Foundry Methodist Church, 5401 Broadway Ave., will hold its annual “free garage sale” from 8-11:30 a.m. this Saturday, June 23. All items are free.
This annual event began in 2005 after the Rev. Jana Baxter proclaimed that a Christian’s storage units and closets will testify negatively against his material excess. The Evangelism and Mission committee took up their pastor’s challenge and, consistent with Foundry’s policy of never soliciting money from those outside the congregation, decided to hold a different kind of garage sale — one where all items were free for the taking.
The Rev. Kevin Baxter said the notion took some getting used to. “We’ve had to refuse money every year,” he said. “In fact, we’ve had to return money mailed to us.”
Although Foundry does not solicit donations, members will accept items that are offered for the free garage sale, provided the items are clean and of good quality.
Kevin Baxter said he hopes those who attend the free sale will be in the spirit of the event. “The items we have are intended to help people personally,” he said. “We know that some folks come to accumulate items for resale. That is unfortunate and misses the point. So, we are praying that this year will see less of that. Our hope is that the Golden Rule will be thick in the air that morning.”
Foundry members will also provide a prayer room on Saturday and will receive prayer requests. “Our morning prayer group is very faithful in praying daily for those requests,” Kevin Baxter said. “We will pray for a week, but if notified, or if God gives us cause, we will continue to pray until God’s answer is evident.”
As for the free garage sale, the Baxters report that, to their great joy, the idea has spread to other churches. It has even taken root in a Mississippi church.
For more information call Foundry Methodist Church, 793-3327.