By Melanie Patterson
The North Jefferson News
Teachers at Fultondale High School got quite a back-to-school gift Monday.
Gone was the old teacher’s lounge, with it’s 1970s-era aqua-blue tile, the outdated appliances and lack of running water.
Instead, volunteers revealed a “Starbucks-style” break room with new paint, appliances, cabinets, countertops, tables, chairs and even ceiling tiles.
The New Members and Outreach Ministries at Gardendale First Baptist Church orchestrated the project, with help from community volunteers.
“We realize teachers have a tough job. We want to help them out any way we can,” said Phil Cronin, who heads up the outreach ministry. “This lets the teachers know we’re behind you, we’re praying for you and we believe in what you’re doing.”
FHS principal Donna Williamon played a big role too, by helping keep the project a secret from the teachers until Monday.
The room was padlocked all summer so teachers wouldn’t wander in on the surprise.
It was a big job, with Ashley Furniture making deliveries, workers in and out, and construction noise ongoing.
She had to bend the truth once or twice, telling teachers the furniture was for the newly-renovated home ec department.
She and the volunteers stayed up until midnight several nights to get the work done on time, Cronin said.
“You always feel good about your job and yourself when you can come to work and have a nice place,” said Williamon. “This was a nice ministry and community effort. We appreciate what everyone has done.”
Williamon said the old faculty lounge was 40 years old and badly needed renovating.
“It’s a nice change for beginning a new school year,” she said.
One of the most useful changes to the room was the addition of running water.
Cronin, who himself slung the sledgehammer to make a spot for the plumbing, said workers put in a new stainless steel sink with brass faucets.
They also installed a gadget in the bathroom that instantly heats water, so teachers no longer have to wash their hands with cold water.
Besides the new paint and sink, the break room has a new coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, television and pub-style tables.
“There’s nothing like a baptist church putting in pub tables,” said Cronin.
The adjoining bathroom has a new vanity, mirror and lighting.
Several local businesses donated furniture or other items, including Marvin’s Building Materials and Home Centers, Ashley Furniture Homestore, Gentry Window Solutions, Laser Works of Alabama and Jeff Dennis Jewelers.
Religion
August 12, 2009
Church crafts new lounge for FHS teachers
- Religion
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Church welcomes members to new campus for prayer walk
It’s not completely finished, but members of Gardendale First Baptist Church had the chance to worship briefly at their new campus on Sunday.
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Prayer walk group to meet at area schools in upcoming weeks
A new ministry group known as P3 (Power of Praying Parents) and campus ministry group First Priority have teamed up to organize prayer walks on the campuses of area schools.
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Church project to shed light on poverty
On Friday, the youth pastor at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church and at least 15 youth members will be participating in a project that will culminate with an outdoors sleepover.
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Youth Force Ministries moving to new location
The church bought the former Farmers Gin and Tractor building and surrounding 9.2 acres. Crews have been renovating the facility to transform it into a place of worship. “Anybody that’s been in there wouldn’t know it on the inside,” said Robin Bullock. “It’s really unique.”
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Warrior church finds a new home
Rapid growth at a church in Warrior has forced it to find a new home.
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Just Keep Smiling to host benefit concert next month
A local charitable foundation is again turning to music to help raise funds for its cause.
Gardendale-based Just Keep Smiling provides gas vouchers, buys food, pays utility bills and living expenses for families with critical care children. The group will hold its third fundraising concert on Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Gardendale First Baptist Church. -
Concert event to benefit Christian university
Anyone looking for inexpensive entertainment at a good price can find it this weekend at the Gardendale Civic Center.
“Stars Fell on Gardendale” will offer up a variety of musical and comedy acts with proceeds benefiting Faulkner University. Tickets for the show are $10. - Church crafts new lounge for FHS teachers Volunteers revealed a “Starbucks-style” break room with new paint, appliances, cabinets, countertops, tables, chairs and even ceiling tiles.
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West fund to benefit family
North Jefferson residents are rallying around the family of a community-minded man who died earlier this month.
Jeffrey “Scott” West died on July 16 at age 46 following complications from Type I diabetes, according to his wife, Sue Ann West. -
Warrior church providing meals for children
A Warrior church has committed to feeding a group of children for the remainder of the summer.
Family Life Center is providing up to 40 meals, five days a week, at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama, Inc., located in Warrior. - More Religion Headlines
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Church welcomes members to new campus for prayer walk
