Created for Community – Jane and Skye

Sometimes the most meaningful relationships begin at the most unexpected time.

Last summer, longtime SMPC member Jane Brookshire served in the Preschool Science Rotation Station at Vacation Bible School. Normally, she’d be paired with her granddaughter, who had helped in previous years. But when her granddaughter was out of town, Jane was paired instead with youth volunteer Skye.

“Rebecca and the VBS leaders are so good at pairing us up,” said Jane. “When you lead a focus group at VBS, you’re usually together all week. I was delighted to meet Skye and spend the week with her and her friend, Tuuli.”

Between activities, the two would chitchat. They quickly got to know one another's families and interests, and by the end of the week, they were friends.

Rev. Lindsey Odom took notice of the sweet pair, and when it was time to help find Confirmation mentors for the Class of 2026, she thought Jane would be the perfect mentor for Skye. Jane had mentored both of her grandchildren through Confirmation and was honored to be asked to mentor someone outside her own family.

Throughout the year, Jane and Skye intentionally spent time with one another. They sat together in worship, participated in the CROP Hunger Walk, exchanged small Christmas gifts, and served together in the back-to-school All Church Serves. Through those shared small experiences, they built a relationship rooted in faith, encouragement and genuine friendship.

"We often sat together at church and had many fun conversations," Skye said. "Jane has provided a safe space to ask questions. She always models Christian behavior and offers encouragement, which has really helped me grow in my faith."

For Jane, the experience was just as meaningful. Being Skye’s mentor gave her a fresh perspective on the Confirmation journey, especially as she watched Skye thoughtfully prepare and share her Statement of Faith.

“Skye did such an excellent job on her Statement of Faith - as did all the confirmands - and it really allowed me to see Confirmation with new eyes," Jane said. "I'm so often with people my own age or those with similar interests, but you're missing so much if you don't take time to learn what's going on with our young people. We are so blessed to have such a vibrant youth ministry at SMPC!”

Now entering ninth grade, Skye enjoys tennis, band and spending time with friends. Looking back on her year with Jane, she says her mentor's kindness and support helped her better understand both her faith and her place within the larger church community.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that community at SMPC isn't limited by age or stage of life. Sometimes all it takes is saying "yes" to serving and being open to the relationships God places in our path.

If you would like more information about the Confirmation process or about mentoring a confirmand, please contact Rev. Lindsey Odom, Associate Pastor of Youth and Mission/Outreach. And while Vacation Bible School is over for the summer, you can always be added to the volunteer list for next summer! Youth and adults should reach out to Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman to be added to the volunteer list.