Bazaar Auction – June 28, 2024: Raise a Hand for Missions! By Theresa Ramsey

Bazaar Auction – June 28, 2024: Raise a Hand for Missions!
By Theresa Ramsey

When it comes to staying the course, First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Franklin has a long history of supporting those in need in Macon County (and beyond) through its mission projects and fundraisers. More than three decades ago, in 1988, the United Methodist Women of FUMC embarked on a journey to bring awareness of the need to increase church funds allocated for missions. Led by chairperson Betty Warstler and many others, this dedicated group of ladies worked together to organize the first church-wide yard sale (Christmas in July) which later morphed into FUMC’s Annual Bazaar, now a church-wide endeavor!

As a kickoff to this year’s 35th bazaar, FUMC has added another component and shopping opportunity to benefit mission funding: the Bazaar Auction. The auction will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm in Memorial Hall at First United Methodist Church, Franklin located at 66 Harrison Avenue. Attendees will be able to pour over silent auction items, have light refreshments, mingle, and enjoy entertainment which will be followed by a live auction to close the evening. Also, the community is invited to come out the night before, Thursday, June 27, starting at 6 pm, to have a chance to preview items in the auction prior to the Mountain Voices Concert that starts at 7 pm in the sanctuary.

From items for recreation to services and trips, from household items to family treasures, the Bazaar Auction has something for everyone! And all proceeds received will be designated for missions! Please come out and support a great cause. We appreciate the many local businesses that have donated items for the auction enabling us to give back to the community.

Lastly, another change this year, FUMC’s 35th Annual Bazaar has been bumped up a week and will be held on July 19 (8am – 3 pm) and July 20 (8am – 1 pm) so please mark your calendars accordingly. This largest “yard-sale” in Macon County will take over the buildings at the Macon County Fairgrounds and provide thousands of items just waiting to be re-homed. To date, this flagship fundraiser has raised more than $700,000 to provide funds for local, regional, national, and global missions! Just a sampling of the organizations and areas that mission funds have contributed to over the years include: CareNet, Reach, UMCOR Disaster Relief, Free Dental Clinic, Health Clinic, Rise Against Hunger, Kids Place, Macon Program for Progress-Holiday Angels, youth mission trips, No Wrong Door Homeless Shelter (Downtown Door), as well as requests from groups in the community seeking funds for grants focused on helping those in need. Together, we can make a difference!