God and Country Award Program
The God and Country program is a religious emblems program for Protestant youth in grades 1 through 12. The purpose of the program is to encourage children and youth to grow stronger in their faith. The program is offered by P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth). P.R.A.Y.'s mission is to actively promote relationships between churches and youth-serving agencies in order to encourage the spiritual growth of children, youth, and families. Although the series was designed for use by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire Girls and Boys, children need not be active in scouting to participate in the program. If a young person does not belong to a church, he or she may still be able to earn the God and Country Award by finding a pastor who is willing to supervise their work.
The God and Country series is divided into four different programs based on grade level.
God and Me (Grades 1-3)
The God and Me program consists of three sections, each of which has a lesson centered around scripture passages and reinforced by a service project selected by the child. In the first section, The Story of My Life, children are made to feel special; special attention is given to those who have supported them, loved them, and helped them grow. In The Story of Jesus' Life, the second section, Jesus comes alive as a very real person as direct parallels are drawn on where Jesus was born, where he lived, places he had been, where he went to school, and so on. Children are encouraged to think about Jesus' life and teachings as they study his birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The final section, The Story of Jesus and Me Together, encourages children to understand how God is present in their lives. Children learn that God is forgiving when they make mistakes, and that God is with them even when they are alone.
God and Family (Grades 4-5)
The God and Family program challenges young people to expand their concept of family to include friends, church, and community. Again, there are three sections in this curriculum. In My Family, students will study examples in the Bible of how families love and care for each other, and they will learn how God can be a part of their family life. In the second section, My Family of Friends, students will read scripture passages that talk about how we should treat others and how Jesus was a friend to people who had few friends. They will be challenged to expand their circle of friendship to include new friends. In the last section, My Church Family, students will study scripture passages that talk about being a part of God's family and then study the worship of their church and be challenged to get involved in the ministry of their congregation.
God and Church (Grades 6-8)
The God and Church program provides young people with the opportunity to work with their pastor, understand the church's structures and objectives, and participate in service projects that will give them a better understanding of the mission of the church. This program consists of two parts. In God at Work, students will study the life of Jesus, learn about the Bible, and study the important beliefs and practices of their Christian faith. In Christians at Work, students will learn about the history, structure, and ministry of their congregation. Students also study Christians at work in the community by visiting some helping agencies and a religious institution other than their own.
God and Life (Grades 9-12)
The God and Life program is a reflective type of curriculum. The students will study the lives of men and women in the Bible and discover what their lives teach them about God. The young people will then be challenged to integrate their faith into their daily lives. The outline for the study is based on the life of the Apostle Paul as recorded in Acts 9:1-31. Five chronological "events" out of this story will be used as the focus for the five sections in this program. Each will illustrate a key element in learning how to live one's life for Christ: 1) God calls all kinds of people, 2) God doesn't expect us to do it on our own, 3) Each of us must make a personal response to the call of God, 4) God gives strength to face adversities, and 5) God can accomplish great things through those who are willing to do God's will.
If you or your child is interested in participating in this program at First Church, please contact Gary Miller (301-498-1718), Ann Meixner (301-498-1728) or themeixners@comcast.net), Dave Self, or the church office. If you would like more information about the program and the sponsoring organization, please visit the P.R.A.Y. Web site at www.praypub.org. or write to P.R.A.Y. at 8520 Mackenzie Road, St. Louis, MO 63123.