"I promise to…serve in my community"

Service is an important part of being an American Heritage Girl. It is part of our oath, and service hours are required for advancement and achievement of level awards. As Christians, our service to others not only fulfills advancement requirements, it also advances God's purposes and kingdom by giving others a chance to know Jesus and to praise Him.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

We're excited to offer many opportunities for the girls to fulfill their service hour requirements and share God's love with others. Would you please prayerfully consider the service opportunities at the bottom of this newsletter and sign up to participate in them? If you have any ideas for other service opportunities, please let us know. We are always open to new ideas.

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28
Troop Service Projects

St. Charles Parade: We are planning on having a group in the 4th of July Parade! We would love to have as many scouts and leaders as possible to join us. We will provide more detials closer to the parade date. Scouts can log the hours spent in the parade as service hours. For more information, contact Mrs. Paulus, a board member, or your squad leader.

Compassion International Sponsored Child - Magdalena: Supporting Magdalena is an ongoing service project. Each scout can participate by raising money to donate toward the monthly support. Scouts can earn their contribution money by doing extra chores or baby-sitting and can log those hours as service hours. There will be a contribution jar on the sign-in table at every Troop meeting. All scouts will receive a Sponsor-A-Child badge. For more information, contact Mrs. Williams, a board member, or your squad leader.

Operation Christmas Child: This is will be our third year participating in Operation Christmas Child's Shoe Box Ministry and we want AHG families to get involved with us! As a family, decide how many shoeboxes you'd like to fill and if they'll be for girls and/or boys (the brochures that will be available closer to the time to turn in the boxes have labels for gender and age groups). Then spend some time shopping for a child(ren) who really needs to feel Jesus' love. Scouts can log service hours they spent earning money to buy gifts and supplies for the shoe boxes and also for the time packing the shoe boxes. Pack the shoeboxes and pray for the recipients then bring them on the designated night. Scouts who participate will receive a Shoe Box Ministry badge.

H.U.G.S.: Every year, we participate in the HUGS Duffle Bag Program in the spring. The girls collect donations of supplies and make home-made blankets to fill duffle bags that will be given to children in a foster home. We are looking at having a Crop Day again this year to raise funds and collect donations.

Operation Clean Stream: Twice a year, volunteers will clean portions of Spencer Creek and tributaries to Dardenne Creek during this annual City of St. Peters event. We also participate with St. Charles City. Once dates are set we provide more information and sign-up sheets.

Individual Service Opportunities

Compassion International Pen Pal Program: Each year, there are children supported by Compassion International who are in need of correspondence partners. This encouragement is key in helping these children overcome the cycle of poverty. AHG girls have a unique opportunity to correspond with these children. If you have a Troop member who is interested in being an International Pen Pal, contact Catherine Dreher, our Service Project Manager.

Our Ladies' Inn: Our Ladies' Inn in Defiance is always in need of volunteers to organize their food pantry and clothing closet. If you'd like to spend a few hours helping them, please contact Catherine Dreher.

Calvary Church Open Arms Ministry: Open Arms Ministry exists to provide hope for orphans and educate the church and community concerning adoption. They have ongoing service opportunities so please contact Catherine Dreher if you'd like to serve with this ministry.