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Church Spotlight: Tanner-Williams UMC Celebrates 'Millionaires'
5/28/2010
Congratulations Millionaires!
The "Millionaires" pose in front of the limo.
Tanner-Williams United Methodist Church celebrates Millionaires!
(Susan Hunt) Tanner Williams United Methodist Church in the Mobile District has formed a special partnership with the Tanner Williams Elementary school, just a few short blocks down the street. As an official “Partner in Education”, the congregation supports the school in many ways. Probably the most fun the congregation has with this partnership is celebrating the student Millionaires. Recently, 18 of the school’s students were honored as “Millionaires” at a school assembly and with a party afterwards at the church.
The students are millionaires not because they have lots of money, though. Instead, each of the 18 students read over a million words over the course of the school year. Over 150 students were recognized for their reading accomplishments through the school’s Accelerated Reader program, but only the 18 were specially honored this year.
The boys were dressed in formal tuxedos, provided by a local Formal Wear shop. The girls were pampered by a hair stylist and even had a little make-up applied. They walked the red carpet to be honored during the school assembly. Afterwards they got a special ride in a stretch limousine to a reception at the church. The congregation had a special feast laid out for the children and their families; most of the goodies were homemade by church members. It’s all an honor for the children, many of whom would never otherwise have this opportunity for these special treats.
This school assembly, held earlier this month, was the fourth year the school honored the children this way. It was the second year the church was involved. The church is proud to be a part of this program knowing that reading is an important part of the children’s education and development, which in turn benefits the community as a whole. Peggy Allen, the church’s Mission Chairperson, commented, “It’s important for kids to read and read well. That makes it worth the effort. And we have fun putting this on. It makes the kids feel special, and they learn through this success that they can succeed in other areas, too.”
The pastor Rev. Ray Lane was inspired through his participation in Mobile District’s 3.0 ministry and the Rural Leadership Initiative out of the Duffey Institute for Church Leadership. Through those learning experiences he was challenged to take a look beyond the walls of the church and find ways for the church to serve the community. Through his encouragement and support, church members have taken the vision and made this ministry and others their own.
Through reaching out to their local school, the church is making a positive difference for their community. The church members are already actively praying for the students and teachers. They have worked with the school in a two-week “summer camp” program. They provided refreshments and staffed hospitality rooms for a special “Grandparents Day” at the school. And they provided special meals for the teachers during their work days. The school and church are also exploring other possibilities for continued and expanded support. These may include an outdoor classroom and garden, a shoe and uniform donation ministry, continued mentoring and tutoring.
Rev. Lane recently commented, “Now that we have completed this year’s scheduled events for the elementary school we will next meet to discuss our plans for the coming school year. We look forward to continuing our focus on Tanner Williams Elementary School as well as our involvement with McKemie Place, the Mission of Hope and other mission opportunities.”
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