The Importance of Mentors

Who made an impact in your life? When I was in middle school, I was chosen to have a senior citizen mentor. I don’t know why I was chosen – maybe because my grandparents didn’t live near us? Some of my friends did woodworking projects, one of my friends did piano lessons. I was a part of the quilting group. We started out hand-sewing blocks together to make into pillows. Later, we had sewing machines that we used to make blocks, then strips, and finally a complete top for a quilt. Our mentor took the top to the senior citizens’ center and they quilted it. It took three years, but it was a great experience. While I can look at my quilt today and be proud of my accomplishments, most often when I look at it I remember an older lady who spent time with me. She didn’t know what we listened to for music, she thought our clothing choices were weird, but every week, sometimes twice a week she made me feel I was important and special.

I’ve had others in my life who I look to as mentors. The Girl Scout leaders who stuck it out for four of us through high school. The Red Cross instructor who became a friend and whose conversations with me greatly influenced who I am today. My Sunday school teachers who made time each week for us. Our youth leader who was old enough to be my parent who did slumber parties with us. The list goes on and on.

How about you? Other than your family, what adult was meaningful in your life? I’m sure you can remember one or two who impacted you.

As we watch August come barreling toward us, I wonder if you will consider who YOU can be a special adult for? You’re not too old! You’re also not too young! You could volunteer to play with toddlers in the nursery Sunday mornings. You could teach Sunday school for kids or youth. You could volunteer for our afternoon youth or preteen programs.

Beyond the church, you could volunteer at Nash Elementary School through our Nash Neighbors program. (Click here to see the video we played about Nash in church last Sunday.)  I hear they have room for mentors again this year. You could volunteer with Tucson Refugee Ministries in any number of ways.

Adult relationships beyond family and teachers can greatly influence a child or youth for good in this world. How can you be a mentor this fall?

See you soon.
Pastor Lynn

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

• 8:30 a.m. Traditional service in Sanctuary and child care in Rm 15
• 10 a.m. Traditional service in Sanctuary
• 10 a.m. Youth and children’s Sunday School and child care (except fifth Sundays)
• 10 a.m. Livestream premieres on YouTube and Website

To access our livestream service:

• From the main menu on our website click “Worship.”  -OR-
• Go to YouTube and search for UMC St. Mark’s Oro Valley or use this link.