Foundry Methodist Church is holding its annual free garage sale from 8 until 11 a.m.. on Saturday, June 20. Everything at the “sale” is free, the Rev. Kevin Baxter said. This year the church will accept items from others who have something to give.

This ministry began in 2004 as a response to a sermon preached by Kevin’s wife, the Rev. Jana Baxter, a pastor at Foundry. In a sermon on Christian stewardship, she highlighted the sobering truth that Christians will be judged by what they do with their “stuff.”
“We all have so much stuff that we don’t use any more, that our houses are full and we even have to rent storage space,” she said. “What a waste. And what a sin. We keep these things unused, when there are folks that would be putting them to good use.”

Thus an idea was born. Foundry members cleared their houses of excess “stuff” and made it available for free to those who would take it.
“One of the rules of the ministry consists in an application of the Golden Rule: we will only put items that we would still use ourselves on the tables. Over the years we have seen furniture, appliances, toys, tools, bicycles, pictures, books, movies, CDs, trinkets of all kinds, glassware, clothing galore, and so much more find new owners,” according to a news release from the Baxters.
Some folks outside the church have asked about donating items to the ministry. Donations are received only by appointment. Call the church, 793-3327. (If no one answers, leave a message and someone will call back.)  The person donating will be responsible for getting those items to the church.

“Remember, if you wish to donate, make it good stuff,” sponsors said. “Help us uphold the Golden Rule. If the case should arise that an item is inappropriate or in poor condition, it will remain with the donor.