FAQ

CLEN-MOORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND

BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS OF LAWRENCE COUNTY

LOCAL AREA RELATION MISSION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Local Area Relational Mission at Clen-Moore?

Local Area Relational Mission is an environment where:

	You may ACTIVELY participate in a local mission with other members of Clen-Moore, utilizing the skills and energy of the group to make a significant difference in the lives of those serviced through the mission.
	You ACTIVELY reach out to those in need in your community in order to make your community stronger.

Why are we participating with Big Brothers/Big Sisters?

Big Brothers/Big Sisters has asked us to help establish and build relationships with approximately 35 children who are in immediate need of a Big Brother or Big Sister. These children are At Risk children who need a positive influence in their lives.

What are the primary benefits of being involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters?

	The *primary benefit to the child* is to provide a supportive relationship with both a mentor and a friend.
	The *primary benefit to you* is allowing you to tithe your time toward a cause that can make a significant difference in the lives of those you are reaching out to.
	The *primary benefit to our congregation* is to bring us closer together, using the energy of the group to make a SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE DIFFERENCE in the lives of those we touch.
	The *primary benefit to our community* is that we provide an opportunity to positively influence our community through the relationships we build with the children and their families.

How may I get involved?

There are many ways in which you are able to actively volunteer your time and talents:

	Big Brother/Big Sister – this is the Cornerstone of the mission and we will need anywhere from 10 to 30 “missionaries” age 15 and older to actively volunteer their time to build a relationship with a child.
	Event Coordination – leaders and laborers will be needed to host 2 events each month. Leaders are needed to plan and execute the events while laborers are needed to ensure that all of the good hard work gets done.
	Food Service Coordination – what else needs said – if you enjoy the kitchen, this is your area to shine.
	Other skills and talents will be needed including van driving, arts & crafts, etc., etc., etc.

How much of my time should I volunteer?

The answer to this question is entirely up to you. As a “Big”, it will take approximately 3 hours every other week to attend an event. Other volunteers will be able to determine how much time they would like to tithe.

Am I too old, young, shy, insecure, short, tall, etc to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Anyone can be a “Big”. You just have to have a desire to improve the life of a child. Remember, even though it is a one-on-one relationship, you will be in a Group Based Setting.

What does “Group Based Setting” mean?

The BBBS relationship between “Big” & “Little” is designed as a one-on-one relationship. A Group Based Setting encourages the one-one-one relationship but also allows the children to form additional relationships with other adults and children. It also provides us with an opportunity to include family members of the children at various events.

What if I cannot make an event?

This is another benefit of the group based setting: as our relationships with the children grow, the children should become comfortable with other adults in the group. If you are unable to make it to an event, another “Big” can fill in in your absence. Event schedules will be published 3 months in advance and while consistency and stability are important, you will not have to make every event.

Is there a financial obligation?

There are no direct financial obligations. Support is provided through the general and missional contributions of our congregation.

As a “Big” are my children able to attend the events with me?

Yes. While some events may be limited to “Bigs” and “Littles” the intention is to open a majority of the events to family members. Anyone age 15 or older is welcome to become a “Big”.

Can I bring my “Little” to Church on Sunday?

This is entirely up to the relationship you have with your “Little” and his or her family.