Reflections

Reflections on “Doing Lunch” at East Gresham Grade School – The Mentor Program
By Kathleen Copeland

This year I volunteered to do something completely new. Before retiring I’d been a teacher and principal for over 30 years but I’ve never gone to a new school, met a child and developed a relationship with them. I was a bit nervous at first. It was simple really, my third grade buddy made it easy. We just sat together and ate our lunches, chatted about what we liked to do for fun, and then played a board game or two. He was always reserved but eager to see me standing there as his class filed past to go to lunch. I enjoyed my time with him and the kind remarks from the staff, who appreciated me coming each week. His teacher made a point of telling me how much he looked forward to Wednesdays, our lunch date. Over the course of the year we had more to talk about and I met his family at our group events. His mom told me how much he talked about me at home. We’ll keep in touch this summer and I’ll be back next year, at his request, and because I feel I made a difference.

As the coordinator of the program I did a survey with the mentor and students at the end of the year. Every child was enthusiastic about having a mentor. When asked if they wanted one next year they all said yes, and wanted it to be the same one. It reminded me again how much we all want to be seen and heard, feeling that we’re “worth the effort” from someone who doesn’t have to be with us. I came away this year feeling like I had been the heart and hands of God in a way I never experienced before.

It all got started because Tracy Klinger, the principal at East Gresham, asked if Grace could help the school by getting adults to volunteer. This is how she saw the impact of the mentors this year.

“Having mentors at East created a lot of buzz this year. Students were always really excited on mentor days, which led to students without mentors asking about how to get one. They also benefit in the classroom by having students feel more connected, engaged and excited about school. A little TLC goes along way with our kids. Kids pick up on the subtleties of manners, giving, kindness and how to treat others.

I feel so deeply touched about everything Grace does to support our school. My staff cares so deeply and takes so personally the work we do – it is our mission and a way of life. The love, prayers and support we get from Grace allow us to give even more!”

I’m looking forward to next year, watching our relationship grow. There is no way to measure all the ways my time made a difference, but for one boy and a middle-aged woman it’s been very rewarding. I can’t wait for September.

Church Survey

Simple Dessert

Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Eve services will be held December 24 at 5pm & 7pm.

Come on out for a beautiful Candlelight ceremony & Christmas Carols  as we take some time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ this holiday season.

Nursery available infants – Pre-K for both services

Children & Students will not meet separately but are welcomed to join their families during the general worship services.

Hot chocolate & cookies will be served after both services.

Grace Community Covenant

Believing the Holy Spirit has led me to partner with Him and this faith community, I promise to pursue these core commitments:

Loving God passionately: Because Christ alone deserves my deepest devotion, I will make it a priority to embody a lifestyle of personal and public worship.

Loving people genuinely: Since God gives and forgives so undeservedly, I will foster an authentic, grace-filled and relationally healthy community.

Reaching people deliberately: Because people matter so much to the Father, I will show and tell about life in Him and partner with others to reach our community, city and world with the good news.

Developing people spiritually: Since the Holy Spirit resources us, I will serve faithfully, give generously and invest personally to change lives for the cause of Christ.

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