What is GCC’s relationship to Boy Scout Troop 111?

This summer the Boy Scouts of America changed the language in their membership policy. As a result many churches have already discontinued their affiliation as a charter organization for a local troop though the change in policy does not take affect until January 1, 2014. What is our present relationship to Troop 111?

GCC serves as the charter organization for BSA Troop 111. This means we have a church member called the charter organization representative, John Dean, who serves as the liaison between the troop and GCC. Pastor Don serves as an executive officer ultimately representing the Session, which simply means each year Don and John meet together to ensure there is a good working relationship between the Scouts and GCC. Don also signs off on the leaders interviewed and approved by John.

Scouting has been a blessing to GCC. Several members of the church are actively involved in it and many people have come to know about our church through Scouting. Behind our church there are two Eagle Scout projects from which members can benefit. First, there is a shaded outdoor area in the woods with several small benches that is a great place to get away for a few minutes, or a few hours if you like. Second, there is a trail that goes farther back into the woods behind the church. It is another wonderful get away in our own backyard. If you’re interested to know how else Scouting has positively impacted GCC then get to know John Dean and let him tell you a few stories.

The change in language to the BSA membership policy was brought to the Session in June and they formulated a plan to create a Biblical response. Pastors Don and Tag were tasked to create a simple response of affirmations and denials along with a letter explaining GCC’s response to BSA’s change. Then the congregation was invited to attend the August Session meeting and voice any feedback concerning a decision to continue or discontinue our relationship as the charter organization. The Session heard from members of the congregation, parents of Scouts, and other concerned individuals during the meeting. Some changes were suggested to the language of our documents and ultimately the decision of the Session was to continue our relationship with Troop 111 as their charter organization.

Please take some time to read the change to the BSA membership policy. Then please read the response of the GCC Session and especially our list of affirmations and denials concerning the BSA policy change. We kept our documents short so that people would take the time to actually read them and think about them. The affirmations and denials are one page. The letter is half a page. After you look them over, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Session through the church office.

We invite you to join with us in praying that the Lord will continue to give us wisdom in how we interact with and host Troop 111 as their charter organization.

grace,

Tag