“We give, because Christ has given Himself for us!”
That is the message for this growing annual event – the Free Garage Sale, planned for Saturday, June 22, at Foundry Methodist Church, 5401 Broadway. The garage “sale” runs from 8 to 11:30 a.m., but nothing is sold. Instead, the gym-full of items will be given away to anyone who attends, according to Foundry pastor, the Rev. Kevin Baxter.
“Our members recognize how blessed we are. Most of us have clothes we can’t fit into and other stuff lying around. It isn’t junk by any means,” Baxter explained, adding this year the event includes furniture and other large items, as well as electronics, antiques, children’s toys, bicycles and bedding.
Instead of selling anything as a fundraiser, the congregation decided several years ago to give the items away on an annual basis, he said.
“God tells us to give – not sell – to the poor. He wants us to share our blessings. So we thought it might be nice for folks who couldn’t afford some of the things we aren’t using to have a chance to enjoy them.”
Nothing at the event will even have a price tag. “This is not a fundraiser for the church. It is a give away,” Baxter said.
This is the fifth year the church has organized the event.
Foundry evangelism committee chairwoman Janice Waknitz said the congregation has been busy for weeks, gathering items that will be included. She said the event is planned as a way for Foundry Methodist members to reach out to the community and minister to those who are in need.
On a spiritual level, the Rev. Jana Baxter reminded members about the accumulations that many of us have in storage – material that could benefit those who are actually in need.