Just from my little corner of the world, I observe many things happening once spring has gotten started. The celebration of Easter is past, the celebration of the Good News continues year after year. But what about the work of some of those folks called Methodist.
Well, at our church, we work hard at being a part of the community in which we live. We offer a Food cupboard available twice a week for those in need. We work with the Church Women United of Lake County to provide funds for the “Shoe Fund” supplying shoe to those children in need.
During time of emergencies, here and abroad we contribute to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) and other emergency relief missions in which we partake as things are actually occurring and there is need for “boots on the ground” activities and the funds to support those efforts. It is nice to know that when you contribute to a specific emergency “all” of your contributed funds goes for that emergency.
One of the ways that these local Methodist churches accomplish this is by the Spring Yard Sale. Just such an event is going on today, May 9, at 8 a.m. at the Lower Lake Community-United Methodist at 16255 Second Street at Lake Street in the great little community of Lower Lake.
We Methodist have traditions that are fun and exhausting work yet the yield in the camaraderie, good will, fellowship and hospitality is immeasurable. When things get to humming on the Church Parking lot, there are all kinds of treats one can find.
One thing I have noticed is that our families have “saved” things from their past and that these items often go to make up the contents of the Yard Sale. This year a big focus for us was to scour our attics and closets and find those gems of the hidden past. When I say gems, I mean “GEMS.” You know what I mean, the stuff that Aunt Clara and Cousin Jean wore to the proms, nights out and celebrations. Or that Mom wore on those special occasions.
Those glistening object d’art that hung around their necks, adorned their fingers and enlivened their ears. The dazzling colors, the shimmering silver and gold that just illuminated their natural God given beauty that was (is) them. I know there are others who say otherwise, but the jewelry of the past is often unbeaten in the items passed off for accoutrements of the past. Many of these items are sheer works of Art.
I Hope that you will come out to shop and find that hidden treasure that you have been looking for. Mother’s day is WHEN?? Can’t say that you were not reminded. Please remember, that all monies received from just such a yard sale go into not the pockets of the “church” nor pockets’ of “individuals”, but end up being used to fund projects of “hope and help” in good times and bad.
Hope to see you there! Hope to see you share!
John Pavoni is pastor of the Lower Lake Community United Methodist Church
