It's Bazaar Day!

It’s 10:00 am on the nose and the women, along with a few men, rush through the double doors and make their way down the steps. They have been waiting outside for the doors to open. While they wait, there is a small ensemble playing Christmas carols on the portico. Down in the Fellowship Hall those of us who are there to work are lined up to greet them and to give them first shot at shopping. The man with the big stick makes sure all our visitors have a chance to enter the shopping area before we are allowed to follow them in.

Here comes the masses; greetings, “Welcome to my church.“ smiles, waves, an occasional warm hug.

Some head directly to the “Trash and Treasures” yard sale area. Others race toward their own treasure hunt, perusing tables heavy laden with items created by talented members of our church.Table after table overflows with homemade baked goods tied with beautiful ribbons waiting for lucky shoppers to snag. Christmas trees sparkle with holiday splendor, wreaths and swags and quilted wall hangings decorate the surrounding walls. Up for silent auction is an impressive array of handcrafted items. There is a gorgeous hand stitched quilt that many nimble, and not-so-nimble fingers labored over hour after hour. There is a beautiful bassinette, a full size playhouse complete with a dormer and hardwood floor, a dollhouse barn with animals, and stained glass crosses made from the windows that were replaced in our sanctuary several years ago.
A wandering quartet of Dickens carolers serenades the shoppers as they seek out their perfect purchases.In another section of the Fellowship Hall beautifully set tables await the luncheon crowds. The Bazaar luncheon is anticipated as much as the bazaar itself, tickets are sold out in advance. Lunch is served to approximately 260 people in two seatings.Throughout the Hall numerous members pitch in to make the day a success. Workers are needed to help and guide shoppers. There are cashiers and people to help bag, and carry purchases to waiting cars. The luncheon needs hostesses and workers to prepare the plates, keep the beverages available, serve the guests, wash dishes and clean.

The bazaar and luncheon is a tradition at Immanuel. The money raised goes toward missions at Immanuel. Monies from the bazaar support the preschool and after-school programs, the youth, mission outreach, and The Life of Christ in Living Pictures, our annual Christmas program for the area.

This is the day that some in our church have been working on for 11 months.

This is the day the kicks off the extremely busy holiday season around our church.

This is an event that can only happen because members, young and old, men and women pull together to sew, cut, stuff, paint, sand, cut, arrange, glue, glitter, nail, bake, carry, sing, give and serve.

For the last several years my job on Bazaar Day is in the kitchen. It isn’t a glamorous job. Those of us in the kitchen are behind the scenes, we don’t get to see what’s going on out in the Fellowship Hall with all our visitors. It gets hot in the kitchen. But I love being in there. I love the camaraderie that comes from a long day working together toward our common goal.

The first Saturday of November is Bazaar Day at Immanuel. By then end of the day my feet hurt, my back aches and I am worn out. But the physical discomfort is overcome by the joy the entire day brings. This day starts my season on a sweet note of fellowship as I look forward to “The Life of Christ in Living Pictures” and the Advent season.