The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

September 1, 2010

Archery ministry accepting new students

By Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter

United Methodist Temple in Beckley is registering participants for its fall Centershot Archery Ministry which begins Sept. 20. The program combines archery education with Christ-centered fellowship.

Daniel Spurgeon, minister of music, discovered the Centershot curriculum while attending an event about outdoor ministries.

The church first held the once-a-week, eight-week program last fall and had almost 40 participants, Spurgeon said. Last spring, the enrollment doubled, and so far, he said, “we expect to surpass the previous years.”

With the guidance of eight qualified and registered archery instructors, participants of all ages will learn, practice and hone their sharpshooting.

Spurgeon explained, “We use archery as a way of connecting to Christ, making Christ the target of our lives. For us it is evangelism, a way to reach out to the community and get men and fathers involved that don’t usually participate in church events.”

After target practice, those enrolled gather for a Scripture lesson and devotion.

After beginning Centershot, UMT has planned and written its own curriculum for returning students, Centershot 2 and 3. Participants new to the program will have devotions centered around salvation and accepting Christ into their lives, he explained.

Centershot 2 focuses on discipleship and Centershot 3 on becoming a good steward.

The national Centershot program, Spurgeon says, is considering adopting and using the advanced curriculum developed through United Methodist Temple.

“We are the largest program of this kind in the state,” he said, “and we use an indoor range at The Place and provide excellent equipment. It is about shooting instinctively, without sights.”

Spurgeon says he is amazed at “how many expert archers live in the surrounding counties and how everyone in the program develops and progresses from one year to another.”

Early registration cost is $45 per person before Sept. 12. After that date, the cost is $55 until registration closes on Sept. 15.

Centershot 1 classes are held on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Centershot 2 and 3 are held on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Registration forms may be picked up at United Methodist Temple and The Place, the church’s recreation facility, on Templeview Drive in Beckley. Spurgeon encourages those interested to register early.

For more information on the event, or to inquire about a scholarship, contact Spurgeon at 304-252-6213.

— E-mail: splummer@register-herald.com

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