First Christian Church treats teachers to back-to-school lunch

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Treating Hartselle's teachers, administrators and office staffs to lunch prior to the opening of a new school year has become a tradition at First Christian Church.
The tradition was continued in grand style Aug. 7 as a meal consisting of chicken salad, tossed salad, fruit salad, brownie and cold drink was served in the church fellowship hall to more than 200 diners. The church was represented by about 15 of its members, including the pastor, Ed Sanders, each of whom worked either as a greeter, server or waiter.
Church member Jackie McHan said a former pastor came up with the idea of feeding the teachers on one of their in-service work days and put the project in the hands of the women's missions group.
"That was 11 or 12 years ago," she recalled. "We fed Crestline teachers at first and later added the other two elementary schools. Three years ago we opened it up to the entire school system. We just wanted our teachers to know that we're thinking about them, praying for them and we appreciate them for all they do for our community.
"We've been doing it so long and it means so much to us we couldn't stop it if we wanted to."
"It's all about helping others in the name of Jesus Christ," pastor Sanders said. "It's an event that helps bring our church together and makes us proud to be a part of the Hartselle community."
"This is a super nice gesture of appreciation for our personnel and it's very much appreciated," said Dr. Mike Reed, superintendent. "I can't think of a better way to kick off a new school year."
"We love it and look forward to coming every year," said Sandra Armistead, an office staff member at Barkley Bridge Elementary School.