DownloadDec. 18, 2006 issue
Church gets made-for-TV makeover
By Janelle BitikoferRALEIGH, N.C. — Painters, roofers, volunteers and observers swarmed around Raleigh Mennonite Church during the first week in December as the congregation’s meeting place got a made-for-TV makeover.
Crowds stand cheering between the Raleigh Mennonite Church building, not shown, and the new house of William and Linda Riggins, at left. — Photo by Janelle Bitikofer
ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition TV show rebuilt the neighboring house of Linda and William Riggins and also repaired the building that houses the church, Hope Elementary School and Building Together Ministries, where Linda Riggins works.
On the morning of the big “reveal” Dec. 7, thousands of onlookers joined Raleigh Mennonite Church members, Building Together staff and the children of Hope Elementary near the church parking lot. They joined in the show’s signature shout — “Move that bus!” — as the Riggins family saw their new house for the first time.
Later in the day, church members joined the children of Hope Elementary and Building Together Ministries staff for the “reveal” of renovations to the shared auditorium where the church meets. Church members sang Christmas carols with ABC staff and thanked God for the renovated building.
The children of Hope Elementary reminded church members of their purpose in the community when they sang the school song, “There Is Always Hope.”
The Raleigh Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show will air on ABC at 8 p.m. EST Jan. 21.
Raleigh Mennonite Church is a member of Virginia Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
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