The vision of the Thompson High School First Priority club is to be the hands and feet of Christ to the community. During our first club meeting of the 2010-2011 school year, club Co-President Courtney Jordan shared from her heart the desire for students to make a difference in their school, community and the Birmingham area during the school year. Speaking from Matthew 25:31-46, Jordan introduced this vision to the club. In October, students acted on this vision.

The first project was to serve their teachers at Thompson High School. The First Priority club students arrived early on October 20, and served breakfast to their teachers before classes started. Shortly after, the club sponsored its own fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Oncology Clinic. On a normal school day, the dress code rules state that hats are not to be worn in the building during school hours. However, on Friday, October 22, for the price of $1, students were allowed to wear a hat throughout the school day. Students raised $520! On Wednesday, November 10, Sharon Likos and Jolene Etheridge from the Oncology Clinic at Children’s Hospital visited the First Priority club. During this time together, Co-President Katie Etheridge presented the check from the fundraiser. The students were also given the opportunity to hear about the effort of the clinic to research and treat childhood cancer. Finally, the students were given the opportunity to pray for the clinic and Children’s Hospital and those involved in making such a great difference in the lives of children affected by cancer.

The Thompson High School First Priority club has been a joy to lead so far this year. I look forward to seeing the further impact these passionate students will have on their community and in Birmingham as they continue to seek to be the hands and feet of Christ during the 2010-2011 school year.

David Hobson
Youth Pastor
Sunrise Baptist Church