Photo: Bishop James Swanson Sr. underscores the importance of scouting ministry at a luncheon attended by 90 clergy and lay people from 45 churches in the Meridian District. 

Bishop Swanson boosts scouting

MERIDIAN, Miss.--Bishop James Swanson Sr., president of the General Commission on UM Men, held an April 25 Bishop’s Luncheon for Scouting at Central UMC.

The bishop said the values stressed in scouting help young people develop a sense of responsibility to God, family, neighbor, and to the civic community.

He also told 90 clergy and lay people of the Meridian District that the religious, vocational, and educational aspects of scouting help form a Christian conscience in youth.

Leaders of 28 of the 45 churches represented signed covenant cards in which they agreed to encourage participation in PRAY (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) classes, observe Scout Sunday, and explore the potential of developing new Scout units.