MADISON – With a generous donation, members of a new church in Madison helped the students of a new school in Madison.

Fellowship United Methodist Church’s congregation at 29768 Huntsville-Brownsferry Road donated supplies for the clinic at Journey Middle School, 217 Celtic Drive.

“During a worship team meeting, I suggested the collection drive as a need in the community that we could help with,” Fellowship member Cindi Sanderson said. “Sharon Dinkel (another Fellowship member) agreed so she and I teamed up to make it happen.” Dinkel and Sanderson are Madison natives, and both retired from Madison City Schools.

MCS Nursing Supervisor Becky Tucker provided a list of much needed items. The drive was open for three weeks. Dinkel and Sanderson handed off the supplies to Journey Principal Dr. Treva Stewart, Journey Nurse Novella Wilson and Tucker.

Journey’s staff welcomed the disinfectant wipes and sprays, paper goods, feminine products, coffee cups and other items because the newly opened school is still building its stock from scratch, MCS Public Relations Manager John S. Peck said.

If any extra items are left that Journey does not need, Tucker will give those to other school clinics in Madison.

Fellowship UMC has conducted other activities to support MCS. Just before the start of the new school year, the “Blessing of the Backpacks” was held during a Sunday worship service.

“Children of all ages were asked to bring their backpacks to the front for a special blessing so the kiddos could get ready for the first day of school,” Sanderson said. “We also prayed for all of the teachers, getting ready to receive these kids (and backpacks) into the classrooms.”

Fellowship members had filled backpacks for some students in need that church members had learned about just before school started. Fellowship hopes to expand on this outreach next year.

Rev. Chuck Worley is Pastor of Fellowship UMC. Sunday worship, a multigenerational traditional service, is held at 3 p.m. at 29768 Huntsville-Brownsferry Road.

For more information, email fellowshipumcmadison@gmail.com or visit Facebook/Fellowship United Methodist Church – Madison.