By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga Staff Writer
Jonathan Buchner, 16, is a Prattville High School student who has attended Robinson Springs United Methodist Church in Millbrook since he was three-and-half-years old.
His time with the church has served him and his family well, helping them make life-long friends and most importantly – deepened their faith and strengthened their relationship with God.
Now, as Buchner starts the process of leaving childhood and moving into adulthood, he’s using his skills and talents to help the church that’s been a part of most of his life.
Buchner, a member of Boy Scout Troop 25, dedicated his Eagle Scout project to help build a wooden ramp into Robinson Springs United Methodist’s annex building, providing easier access for people with limited mobility.
Janet Krantz, Pastor at Robinson Springs UMC, said that timing for the project could not have come at a better time.
“This church is very much a family. Jonathan has been faithful, and he strives to live his life like Christ by serving those around him,” Krantz said. “We use the annex area for a great deal of things already, like our loaves and fish food drive every Monday. We also use the space for our Children’s Ministry. But the plan for the future is to use it for more community events, and Jonathan’s efforts have helped to make that easier for a lot of people.”
Jonathan’s mother, Kristen Buchner, says that the project was a long time coming.
“It’s something that the building desperately needed, and I’m so proud of Jonathan and other scouts for coming out and taking part in this project,” Buchner said. “I have an extreme admiration for the scouts and it’s a wonderful thing to see as they come into manhood and take on that responsibility of helping the community. It’s just been a great, huge, wonderful experience.”
Jonathan and others worked on the project, while his father, Rob Buchner, helped to handle some of more dangerous labor – like operating equipment. Still, Jonathan was pleased with the finished project, and he was more than willing to extend a helping hand to a church that means so much to him.
Jonathan explained his reasoning behind the project.
“It was something that was needed and I wanted to help in any way that I could,” Buchner said. “They’ve helped to raise me up for a long time, and I have so many great memories there that I will remember for a lifetime.”
Robinson Springs UMC, built in 1840, has undergone several renovations throughout the years. Jonathan’s project was just the most recent example of members working to constantly improve upon the historic building.
Krantz sees that effort and “family atmosphere” from church members on weekly basis.
“One thing that has stuck out to me over the five years that I’ve been the pastor here is how welcoming everyone is,” Krantz said. “People here are genuine and authentic, and that really helps us to create such a tight-knit, faithful community.”
