A fresh introduction to First Priority took off in words and music with the first Candlelight Christmas Coffeehouse. “When I started at First Priority, I wanted to create opportunities for folks who aren’t on school campuses to see and hear from the heart of First Priority – our students. We’re asking them to make a commitment to this ministry. They need to see the fruit of their investment.” says Development and PR Director Fran Curry.
The December 12th event did just that with 10 students performing Christian music while others shared their testimonies. First Priority executive director, Greg Davis called the event, “revolutionary.” Davis says he would like to see more events like this in other communities across the city.
The event doubled as a fundraiser for First Priority thanks to the generosity of Dottie and Terry Smith, owners of Birmingham’s Edgar’s Bakeries. Free of charge, the Smith’s offered the venue, food, and even a custom designed cookie for the event at their Greystone location.
“It was a real team effort, showing how Christians can come together to support our young people,” says Curry. That team included Shelby County and Hoover Area Director, Debi DeBoer. “Debi was the point person for getting the performers, securing parents to work the event and so many other things that helped make our first Candlelight Christmas a success.”
The next chance for folks to see and hear First Priority students perform will be in the spring for an outdoor festival with local Christian bands. The date for the event has not been announced.