Innovative Outreach Idea

Taking a youngster fishing can be one of the most rewarding days you will ever spend.
When you take a kid fishing, be prepared for one thing: communication. It's a great opportunity to listen and communicate with your youngster, and it will be an experience you'll both treasure for a lifetime. It's a chance to talk about nature, his or her school, their friends, things they like or dislike . . . you've got the idea . . . plus its building a foundation that will keep that youngster focused on this great American sport for many years to come.


On Saturday, May 16 our church, Wesley United Methodist Church of Fruitland, MO, will sponsor a Community Fishing Clinic for Kids. The fishing instructor named Joe "Wildlife" (neat name uh) is one of our members. Joe is a wildlife biologist for the Missouri Dept. of Conservation. Time 9:30 a.m. till Noon. All attendees are asked to park at the North Elementary School parking lot.

The event is limited to 20 kids. We already have 18 who have registered. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. A registered nurse will be onsite. Bait, fishing tackle and snacks will be provided by the church. Door prizes and fishing tackle will be given away from Walmart and The Grizzly Jig Company.

Please pre-register your child by calling Pastor Barry at 573-837-6587. After registering for the event, attendees will be mailed information regarding directions to the secret fishing hole.

This is a free community event, however a $3 donation is recommended. All donations will go to the Jackson Food Pantry.

You're all set to go. We have the tackle, We’ve got the snacks, and you're about to depart on one of the greatest adventures you and your child will ever enjoy together. It's called bonding at its best. It's called fishing.

Be prepared to enjoy the sounds of nature, fresh air, and maybe catch a fish, too. But most importantly, it will be the sounds of you and your child talking to each other and enjoying each other's company and the great outdoors. But as with all wonderful experiences, there are also lessons to be taught and learned.


Monday I did a radio public interview on a local station in Cape Girardeau. We plan to engage conversations with the kids and invite them to attend a new Thursday Night communion service for the summer. It is called "Summer Grace."

Already this idea has generated a lot of interest. Do you think your church could sponsor a fishing clinic for your community? If you would like more information email me.