“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson

Frances Taggert and her little sister.

Mentoring is planting trees.  The45-minutes a week that our mentors spend with a student at South Elementary are planting and tending to the tree.  For many, we may see some sprigs of growth but we may never sit in the shade of what we have planted.  But we are called to the labor,  not the reward.

“A wise and trusted counselor” is what you find if you look up the word ‘Mentor’ in the dictionary. As I meet with a precious six year old every week at South School I’m not sure how much wise counsel is given, but I walk away blessed by having spent just a few brief moments listening, playing, teaching, hugging and giggling.

I treasure those moments I spend with her and I take away far more than I leave with her.  My prayer is that we are building a trustworthy relationship that she can count on.  Someone she knows she can count on to be there to listen, play, teach, hug and giggle.  You know, I think if it’s what I needed Jesus would giggle with me.

Why don’t you consider being a mentor?  I can guarantee you’ll be blessed.

- Sondra Allen

We are looking for new mentors for the 2011-2012 school year.  If you are interested in mentoring, please contact Melissa Hatfield at 573.634.3603 or by email.

It is that time of year again!  Can you smell the freshly sharpened pencils?  School is almost is session again and with the start of school comes the need for school supplies.

We are blessed to partner with South Elementary School, a wonderful school that has a huge ministry in our community.  Many of the students have trouble providing their basic school supplies.  Who ends up covering it?  The teachers.

Every year we collect supplies and give them to the school to cover those supplies not brought.  Help us fill their supply closet so they are ready to go!

Throughout the month of August bring your donated supplies to the church office or place them in the mission donation boxes in the Narthex, Fellowship Hall or second or first floor entrances.  You can download the list of needed supplies here.

Sondra and her two sons, Matt and Chris.

January is National Mentoring Month.  It is a great month to hear from some of our South School Mentors. This week let’s hear from Sondra Allen who began mentoring this year.

“A wise and trusted counselor” is what you find if you look up the word ‘Mentor’ in the dictionary. As I meet with a precious six year old every week at South School I’m not sure how much wise counsel is given, but I walk away blessed by having spent just a few brief moments listening, playing, teaching, hugging and giggling.

I treasure those moments I spend with her and I take away far more than I leave with her.  My prayer is that we are building a trustworthy relationship that she can count on.  Someone she knows she can count on to be there to listen, play, teach, hug and giggle.  You know, I think if it’s what I needed Jesus would giggle with me.

Why don’t you consider being a mentor?  I can guarantee you’ll be blessed.

- Sondra Allen

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Beth Schmidt, South School Coordinator.

Please join us in supporting our South School family PTA as they raise funds to purchase items needed for our school.

South School Chili Dinner

When:  Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 5:00 -7:30 pm!  Come and go.

Where: South School Cafeteria

Adult Meal #1:  $4.00

Includes:   bowl of chili & soda OR chili dog & soda

Adult Meal #2:  $5.00

Includes:  bowl of chili, soda & dessert OR chili dog, soda & dessert

Child Meal #1:  $3.00

Includes:  child size bowl of chili & soda OR chili dog & soda

Child Meal #2:  $4:00

Includes:  child size bowl of chili, soda & dessert OR chili dog, soda & dessert

Hotdog & Soda:  $2.00

Refill Bowl of Chili:  $2.00

Children 2 and under eat free!

Steve and his mentoree

January is National Mentoring Month.  It is a great month to hear from some of our current mentors and to consider becoming a mentor yourself.  We have several students at South Elementary waiting for mentors.

When I was being matched to be a mentor at South School by our Mentoring Coordinator with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, I was wondering what I had in common with the child I was being matched with. He was a second grader at the time, had been born and raised most of his life in St. Louis, and now living with relatives in Jefferson City. He talked a mile a minute, always wanted to be the center of attention and had unlimited energy. Kind of the opposite of me.

He has a tendency to get himself into problems at school and now in the third grade, it’s been a more difficult time for him this school year. After one specific problem had happened earlier in the day at school, we talked about it during our visit. He was feeling angry and really bad about it.  I mentioned, “ you know I care about you and will be here for you”.  He said with sweet eyes and a big grin and smile, “ yes, Mr. Steve”.

That’s when you know being a mentor makes a difference. God always gives us back more, then we give. Be a Mentor at South School.

-Steve Whitlock

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, contact Beth Schmidt, our South School Partnership coordinator.