Today is Scouting Sunday and is in recognition of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America incorporated on February 8, 1910, under the laws of the District of Columbia, by W. D. Boyce.
The United Methodist Church is the largest sponsor of scouting in the USA and Concord-St. Andrews has one of the largest packs in the area. I have been able to be in a few scout meetings and was recently blessed to witness four young men become Eagle Scouts - the highest honor and recognition - in our sanctuary in a moving ceremony that recalled the hard work and effort each scout as well as the interrelationship inherent in scouting - the older scouts teach and lead the younger scouts and adults provide gentle guidance and oversight.
In breaking news on February 1, 2019 the Boy Scouts of America officially renamed their flagship program, Boy Scouting, to Scouts BSA as young woman joined for the first time. At CSA a group of 13 young women formed Troop 4 of this Pack on Monday February 4.
Let us pray:
O God, your will is that all your children should grow into fullness of life.
We lift to you the ministry of scouting.
We offer you thanks for camping,
to teach us that the world is our great home;
for study and work, to build character;
for service, to see our responsibility to those in need;
for encouragement in genuine patriotism and vital faith.
Bless the work of scouting, in this place and around the world,
that, through its efforts, the young may, like our Lord,
increase in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with you and all people.
Amen.