SSOC A IA N T A I R O E N

H

O

T N

U

L

S

C

L LUTHERAN

O A

U N

T

O

I

I

N

T

G A

N • VOLUME 26, NUMBER 4 www.nlas.org SPRING 2018 Is Scouting in Your Toolbox?

Like all congregations, yours has a call to ministry - to youth, to families, to your community. When faced with any task, we sort through our tools to find the best ones to meet the challenge. As you look through your congrega- tion’s tools for ministry, do you find the programs of the among them? These tools are available to any congregation but you may ask, “How do we use them?” The National Lutheran Association on Scouting is hosting an opportunity for your congregation to get the answers to this and related questions during the Scouting in the Lutheran Church Con- ference to be held July 15 to 21, 2018 at the BSA’s in northeastern New Mexico. This confer- ence is designed for Lutheran congrega- about the religious education opportuni- Scouters with a wide variety of fam- tions, schools, clergy, and all Lutheran ties of the P.R.A.Y. religious ily programs. The PTC staff offers Scouters who want to learn more emblems program and a full, organized program for every about using Scouting as an how it builds faith member of the – from infants outreach ministry to young in youth. In addi- to spouses. Family members will be people and their fami- tion, participants joined by others in their age group and lies. Join us and see can share with will participate in a carefully designed, how to use Scouting as Lutherans age and ability specific program under part of your congrega- from across the leadership of trained, experienced tion’s youth/outreach/ the country staff. Groups will get to enjoy hiking, community ministry success sto- tours, handicrafts, games, campfires, strategy that contrib- ries, best prac- and outdoor activities. utes to reaching young tices for devel- Join us as we enjoy the Philm- families and building and oping and main- ont experience while growing in faith, sustaining membership. taining relation- knowledge and renewal with like mind- Our faculty includes lead- ships with Lutheran ed, dedicated and experienced Scouters. ers of our Lutheran Association, charter partners and how For full conference center information BSA national volunteer and profes- to best serve our youth and our church- and registration visit the PTC website sional representatives, plus guest pre- es. at: http://PhilmontTrainingCenter.org . senters from affiliated agencies. This Philmont Training Center provides Registration is open now. Come will afford the opportunity to learn opportunity for families to join their and share the Peace. PAGE 2 LUTHERAN SCOUTING SPRING 2018

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

The Caldron of Death!

After retiring from the US Army, I bought a house in Lincoln, NE. The previous owners had a tennis court in the back yard but had removed. This which was OK by me because now I had a good sized back yard completely fenced off from my neighbors – my own little world! Being a Master Naturalist, I immediately planted the entire area in native Nebraska prairie plants and grasses – and presto! the whole ecology of my yard was trans- continues to prowl. daughter through the “God and Family” formed from a sea of green grass (which In my prairie I see all the beauty of program, I again realize the mystery of required constant mowing) to a wild the plants but fail to see all the death that Christmas, the glory of God coming down spot! Soon insects were abundant, which is hidden within this beauty. Thanks be to to us to live in the world he created giving brought scores of birds, which brought God that we have the Church to help us us the hope of the world to come. the hawks, then rabbits, squirrels, foxes, pull back the curtain of deception and see The mission of the NLAS is to perpetu- raccoons, opossums and woodchucks. If sin, confront it and through the merits of ate this faith in our children and in those Bison had showed up, I was moving! Christ declare victory over it! Oh death, in our youth organizations so as the Devil It was a marvelous natural food chain where is thy victory; Oh death, where is prowls around they won’t become vic- environment at work, a literal “caldron thy sting? tims. of death.” I restored something to a more One of my favorite hymns written To this end, God grant us the wisdom or less ‘natural’ environment and even by Martin Franzmann is “O God, O Lord and strength to carry forth the banner! though it is beautiful when the plants of Heaven and Earth, (LW #319). It talks bloom, death was always prowling about about Christ entering our hall of death NLAS Chaplain looking for something to devour. to breathe our poisoned air and drink the James Hoke As our Lutheran Confessions state in cup of our despair. As I mentor my grand- Luther’s Small Catechism, question #95, “Man…is by nature blind, dead and an enemy of God.” Nature is a physically violent environment and the spiritual SSOC environment is no different. The Devil A IA N T A I prowls around like a roaring lion look- R O E N

H

O

ing for someone to devour (1 Pe 5:8ff). T N

U

L Send NLAS S

Like the ever-alert squirrels and rabbits

C L

O A

U

(nature’s fast food), we too must be ever N

T

O

I

I

N

T

G A

N •

alert to the spiritual dangers around us. News Items The internet, TV, Netflix and other elec- tronic devices have the ability to bring The deadline to submit articles for the next issue is March 9, 2018. Send all of the ills of the world right into our Association and other news for the Lutheran Scouting newsletter to Pam Ciccarello homes and show them uncensored to our at [email protected], and include NLAS in the subject line. Please spell children. The language used on TV shows out acronyms and give state and area or city locations so complete information during prime-time viewing is disgusting is included in the publication. For events, be sure to include the date. For photos, to say the least. Yet society seems not to either e-mail or send a glossy print. notice or care. Society only sees all the bright and glittery things – and the Devil SPRING 2018 LUTHERAN SCOUTING PAGE 3 Meet the 2018 NLAS Officer Candidates President - Wendy Cibils staff in 2010, 2013, and 2017, and attended Wendy lives in Claremore, Oklahoma, the “Scouting in the Lutheran Church” A retired professional educator, he was a has been married to Andy for 21 years conference at PTC in 2008, 2012 and 2014. primary teacher in the Minneapolis Public and has two daughters, Jenna (11) and Wayne retired from The Johns Hopkins Schools for 33 years, project manager for Tessa (6). They are members of Redeemer University Applied Physics Laboratory in the Learning Disability Association of Lutheran Church where she currently serves 2016 completing 39 years of service. Wayne for 5 years and an adjunct pro- as the church’s Sunday School curriculum is the father of two Eagle Scouts and a Girl fessor at St. Cloud State University serving evaluator. She has also served as a Sunday Gold Award recipient. as a supervising teacher to student teachers School teacher, VBS Director and volunteer in the urban setting for 5 years. Mr. Meinke coordinator/recruiter for Youth Club and Treasurer - Phill Lawonn has belonged to many community and pro- Sunday School. Award recipient of the Phill currently reside in Mounds View, fessional organizations one of which was “Lutheran Living Faith Award”, Wendy is a MN and is a member of Christ the King the Association for Childhood Education life NLAS member. Lutheran Church, New Brighton, MN International headquartered in Washington Her service and leadership with (ELCA). He became a member of NLAS in DC. where he was honored to serve on their American Heritage Girls includes five years 2009 and have served as NLAS Treasurer international board of directors for 3 years. as a Troop Coordinator, Vice Coordinator, since 2014. The father of two Eagle Scouts Unit Leader and now as an Adult Member (Andy and Ben), Phill has been actively Member at Large - Rev. Dana Narring in their new troop. She founded the first serving BSA since 2005. He is currently Rev Narring connection with Scouting AHG troop in Hutchinson, KS and helped the Committee Chair for Troop 106, the began in 1967: beginning as a start the home-school troop the next year. Northwest District Advancement Chair for (earning the Arrow of Light) and later She is also a member of the Daughters the and will be serv- advancing to Life Scout (achieving the of the American Revolution for 6 years ing as a Scoutmaster for NYLT in 2018. A Brotherhood and and serves as the Vice Regent for the recipient of the Servant of Youth award in earning the Pro Deo et Patria religious Hutchinson, KS chapter. Her daughters are 2009, he served as 1st Assistant Scoutmaster emblem). Monthly campouts, trips to the both American Heritage Girls and are work- to the 2013 National and received 1973 Jamboree in Moraine State Park, PA ing on the P.R.A.Y. awards. Wendy comes the OA Vigil Honor in 2017. Employed by and boundary waters portaging/canoeing from a Scouting family and has attended Boston Scientific as a Principal Scientist in the U.S. and Canada were part of the conferences at Philmont as a child and adult in the Twin Cities, he looks forward to life-enhancing experience he enjoyed. As a since 1983 and will be in attendance at the the opportunity to continue to serve as an Woodbadge participant and 3-time staffer, Scouting in the Lutheran Church confer- Executive Board member for NLAS. , two Philmont Training Staffs ence in 2018. She looks forward to sharing (Scouting in the Lutheran Church) plus the her organizational abilities if elected to the Member at Large - Loren Meinke Doctorate of Commissioner Science and NLAS Board. During Loren’s adult life he has of Scouting Arts plus many more training belonged to several Lutheran Churches courses, he has been blessed to become a Secretary - Wayne Stuckey and in each served on various commit- highly-trained Scouter – even establishing a Wayne Stuckey lives in Oakland, tees and council: Immanuel Lutheran, Crew in 2011. Maryland. He is a member of Shepherd of North Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lutheran Previous positions as District the Hills Lutheran Church where he is a Church of the Triune God, Brooklyn Commissioner, Assistant Council communion assistant and lectionary reader. Center, Minnesota; Zion Lutheran, Hopkins, Commissioner, Roundtable Commissioner, He served on the Servant Leadership Team Minnesota and currently Trinity Lutheran Scout-O-Rama Chair, Unit Commissioner, and taught Sunday School for fifth and in Brainerd, Minnesota. Additionally, he Pack Committee Chair, Pastoral Advisor seventh grades at his former congregation. has served as a synodical conference del- for the NLAS, and current position as Unit Wayne has been an active Scouter since egate and will do so again in May 2018 for Religious Emblems Chair have provided 1996. He was a founding leader in Pack 719 Trinity. many opportunities to assist him with in 2003 and served as Scoutmaster of Troop This is his 49th year as an adult molding both adults and youth with the 719 for 1998 – 2004. Wayne served as staff Scouting volunteer. Most of his Scouting “Timeless Values” of Scouting. His passion on four National Youth Leadership Training time has been in Boy Scouts - with a little for Scouting has also led him to become a (NYLT) and two courses and in Cubs and Explorers - at the unit, district, fundraiser for the Friends of Scouting effort he conducted youth leadership training at council, sectional, area levels. He haHHe in the local units. Over the past eight years the Troop level for 2002-2016. Wayne is a has also staffed NOACs since 1990 and as he has raised more than $78,000 to support God and Life Religious Emblems counselor. the Viking Council’s Protestant Committee Scouting in the Southwest Florida Council. He served as Advisor for 37 Eagle Scouts. chairman and member for years – now a He is called as the pastor to Faith He has received the Vigil honor in the Order merged council. Lutheran, Punta Gorda, Florida since 2009 of the Arrow. Wayne received the God and Currently he is serving Scouting and currently serves on the six-person Service award in 2005 after nomination as Trinity’s Chartered Organizational LCMS Task Force on Scouting and on the by his Troop and Church. He has been an Reprehensive, Pine Tree District’s FL/GA District Nominating Committee. NLAS member since 2007 and a member of Recognitions Chair and the Central the board since 2010. He currently serves as Minnesota’s Silver Beaver Selections NLAS President for the 2016-2018 term. He Co-chairman and a couple of others since served on National Jamboree NLAS exhibit we all wear many hats. PAGE 4 LUTHERAN SCOUTING SPRING 2018 Girl Scout National Interfaith Committee Meeting Report

By Kristin Rogahn without favoring any particular faith. The interfaith meeting explored ways In October, the Program of Religious to the Religious Emblems Pro- Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) gram, which promotes growth in the facilitated a meeting of the National girl’s own faith, to the Girl Scout pro- Interfaith Committee for Girl Scouting gram. Discussed not as a replacement at the G.I.R.L. 2017 conference in for MPMF, but as an extension of how Columbus, OH. Jennifer Allebach, MPMF could point the way to learning Vice President of Girl Experience, more about her own faith. Methods represented GSUSA, shared her own were discussed on how to promote faith and her background in Girl interest in the Religious Emblems Scouting and discussed her role and at the ground level such as adding a the work of the Girl Experience Team. Team of the NOOR Islamic Cultural Faith Based Programs Coordinator to Kristin Rogahn and Matthew Rogahn Center (Columbus), National Bud- the volunteer matrix, and emphasis in (President-Elect of NLAS) represented dhist Committee on Scouting, National membership recruiting, adult training, NLAS. Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting, and selection of meeting places in reli- The Girl Scout National Interfaith and National Lutheran Association gious institutions. Committee comprises representatives on Scouting. Also in attendance were Participants were energized by the of the many faith based organizations, GSUSA National Volunteer, Faith open dialogue and exchange of ideas the Vice President of Girl Experience Engagement Team lead (Rev. Carol and look forward to the follow-up (Jennifer Allebach), and P.R.A.Y. (Deb Rhan) and Girl Scouts of Southeastern and continued dialogue with Jennifer Hazlewood and CEO Jason Noland). Michigan Faith-Based Initiative Spe- Allebach. Overall, the Conference was The faith based organizations repre- cialist (Joy Diete-Spiff). a success in that the faith based orga- sented were: United Methodist Church Discussion was held on how to nizations and Girl Scouts are starting Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agen- strengthen the connection between to talk about how we can help each cies & Scouting, Association of the Interfaith Committee and GSUSA other in the future. I see this being African Methodist Episcopal Scout- and how to better integrate faith-based a great beginning to building bridges ers, National Catholic Committee for programs into Girl Scouting. GSUSA between the GSUSA and LAS. I pray Girl Scouts and Camp Fire, Members has an element in its program called for all involved and for the conversa- of Churches of Christ for Scout- My Promise, My Faith (MPMF). This tions to continue within the Interfaith ing, Volunteer Faith Engagement element promotes building of faith Committee. SPRING 2018 LUTHERAN SCOUTING PAGE 5 President’s Perspective encourages participation in Lutheran the Reformation. The 500th anniversary Scouting Associations at the local level, of the Reformation was observed during and provides information about the adult Protestant worship at the BSA National leader religious recognitions administered Scout Jamboree with the playing of the by NLAS. P.R.A.Y. prepared an article video “Reformation Rock,” sung by Lost about religious emblems for youth that and Found. “Reformation Rock” was pro- links to a new Lutheran-specific PRAY duced by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Wayne Stuckey Awards brochure. The brochure contains Synod for the 2016 LCMS National Youth President, NLAS information about the religious emblems Gathering. The video was followed by an for Lutheran youth, and how to partici- “introduction” by NLAS Head Lutheran pate in and conduct a religious emblems Chaplain Rev Sherman Martell and Eagle In the Fall 2017 issue of Lutheran program. We are excited about this part- Scout Zachary Rogahn. Scouting, I dedicated a long article to nership, and anticipate that the newsletter report on the 2017 NLAS annual meet- may be an introduction to NLAS and the ing, which occurred the day before the Religious Emblems Program for many staff reported to the BSA National Scout recipients. Jamboree. I dedicated my President’s Perspective article to a brief overview of My Jamboree Exhibit Story our activities at the NLAS exhibit and rec- ognizing those who worked to create and The National Lutheran Association staff the exhibit. With just a few notes on on Scouting (NLAS) had an exhibit in the important happenings around the NLAS, Duty to God and Country area of the 2017 I want to dedicate most of my space this Boy Scouts of America (BSA) National time to my perspective on the Jamboree Scout Jamboree held 19-27 July, support- exhibit experience. ing BSA’s emphasis on its core value of Duty to God. Encouraging faith in the Happenings Around the NLAS youth, leaders and families of our youth serving partners is our mission, and this is After ten years of dedicated and faith- our ministry. ful service, Trent and Terri Christian have The theme of the exhibit, in addition decided to step down as membership co- to encouraging the use of the religious chairs. Along the way, Trent also served emblems to promote growth in faith as NLAS President (2008-2010) and was of youth, was celebration of the 500th Jamboree exhibit chair for 2010 and 2013. anniversary of the start of the Protestant Terri provided many services to NLAS, Reformation, which is dated from Dr. including creating much of the artwork Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses that we use on banners and printed mate- on the door of All Saints’ Church in In keeping with the Reformation rials, and as layout editor for Lutheran Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, theme, Martin Luther made an appearance Scouting. We will miss their service very 1517. at the entrance to the exhibit, inviting much. I am pleased to announce that passersby to join him for a “selfie.” Robert Moreno has agreed to take over as membership chair. Lutheran Scouting editor, Pam Ciccarello, has agreed to take over layout editing. Thanks to Robert and Pam for stepping up to keep us running. P.R.A.Y. and NLAS partnered to prepare a joint email newsletter to all Lutheran chartered organizations that are registered with BSA and their top unit leaders. The newsletter encourages Lutheran clergy and Scouters to attend the Scouting in the Lutheran Church confer- In addition to the exhibit, we were ence during “PTC Faith Week” (15-21 invited to submit a video explaining July 2018) at Philmont Training Center, PAGE 6 LUTHERAN SCOUTING SPRING 2018 A very popular activity was the tying of knot crosses. The crosses captured the attention of many visitors, causing them to stop and chat, giving the oppor- tunity for significant interaction. Before the official start of the Jamboree, many staff had stopped by to take or make a cross. Perhaps the champion “gifter” was Kristin Rogahn, who took the ministry to the staff pathways and buses. The West Virginia National Guard was providing security for the Jamboree. Kristin rarely The NLAS exhibit is a witnessing We responded with a brief recitation missed presenting passing persons in exhibit. Assisting that was a new welcome of the events surrounding the posting of camouflage fatigues with a camo cross center in the Duty to God and Country the 95 Theses, Luther’s subsequent sum- and thanking them for their service. Some entryway. Gail in the Welcome Center mons to court in the Diet of Worms, his even left with tears in their eyes. Camo had crafted 1000 laser etched coins for refusal to recant unless proven to be in crosses began appearing on backpacks all each exhibit. Participants could collect error by Scripture, his kidnapping and over The Summit. Over 4200 knot crosses coins from each exhibit with which they protective custody in Wartburg Castle, were tied and gifted during the Jamboree. had meaningful interaction. At the end, translation of the Bible into German so they could have their coins mounted per- the people could understand Scripture manently in a coin holder and also “cash when it was read to them, the wide distri- in” the number of coins for laser etched bution of the German Bible and Luther’s prizes. The top prize was a laser etched writings via Gutenberg’s new printing walking stick (only 100 copies). This press. Many were impressed by Luther’s encouraged youth to visit many exhibits bold stand and the 500-year heritage of and to explore the various faiths repre- the Lutheran church. We explained the sented. They asked questions at our exhib- doctrine of the Lutheran faith, embod- it such as “Tell me what Lutherans stand ied in the “Sola’s” surrounding Luther’s for” and “What do Lutherans believe?” rose: Luther’s insistence that Scripture is the authoritative Word of God, other writings being man-made and subject to error; that we are separated from a just God by a wall of sin and we cannot of our own merit earn reconciliation, yet God overcame that separation on our behalf by grace through the sacrifice and resurrec- tion of Jesus Christ; that we cannot earn that reconciliation through good works, but that it comes to us by faith; our good works are out of thanksgiving for what God has done for us.

I went around Luther’s rose many times. Always, Scouts listened respectful- ly and intently. Occasionally they asked additional questions. My favorite was, “You mean it’s that simple?” Yes, it’s that simple! SPRING 2018 LUTHERAN SCOUTING PAGE 7 Scouting Impacts Lives By Gordon Ssorg want that now for my pastor... With my help - for “outreach” purposes, Pastor and I am a retired LCMS pastor in family are now considering it as one of Colorado and have been a member of their vacation weeks. (I’m the Outreach NLAS for years. In 1965 I was pastor of Leader in our congregation.) Immanuel Lutheran Church in Memphis, Despite the bad press that BSA is tak- TN and went to a week-long training ing, there is no civic organization in the course at Philmont Training Center that U.S. doing more for the values, skills, and summer with my family (wife & 4 kids) servant leadership of our young folks than on a Lutheran Brotherhood Scholarship. BSA! At Philmont you see that up-close- Our congregation had Scout, Explorer, and-personal in the more than 23,000 and Cub programs at that time. The event impact that Scouting has had on their high school participants and 1,100 college was an eye-opener for me and super expe- lives. We had 5 “kids” for 4 days at the summer staff each year! rience for . reunion, plus the other adviser, age 90 Blessings to you and NLAS in your As pastor I went with our Scouts in and me, at 85. Also one wife. Amazing movement to display the legitimate BSA 1967 on a 12-day trek at Philmont as one event! We returned in September for a presence in the local church. After all, of the advisers for the 11 scouts. In 1983 week to do volunteer work at the Casa del the local congregation still determines the I was nominated to be Protestant chap- Gavilan within Philmont where we stayed policies and values of its BSA units! lain at Philmont and since have served for the reunion. They can’t stay away. I am planning to come to Philmont Philmont as chaplain for 13 summers. On their trek in ‘67 they came to Philmont for the conference, but don’t know yet if In July last summer we had the 50th as boys and left 12 days later as young I’m staying all week. I’ll probably have anniversary of our trek from Memphis. men! a chance to give a message or two at the The kids are gray-headed and mostly The Scouting program has impacted 7:00 p.m. camping-side evening services... retired, unanimously attesting to the my life and the hundreds of young folks affected by my ministry at Philmont. I

SSOC A IA N T A I R O E N

H

O Visit our website: T N

U

L

S

C L

O A

U N

T

O

I

I

N

T

G A

N •

www.nlas.org and

In Memoriam NLAS extends condolences to the loved ones of NLAS member Paul Norbert who passed away in June, 2017 at the age of 57. Mr. Norbert resided in Burlington, where he attended Cross Lutheran Church and was a member of the . He was a 2012 recipient of the Lamb Award. SSOC NON PROFIT ORG. A IA N T A I R O E N US POSTAGE

H

O

T N

U

L PAID

S

C

L LUTHERAN

O A

U

N NO. 742

T

O

I

I

N

T

G A

N • SCOUTING ST. LOUIS, MO A Publication of National Lutheran Address Service Requested Association on Scouting 11123 South Towne Square, Suite B St. Louis, MO 63123-7816

SSOC A IA N T A I R O E N

H

O

T N

U

L

S

C L

O A

U N

T

O

I

I

N

T

G

A

N •

We are a resource for youth and adults who wish to know more about the religious emblems program, endorsed by the Lutheran Churches for members of Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts USA, American Heritage Girls, 4H and Camp Fire USA.

NLAS Mission To equip Lutherans and other Christians to minister to young people, using the programs of our partner youth serving agencies.

NLAS Vision That all young people and their families are exposed to Jesus Christ and have an opportunity to know him as Lord and Savior

The mission and visions statements were accepted by the NLAS Executive Board on October 12th, 2002