Bessemer Association churches reach out to neighboring Hueytown High School

North Highlands Baptist Church, Hueytown, got a new neighbor this year. Hueytown High School’s brand new building is located next to the church’s campus, and the church couldn’t be more thrilled.

“We’ve been partnering with the local schools for several years, but we’re very blessed because now we’re right near [one] school,” Youth Minister Michael Wallace said.

“We view our building as a tool, and they’re always welcome to use it.”

And the high school has already taken the church up on its offer. Since the marching band’s practice field isn’t quite finished, the band has been using a field behind the church as a practice space. There are also plans for an ongoing Movies in the Park event to take place in the church’s yard.

And North Highlands Baptist hasn’t been the only church to reach out to Hueytown High during its recent transition.

Hueytown Baptist Church also has been a partner, and both Bessemer Baptist Association churches teamed up to act as traffic directors during the first few days of school.

“When we needed help with showing everyone where to park at the new building, I called about 30 churches for help and those two stepped up,” said Jacglen Poole, president of the Hueytown High PTA.

“I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about it and that they’d get the job done.”

According to Hueytown Baptist Pastor Jerry Watts, this is exactly the kind of thing his church wants to be a part of.

“We like partnering with people in our community to glorify God,” Watts said. “We feel like reaching out like this gives them practical help.”

In addition to the help with parking, members of North Highlands also helped unpack the school’s library one Sunday afternoon. The school was completed only two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester, so there was much preparation to be done.

For Poole, a parent of two Hueytown High students, contributions like that do not go unnoticed.

“Parents around here really notice when people care about our schools,” she said. “I just think the more the school involves the church, the more they’re able to let the community know our needs and help meet those needs.”   (TAB)