Volunteers unwrapping gifts at MSPC
Nan Nasser
On Sunday, September 4, 2016, Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church (MSPC) hosted a Welcome to Tucson home shower for five students who had just joined the PC (USA) Tucson Borderlands Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs). This program is open to young adults ages 18 to 30 through an application process and provides the recipients with an opportunity to explore vocational channels, discover new things about themselves, their faith and their world. They partner with area community service organizations that offer hope to many needy people.
Erik Sandstrom is spending his second year as a YAV where he will serve the Community Food Bank and St. Mark’s Presbyterian. He hopes to build a Mercy Church that includes all denominations, especially the homeless. Graham Duncan comes from Kentucky and will work with Primavera Foundation. One of his opportunities will be gardening in the desert. Mirra Matheson comes from the state of Washington and will work with the House of Neighborly Services both with senior citizens and after school children’s programs. Mary Baldwin plans on a master’s degree in Library Science and will be working with Community Home Repair Projects. She will actually be using tools and talents to repair local homes. Rachel Lovins is partnering with the Community Food Bank and will be working to educate others about the agency, the myths and the truths.
MSPC hosted a light luncheon buffet supplied by congregants and specific gifts were presented to the YAVs based on need. Cheers went up for towels, toilet paper, games and pot holders! Rachel enjoys cooking and will probably make good use of the cookie sheets. Graham offered to house the microwave under his bed. These five volunteers share a house close to the University of Arizona, providing good access to each of their partnering organizations.
It was a joyous occasion to meet these five young people who have such sincere plans and ideas to put into action to help the Tucson community meet the needs of so many of their citizens. We wish them well and intend to support the program throughout the year. The website is www.tucsonborderlandsyav.org.
Mission projects are a large part of MSPC, centered in Christ, caring for community. You are always welcome to visit us on Sundays for the 10:00 a.m. service followed by fellowship. You can learn more about us at our website: www.mountainshadowschurch.org. We are located at 14024 N. Oracle Road in Catalina.