Valley United Methodist Church Bazaar Marks Half Century

Sat., Oct. 28, 2000

By Nina Culver nculver47@gmail.com

Volunteers started setting up on Thursday for today’s “Holidays in the Valley” bazaar at the Valley United Methodist Church, but members of the congregation have been donating their time and abilities for a lot longer than just the last two days.

This is the church’s 50th annual bazaar and members of the congregation work nearly year-round to create the hand crafted items sold during the event.

“It’s a lot of work,” says Madelyn Bafus, vice president of United Methodist Women, the group that puts on the event.

Each fellowship group in the church makes a certain number of Christmas ornaments. Women knit sweaters, afghans and baby clothes. One man makes a doll house, complete with miniature sofas, every year. Almost every single item at the bazaar has been made by a member of the church.

“You have to trust a lot,” says Bafus. “We have to trust that people will bring things in. The Lord will provide.”

Many members of the church have been making things for the bazaar for years, says Bafus, who has been a member of the church for the past 20 years. The sale usually brings in about $3,000 which is all donated to various missions that the women’s group supports around the world.

This year’s sale runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today. There will be baked goods, Christmas tree ornaments, baby clothes, candy, and a children’s craft activity area. There will be a quilt silent auction and men from the church will be on hand to sharpen knives and scissors.

A tea room will be open until 10:30 a.m. and lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. The menu includes salads, soup, pie and beverages. The cost varies depending on the items selected.

This sidebar appeared with the story: WHEN AND WHERE

The 50th annual bazaar at Valley United Methodist Church runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today. The church is located at 10422 E. Main.

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