the order, served as counselor, or you are the pastor of a God and Country recipient). In any case, you care about children and youth and we want to say “thank you!” We hope you enjoy this bulletin and take the time to share it with others.
Here’s What’s New in God and Country … New Curriculum
The God and Country curriculum continues to be revised. If you haven’t taught a God and Country class in a while, check out the new curriculum (it is completely different from the old). Listed below are the most recent revision dates:
… New Counselor Manuals
The Counselor Manuals are new and improved. In the revised curriculum, pages from the Student Workbook are reproduced on a smaller scale and included in the Counselor Manual. The counselor doesn’t have to juggle the counselor and student books anymore. Everything is contained in one book. Sample Counselor Page.
… New Application Process
P.R.A.Y. has simplified the application process. There are two changes. First, regarding church information, we ask for the name and address of the church that taught the God and Country class (we no longer require the church name and address for each individual recipient). Second, we have created a Multiple Order Form, which allows the counselor to submit all the names of the recipients on one sheet of paper. This form is included in the new Counselor Manuals, or on our web site. Click here for these new forms. Please note that the Multiple Order Form is a two-sided form – both sides must be filled in and submitted to P.R.A.Y. before your order can be processed. We hope these changes help to streamline your paperwork.
Dolgeville UMC Baptizes Three God and Life Participants
Three young people who participated in a year-long God and Life program asked to be baptized after studying scripture on baptism and making personal choices to follow God. The Dolgeville United Methodist Church in Dolgeville, NY offered the God and Life curriculum as part of its combination Sunday school / Youth Group program. Led by Jeanette and Tom Antonoff, 15 young people completed the requirements and received their awards in June 2004. Click here to read the complete article.
Many parents have commented that their children have gotten so much more out of the God and Country program than just an award. True, God and Country is an award (and a fancy one at that!). It is also true that the award provides powerful incentive to participate in the program. However, God and Country is much more than just an award; it is Christian education, Family involvement, Getting to know the Pastor, Service projects, Community outreach, and Real results / changed lives.
Click here for a PowerPoint presentation to help your church understand how God and Country can be part of its ministry with children and youth. http://praypub.org/god_country/god__country_powerpoints.htm
Each slide in the PowerPoint has notes: these notes serve as the “script” for the presentation. Be sure to read these notes!
Please note: This presentation would not be appropriate in a general Scouting setting because such a session would have multiple faiths represented. Click here for more general presentations on the religious awards/emblems: http://praypub.org/promotional_powerpoints.htm
http://praypub.org/promotional_scripts.htm
Soon to be in Spanish: God and Me, God and Family
Needed: Volunteers to Field Test Spanish Program
Next Issue: God and Me & Scout Sunday Resources
The next God and Country bulletin is scheduled for December 2004 and we will feature both the God and Me program, as well as Scout Sunday Resources.
God and Me (grades 1-3) – We would like to share your ideas for new games, crafts, family activities, service projects, schedules, presentation ceremonies, parties … basically, anything that you have tried that has worked. We are also asking for “success stories” or testimonials on how the program has impacted children and families.
Scout Sunday Resources – We are looking for sample litanies, responsive readings, programs, i.e. anything that might help or encourage other congregations to celebrate Boy Scout Sunday (February 6, 2005) and Girl Scout Sunday (March 6, 2005). Besides collecting these resources, we want to hear about your traditions and what you do to make this a special Sunday.
You may respond to this email or forward your comments to debh@praypub.org. Again, thank you for sharing.
Please forward this email to other people you feel may benefit from this God and Country Bulletin. You could share this information with your pastor, youth group leaders, Sunday school teachers, Scouting leaders, and others.
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