Spotlight on P.R.A.Y. Recipients - Archive
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Andy H.
God and Church
United Church of Christ
Newtown, CT 

“My favorite parts of the God and Church program were learning about my denomination and about the Holy Spirit. All of the lessons were great and I enjoyed the program!”

Amy Wooden
God and Service Adult Recognition
United Church of Christ
Bethesda, MD 

A registered Boy Scout leader since 1986, Amy Wooden is the person working behind the scenes to provide support to the program. She has been involved in ad campaigns, Christmas tree sales, planning camping trips and High Adventure excursions, troop yearbooks, and serving as Unit Committee member and chair. For her lifelong commitment to both Scouting and her Church, Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, with the support of the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, have recognized Amy Wooden with the God and Service Award.

Sean L.
God and Family
Baptist
Valley Stream, NY

Sean: 

“My discussions with my father were my favorite times because we bonded. My favorite activity was family fun night because we played “YELLOW BALL”. We also ate a dinner that I planned, cooked and served. I made hamburger and salad for dinner. I dressed up as a waiter, set out candles and took out dinner music on a CD player. We ate outside on the front steps and played YELLOW BALL, a game I made up, right after.” 
 

Nathan G.
God and Family
Lutheran
Lindenhurst, IL 

Nathan: 

Seth and AJ
God and Church
Camp Lejeune, NC
Bible Church (Protestant) 

Seth:

“The thing I remember best was learning about Jesus’ human life. This was also probably my favorite lesson.” 

AJ:

“I enjoyed making my photo album. My favorite lesson was how Jesus was human. It was cool to know that Jesus knew all about us.” 

Mother:

“I think this program opened my boys’ eyes to the importance of the church as a single body. We move around with the military, but now they understand that each new church is still part of THE Church.” 

“I am very pleased with the photo album project in this program. What a great way to bring home truths and tap into individual interests!”  Click here to view Interactive Photo Albums by AJ and Seth. 

Sarah M.
God and Family
American Baptist
Berea, OH 

Sarah’s favorite part was the “lego project” for the lesson on Foundation/Crust. She built a house out of Legos and the pastor built one out of dominoes, and when they pushed them, Sarah’s house was stronger because it had interlocking pieces.  

Alexandra and Garrett P.
God and Me
Church of the Nazarene
White Like, MI 

Alexandra and Garrett with Pastor Eric Ward 

Mother:

“This was a great program. Alexandra and Garrett were baptized in May 2008. I believe this [God and Me] book was the reason.”

Joshua Thomas (JT)
God and Me
Episcopalian
Midlothian, VA 

Picture: JT with his father and mother the day he received his award in church. 

J.T.:

“I liked to play the games and see the big window in church. My favorite lesson was about the lost sheep. I had to find the lost keys. I liked making the games with my mom.” 

Mother:

William F.
God and Family
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Byron, GA 

Donna Davis-Daisley recently created a celebration banner to honor all God and Country recipients in St. Mary’s In-The-Hills Episcopal Church in Lake Orion, Michigan. The banner lists the youth by program level and year and includes all recipients since 1994. The congregation recently recognized its first Four-Star recipient, Michael D. The banner will encourage all youth in their spiritual growth and recognize their special achievements.

Ailsa O.
God and Life
United Methodist
Saint Cloud, MN 

Jonathan H.
God and Family
United Methodist
Ball Ground, GA 

Bailey K.
God and Me
Wernersville, PA

From the pastor:

Student and pastor met every Thursday for 60-75 minutes. Each session would open with a prayer and then a review starting at the beginning of the program. At the end the student would pray the Lord’s Prayer. The student was also given homework and reading assignments to perform at home with parents. This provided both family and student to explore their faith together and through it realize that God is active in every part of their lives. One of Bailey’s finest achievements was the game he and his family put together. See picture.

Click here for more information.

God and Me participants Owen, Andrew, Tanner, Ellee	God and Family participants Nicholas, Timmy, Parker
Arlington United Methodist Church in Arlington, Tennessee requires their God and Country participants to complete a service project. According to Teresa Rector, Religious Coordinator of Cub Scout Pack 452, “We feel that hands on experience in Missions ties the Scouting program in as a ministry of the church and draws the church and the Scouting program closer to the community.” Here are pictures of the God and Me and God and Family classes participating in a service project to benefit Habitat for Humanity.  YOUTH UNITED is a program of Habitat where kids ages 5-25 can become involved in missions. The kids made handcrafted birdhouses to benefit Habitat for Humanity’s TOOLBOX BASH silent auction fundraiser.

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Clark A.
God and Me
Magnolia, TX
Clark Bridge Fellowship

“It was fun doing the prayer walk because it encouraged other people to do it too. I recited the Lord’s Prayer in front of my congregation. I am glad I learned it.”

Here is a picture of Clark with his Pastor Rick Brown. They were later joined by two elders (who are Eagle Scouts) that prayed with Clark.

Sebastian P. God and Me Grace Fellowship Baldwin, MD

Caleb and Ryan
God and Me
Baptist
Margate, FL 

Adam C.
God and Family
St John Lutheran
Palmer, AK

Giving ultimate priority to God is called worship; we claim God as the most important thing in our lives. We put God before everything else. What does this mean for you?

“When I was asked this question [the first time] I said, ‘Making sacrifices for God.’ When I was asked this same question at the end of the program, I answered, ‘That I can put my faith in God to catch me when I fall.’  My youth director said that that’s what the program wanted to me to get out of it, that I can rely on God no matter what happens.

Adam is a singer in the Alaska Children’s Choir. He is pictured here waiting to go onstage for a performance.
 

Donald K.
God and Family
Campus Church
Pensacola, FL 

John M.
God and Church
Presbyterian
Maryland, NY 

John (pictured at right with his grandfather John Finch) met weekly with Elder Tom Heitz to earn his God and Church award. His mother and/or his grandparents would join him for these weekly study sessions. According to Elder Tom Heitz, “The family learned together how to talk about the Bible and religious topics among themselves. John was very faithful in addressing his assignments and he learned how to read the Bible, how to look up passages, and how to use Bible commentaries and a Bible dictionary.”

Gregory C.
God and Life
African Methodist Episcopal
Severna Park, MD

Gregory is an active member in Wayman Good Hope AME Church in Severna Park, MD. His Scout leader knew that and suggested that Greg earn his religious award. This was the start of a long and rewarding journey that recently culminated with the presentation of the God and Life Award on May 25, 2008. Click here for more on Greg's story.

Lizzie
God and Me
Messiah Lutheran
Downingtown, PA 

Lizzie learned about the religious award programs after bridging up to Junior Girl Scouts and wanted to get started right away.  Since there was no program in place at Messiah, her mother volunteered to be her counselor and by summer she had earned the God and Me award. 

Here's what Lizzie had to say: 

"I loved the prayer walk and the stepping stones.  I remember the story about the small traitor that invited Jesus!  I didn't have a favorite story...I liked them all the same!  I also liked taking a friend to church.  I LOVE GOD AND ME!!!!!!! :)" 

Here's what her mother / counselor had to say: 

"I was amazed each week by Lizzie's inquisitiveness at the lessons.  She craved more knowledge, and it was hard to keep our one-on-one sessions under 3 hours with our extensive discussions.  I wasn't expecting that with a third grader.  It was exciting to watch the way her mind worked through each lesson." 

In the fall, Lizzie is excited to start the God and Family program as we expand to a class-style program.   

And in the spring, Lizzie has volunteered to be a co-counselor with her mother for another session of the God and Me program. 

 

Caid C. God and Family Baptist Jacksonville, FL

“Caid learned a lot from the God and Family lessons.  As he made his 'PIZZA', he asked many questions about our family heritage and that prompted a search for ancestors.  We discovered that our family has had different religious beliefs and backgrounds and that's ok.  He says he liked cutting out the 'toppings' and trying to match family members with the gifts, traits and talents he received from them.  (Like the beautiful blue eyes and freckles he got from his mother!)  He really enjoyed the stories and wants to, "Do it again." Thank you so much for providing this rewarding opportunity that taught him the value of having a family with a solid foundation based on faith.”

Nine boys completed a seven-week God and Family course. They were required to meet with their own pastor for a final review before receiving their God and Family awards. Although the boys remember playing dodge ball and baseball together, their parents commented on how the boys have new respect for others and how they have become more thoughtful, thankful and open to prayer.

Joann Quinley

God and Country Counselor

Cross and Flame Award Recipient

First United Methodist Church

Turlock, CA

Keith
God and Family
United Methodist
Thompson, PA

Keith was finishing the last lesson for his God and Family award in April at about the same time that his Sunday school was gearing up to plan their annual “Children’s Day Program.” Keith suggested using the story of the 2 fishes and 5 loaves and combining it with the Beatitudes that they were studying in Sunday school. He ended up researching, writing, and directing the program that the children presented to the church in June.

We commend you, Keith, for going far beyond the award requirements, and we thank your Sunday school teachers and your congregation for providing the support and encouragement to grow strong in faith!

Aric
Four-Star Recipient
Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
Chester, SD

Aric:

“I served a meal at a shelter for people that are less fortunate than me. I realize that we serve God by our many acts of kindness.” 

Mother:

Camron H.
God and Family Recipient
United Methodist
Arlington, TN 

When Camron earned his God and Family award in May 2008, Pack 452 celebrated with him by making their own personal pan pizzas at Domino’s and then enjoying a picnic at the Playground of Dreams, a playground designed solely by kids. Camron had chosen a special service project: “I was given $1 SEED MONEY to do an act of kindness for someone else. I chose Blood:Water Mission where $1 can provide clean water for an African for one year.” Pack 452 supported Camron’s project by making a donation to this cause. [Camron is pictured above wearing a tan shirt.]

Adam H.
God and Life
Southern Baptist
Eureka, KS 

“I enjoyed the service projects. They forced me to get outside my bubble and interact, work, and fellowship with other Christians. I do not know if I have a favorite lesson, but it is always nice to know God uses all kinds of people. I especially enjoyed Romans and Philippians.”

Mother:

“He has set aside 20 minutes each morning for Bible study. I feel that this program has been good for his faith in the Lord.”

Pastor Hunter:

Dustin
God and Family
Southern Baptist
Greenwood, AR

Nathan
Four-Star Recipient
Hudson Community Chapel
Akron, OH 

Rebecca and Stephanie
God and Me
Brownie Girl Scouts
Montpelier, IN 

Stephanie and Rebecca are Brownie Girl Scouts. Both are home schooled. They completed the God and Me program with their grandmother. Here is what she had to say:

“I am Steph and Becky’s grandmother and Girl Scout leader with their mother in the army. I wanted them to learn all they could about Christ and his life. I took the mentor course to be sure I could help the girls. We would sit in my bed every night before bed at least an hour. Their brother (age 4) enjoyed the reading and listened so well. I have given my life of 50 years to Christ and I hope someday the girls may choose to do the same.” 

Austin
God and Me
United Methodist
Manheim, PA 

Austin:

“I remember that God loves me! The first lesson was the best because I wrote ‘My Song of Praise.’” 

Grandmother/Mentor:

“Thank you for this wonderful opportunity you gave Austin and myself.  I went through the program with my son (Austin's Dad), and I was elated when Austin asked me to do it with him! Thank you again. 

Photo: Austin with Grandmother and Pastor

Benjamin C.
God and church
United Methodist
Sanborn, NY

“My favorite part is when I did the PowerPoint. I remember relating Jesus to me the best.” 

Canyon Creek
Presbyterian Church
God and Church Class
Richardson, TX 

Front: Andrew, Brian

Back: Allicen, Elizabeth, Katelyn, Anna

Daniel C.
God and Me
Baptist
Oklahoma City, OK

Daniel and his family read the Bible in conjunction with the God and Me program. At the time he received his award, Daniel had read the entire Old Testament. Here’s what Daniel and his mom Nancy had to say:  

Daniel:

"I had a lot of fun with my scout friends … if you read the Bible you will find out about my name Daniel and what it means and when you finish the Bible you can get a reward like getting ice cream." 

Nancy:

Lauren
God and Me
Baptist
Palmyra, VA

Karl (father): 

“The program changed our child and family by helping to facilitate discussion about God in our daily lives.” 

Lauren (seated front left):

“My favorite parts of the program were the games, especially the board game in the last lesson. My favorite lesson was the one with the shepherd and the sheep.”
 

Terrence and Ondre
God and Family
Winston-Salem, NC
Lutheran 

Terrence (left):

“I liked making the pizza. It’s my favorite thing to make at home.”

Ondre (right):

“My favorite lesson was Ruth and Naomi. Dressing up the pizza box and making up a slogan was my favorite project.”

Lena (Mother):

“This program helped to reinforce what I am constantly trying to teach my children. We are encouraged that we are on the right path!”

"The God and Life program changed my life. Through the God and Life section, I developed a daily devotional schedule. I haven't let a day go by without reading my Bible in months! I also remember the pizza box. I enjoyed making that and adding something after each lesson. This God and Life program has made an impact on my life."

Ronnie
4-star recipient
Royal Rangers
Assemblies of God
Peabody, MA


 

	Bethany God and Family Church of Christ Huber Heights, OH "My favorite things were coming up with a pizza theme and decorating the box, inviting a friend to church and talking about what activities our family shares in Session 6. The activities that I like to do with my family are camping, climbing and rappelling, playing board games, geocaching, going to church and going to the movies together."

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Robert Rio Rancho, NM United Methodist God and Me Award  "My favorite part was the board game. I also liked that I got to read more of the Bible." Here is the cat that Robert drew from the scribble line in Lesson 1 of the God and Me program.

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Callie
God and Family
Mt. Shasta, CA
Lutheran  

"I liked learning how much God loves you and your family. And I liked talking about pizza, because I love pizza. I remember best that families have lots of parts just like pizza and each part needs to be there to have a good pizza. My favorite lesson was the one about baking. I liked the story about Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. God was with them in the furnace. My favorite project was the one where we made the mezuzah. It was a fun craft. I can put Bible verses in it. I liked taking a walk and looking at nature with my grandpa. I saw stars, a deer, the creek, and lots of other things."

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Bray P.
Castle Rock, CO
God and Me award 

"My favorite part of the God and ME program was making the games. The best thing I remember is the Lord's Prayer. The most fun family project was making the matching game."