Page 5 - February 2020

independently, the book is sent home with a special
sticker inside. The book becomes a trophy of victory.
of the parish "Sometimes the students just need to have someone
talk to them, boost their self-confidence and show up

By: Grace Huseth every week," Margaret Hecht said.

When students understand the meaning of “confidence”
Voices of the Parish shares stories from Skidaway Island and feel it in their own skin, they are encouraged to
United Methodist Church members who are active in read to their younger siblings. Their thirst to learn more
ministry and the community. For the month of “love”, becomes contagious and further spreads literacy.
we will hear from L.O.V.E. mentors who spark the love of
learning in elementary school aged children. "It’s nice to be a part of something that has such great
potential for impact,” Jane Martin said. “As a mentor
L.O.V.E. mentors, Local Outreach Volunteer Educators, you know your effort will have a ripple effect for others
provide much more than just one-on-one mentoring. In who see the enthusiasm and want to participate in it
addition to receiving reading, math and learning skills too.”
once per week, the children benefit from individual
attention from a caring adult. As they read, word by word, Connie Schopfer teaches 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students
students learn new words and their true meanings. the power of the word “reflect”. Scanning through words
with speed is impressive, but true learning comes when
“Consistency” is one of Ginny Pierce’s favorite words. the reader fully comprehends the words and relects on
She has displayed the meaning of the word for over 20 the meaning of a passage.
years, helping the program since its infancy at SIUMC.
Today she trains mentors and pairs them with students As L.O.V.E. mentors reflect on their 25th anniversary
at Juliette Low Elementary School. Through the years, this year, they seek more mentors who want to make a
she has learned that when kids can depend on their difference. No formal experience is required to become
mentors, they build a relationship faster and in turn a L.O.V.E mentor; all that is needed is a desire to help a
learn faster. child, the willingness to commit and a heart for creating
a ripple effect of literacy and learning.
"Continuity is important for the students. They need
to know their mentor will be there week after week,” "It's natural to sit down and talk with a child and help
said Ginny, who sometimes follows her students year them read. It's something you do as a grandmother or
after year. “When rapport grows between the two, the parent,” Jane Martin said. "You know you are going to
learning process benefits.” help others, but really you are the one who is going to
be helped."
L.O.V.E. mentors promote the word “literacy”, which
serves as the backbone of all learning, and purchase a For more information, visit lovementors.org.
wide range of fun, yet challenging books for mentors to
read with their students. Once the child reads the book

ur prayer ministry team is looking for a few more prayer
Owarriors. When the church office receives prayer requests,
these requests are shared via email with our Prayer Team, who
then agrees to lift up each need in prayer. If you would be willing
to serve on the Prayer Team, please contact the church office.