Scouting Ministry, First United Methodist Church, Mt. Pleasant 
First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant has been engaged in a visioning process over the last year. They adopted Colossians 2:2 as a guiding scripture:
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.” 
One of their goals for 2012 is to deepen their relationship with the scouting programs that are hosted in their church building. Beginning last fall church leaders began exploring ways to be more intentionally connected with the scouts, their families, and their leaders. One of the steps they have taken is to have their pastor, Herb Shafer, work directly with 12 Boy Scouts who are working on their God and Life awards.
A new community garden ministry has also grown out of their visioning process. Boy Scouts will be among the regular participants in that outreach.
Phil Carver, the Field Outreach Minister for the Southeast District, is providing connectional support as the church develops their ministries. His salary is paid through apportionment gifts from local churches in Iowa.