P.R.A.Y.

I just wrapped up an incredible two weeks sharing P.R.A.Y. with our partners at Girl Scouts of the USA and Scouting America. The emails waiting in my inbox are a constant reminder of how these programs truly shape the lives of youth and adults. Thank you, Susana, for your inspiring conversations and shared ministry—I am so grateful for you.

Hello Jason,

As we will be celebrating our third pinning ceremony on Sunday August 9th, I wanted to express my appreciation for the P.R.A.Y. religious emblems program.

My relationship with Jesus gives me a deep desire for others to know Him as well and serving as a counselor for the P.R.A.Y. Religious Emblems Program has given me a meaningful opportunity to put that desire into action. The hope, peace, and joy that come from walking with Christ are gifts I want everyone to experience. It has provided a natural way to talk about my faith with children and their families, to openly share the love I have for Jesus, and to encourage others to begin or grow in their own relationship with Him.

I've also been blessed to see families who may not have otherwise attended church walk through its doors because of this program. That is something I never take for granted. Every time a child or parent hears God's Word, I am reminded of Romans 10:17: "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." I've also witnessed seeing someone go from not knowing whether God even exists, to now having faith that God exists. I know that's only the beginning. We may not always see the results immediately, but God's Word never returns empty, and He is faithful to work in the hearts of those who hear it. I am incredibly thankful to be part of a ministry that points children and families to Jesus, and I pray that the lessons they learn and the seeds that are planted will bear fruit for the rest of their lives and into eternity.

-Susana

Photo courtesy of jcomp on Magnific

Can’t believe it’s already been a week since returning from the National Jamboree!

We are so grateful to our Interfaith friends for providing welcoming spaces for youth to worship and share their traditions. Huge thanks also to our Protestant partners for helping scouts explore the PRAY religious emblems and strengthen their Duty to God!

Thank you to: AAMES Scouting Connection, Association of Baptists for Scouting, Association of Disciples Scouters, Episcopal Scouting, National Association of Presbyterian Scouters (NAPS), NLAS, United Church of Christ Scouters, United Methodist Scouting. It was great to see and share with each of you!

Today is the final day of Girl Scouts Unite. We are grateful for the presence of these Protestant partners and Interfaith friends who have collaborated for months to help fortify the Girl Scout experience with ongoing opportunities to grow and participate in their promise “To Serve God.” From the interfaith service to support in the exhibition hall, Thank you AAMES Scouting Connection, Buddhist Churches of America, EOCS - Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting, National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting, NLAS, and United Methodist Scouting!

It’s rare for us to have the PRAY Board together but yesterday was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share, and strategize. Thanks for all of your time and talent. We are truly grateful. L-R Ginny Hill, CEO (Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey), Jason Noland, CEO PRAY, Tracy Keller, CEO (Girl Scouts Colonial Coast), and Brian Newberry, CEO (Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho)

It has been a busy first half of activities at Girl Scouts Unite. Thousands of members and leaders have descended on Washington DC to explore the activities and events in the exhibition hall. Come see us (AAMES Scouting Connection, NLAS, United Methodist Scouting)in booth 1830!

Important Announcement from PRAY

Please note that the PRAY office will be closed from Friday, July 17th through Sunday, August 2nd while our staff attends and supports religious recognitions at Girl Scouts Unite and Scouting America’s National Jamboree.

Here is what you need to know during this time:
Support: We will have limited access to phone and email, but we will do our very best to return your inquiries as soon as possible.
Shipping: Order shipping is temporarily paused and will resume on Monday, August 3rd.

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding! If you are attending either of these incredible events, please stop by our booth or tent to say hello!

Heading to the National Jamboree? Make sure to add Tent AP-08 to your must-visit list!

Stop by the Duty to God and Country program area to connect with PRAY (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth). Whether you are a Scout looking to explore your own faith or a leader wanting to bring faith-based emblems back to your home unit, there is something for everyone.

Here is what you will find at Tent AP-08:
- Support for the "Scouts Read Sacred Texts" initiative
- Information on Protestant religious recognition and emblems
- Resources for all partner faith traditions within Scouting America
- Expert advice for leaders on connecting and promoting religious awards

Don't forget to check the master schedule once you arrive for the full listing of daily and weekend worship services offered throughout the Summit.

Come join us and strengthen your Duty to God!

Calling all Girl Scouts Unite attendees!

Discover the connection between faith and Girl Scouting at the Exhibition Hall! Alongside our partners AAMES Scouting Connection, NLAS, and United Methodist Scouting, PRAY will be hosting Booth 1730. Our friends from Buddhist Churches of America, National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), and the National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting will be there too! present. Stop to learn more about these faith traditions, their recognition for Girl Scouts, and activities throughout.

Mark Your Calendar:
Come to the Interfaith Sharing session to connect, share, and learn together.
July 23rd | 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Washington Convention Center, Room 147 B

We look forward to welcoming you! Ready to join us? Let us know in the comments!

Today our friends who follow the traditions of the Orthodox Christian faiths will celebrate Easter, the resurrection of Jesus. It is the most important holiday in the Orthodox calendar.

In Orthodox churches, Easter occurs after Passover and the first full moon of spring.

Christos anesti!