Can you believe that she is up there again? I may have to soon call DD, "Reverend DD".
We have started a wonderful tradition at our new church of Scouting Sunday. This is by no means our tradition, but in fact a worldwide tradition that we have just established here. This is the second year that we have done it up here. We did it in our old church with much wider success as it was an established tradition. Here, it is only in its second year; so we have had moderate participation so far. This year was better than last and hopefully next year will be better than this one.
Traditionally, according to the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting Sunday is set as the Sunday prior to February 8th. However, variations are acceptable. We have actually been using the last Sunday of February. What Scouting Sunday means varies from one church to another. For us, basically, the kids take over the entire church service. Our daughter has actually been the one to facilitate the service and give the sermon (one of the downfalls of having parents in charge of something). All the other kids and in some cases adults do the other readings, ushering, lighting of candles, etc. But frankly such a celebration can be whatever you wish to make of it.
I think Scouting Sunday is a wonderful celebration to infuse the church with people that might not ordinarily attend. It also offers the Scouts a deeper insight into their religion and may even inspire them to take a step into the clergy. Any way you look at it, there is not too much of a down side. I encourage you to plan an event with your church. If you have any questions about the actual structure of the service we planned, feel free to contact me with questions.
