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Local Church Scouting Ministries

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New GNJ Annual Conference, Northern Shore District UMM Scouting Ministry Specialist Training Opportunity Friday, April 23, and Saturday April 24

What is a Scouting Ministry Specialist?

Scouting Ministry Specialists help churches enrich their relationship with existing Scout units. "Too frequently, churches treat troops as if they are just renting space instead of being a vital part of their ministry," said Coppock. "Churches may not be aware of the United Methodist God and Country series that can be used for confirmation training, or Venturing Crews that can expand youth ministries. Scouting Ministry Specialists help churches understand these possibilities."

Volunteer Scouting Specialists provide neighboring churches with information about the Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY), training opportunities, resources for Scout Sunday, and various awards for young people and adults. They will show churches how to use scouting as a youth ministry to reach the unchurched and our church youth. Fifty percent of the youth in scouting are unchurched. Think of the possibilities of introducing Jesus Christ to these youth, by the mere fact that their troop meet in a church. Scouting should be part of the youth outreach in every church just for this reason.

Recent numbers reflect that 6,600 of the 35,000 United Methodist churches have scouting units. The SMA will communicate and help churches find leaders and scouts. They will promote scouting in 3 - 6 churches in their District, and work with the UMM Scouting Coordinator in each district to promote all levels of scouting.

"Churches that sponsor Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venturing crews, 4-H, or Camp Fire groups have found these youth-serving groups to be a way to minister to their communities and frequently reach unchurched families," said Larry Coppock, national scouting director. "Fifty percent of boys in Scout troops housed in United Methodist Churches are unchurched." Think about the opportunity of reaching and helping the uncharted in our communities.

When: April 23 and 24 2010. Training starts Friday, April 23 at 6:00pm and continues on Saturday April 24 (9 to around 5:00pm). Training is open to all interested parties in the GNJ Annual Conference.

Where: Monmouth Boys Scout Headquarters, 705 GINESI DRIVE, Morganville, NJ 07751

Who attends: Scouting Coordinators (local, district, annual conference), Scouting Ministry Specialists, pastors, youth ministers, scoutmasters, troop, pack leaders, lay leaders, etc.

Cost: $50.00 to cover meals and course material

Topics Covered: Workshop topics will include but not be limited to the following: Transform your local church scouting program into a ministry, New Scouting Ministry Specialist, Safe Sanctuaries and Sexual Ethics

- new online course, Adult, Youth & Church Recognition Awards, God and Country Series?and more.

The first 20 registrants (maximum) will be accepted. If you cannot attend, please make copies of this form to share with other members of your scout unit and church (chaplain, scoutmaster, pastor, youth minister, etc.) who may wish to attend.

Course Director: Larry W. Coppock, CFRE, National Director, Scouting Ministries, General Commission on Untied Methodist Men (GCUMM), the United Methodist Church. Over 30 years of experience with four of the largest youth, community-service and church organizations in the world.

Deadline: Make check payable in the amount of $50.00 (add more - check appropriate boxes below) and mail to: John Fischer III, Treasure of the Northern Shore District UMM, c/o First United Methodist Church, 129 Chestnut St., Toms River, NJ 08753. 732-349-5384 or email him at SingFourPartLead(at)aol.com.

For more information follow this link to the Northern Shore District UMM Website: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/Northern_Shore_District_UMMen/Northern%20Shore%20Scouting.htm . This is a great program to learn out Scouting, and how to start or expand Scouting in your church. Larry Coppock, GCUMM Scouting Coordinator is coming to help us use Scouting as an evangelistic tool. Just think 50% of scouts have no church affiliation. Also learn about how Venture Scouting (coed Boy Scout teenage program 14 -20 year olds) can increase the number of teenagers in your church. 38% of Venture Scouts are girls. No previous scouting experience is needed for Venture Scouting. Learn how to get Venture Scouting going in your church. Cost $50.00 and space is limited. This training with be at the Monmouth Boy Scout Headquarters in Morganville.

Maximum of 20 participants. First come, first served basis. Deadline Feb 15^th. Some places maybe open after this date.

Send your check and Registration Form to:

John Fischer III, c/o First United Methodist Church, 129 Chestnut St., Toms River, NJ 08753.

For more information call Lew Weil 732-849-4232 Lew_Weil(at)comcast.net or Angel Santos, 732-991-2056 AngelSantos(at)comcast.net .