Do you remember a time when an adult, other than your parents, took a moment just for you? Maybe it was a coach, a neighbor or a teacher at church. They showed up, listened and made you feel like you mattered. That simple act of presence can change the course of a young person’s life. It’s a small investment of time that pays back in ways we can’t always measure but can feel in our hearts.
As we look toward the start of a new learning year on September 7th, there’s a sense of excitement. It’s a season of new beginnings. But with that excitement comes a challenge. We are in great need of a few more caring adults to walk alongside our middle school and high school students.
When a child is baptized, our whole community makes a promise to support them and help them grow in faith. This is our chance to live out that promise. It’s an invitation to be that person who shows up.
You might be thinking. “I’m not a teacher,” “I don’t have time to prepare lessons” or “I taught when my kids were that age, it’s somone else’s job now.” Put those thoughts and worries to rest. We have taken care of all the prep work. The curriculum is written, the materials are ready and the lessons are easy to follow. We aren’t asking for experts. We would love to have the “experienced” and the “less experienced.” We are simply looking for people with a willing heart, ready to facilitate a conversation and show our youth that they are a vital part of our church family.
Your role is not about having all the answers. It’s about creating a space where our young people feel seen and heard. It’s about listening to their questions, sharing in their discoveries and reminding them they are important. By giving just an hour on Sunday mornings, you can make a profound impact. You can be the reason a teenager feels connected to their faith and our community.
This is more than just filling a volunteer spot; it’s an opportunity to invest in the next generation and fulfill a sacred promise we made together. You have a chance to be the adult a young person will remember for years to come – the one who simply showed up and made all the difference.
Don’t wait thinking someone else will step up. If you feel called to serve as a Sunday morning mentor, act now by indicating your interest online or reaching out to Pastor Andrew.
