Contributed by Linda Myers-Steele
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Women’s Holiday Market
10/13/2018 – 10AM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
501 N Bogard Rd. Wasilla
FREE Admission
Church bazaars, like jack-o-lanterns, are an October staple where shoppers seek yummy treats and that one-of-a-kind, ready-made gift for the holidays - from pottery and stained glass to dolls and teddy bears. For Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the holiday market is a great way to raise funds for outreach activities, charities and building maintenance.
“Putting on a bazaar, no matter the theme or size, takes an army of volunteers and months of planning.” said Pat Ott, chairperson. “And, bringing congregants together is as important as actual fundraising. It's fellowship. It's a labor of love. It's working together for that common goal.”
“Along with the food served by the Five Loaves Two Fish Cafe, there is plenty of jewelry, pottery and other crafts for sale; plus, it all raises thousands of dollars for the church. Our church is about a150-family parish and just about everybody gets involved on a certain level.”
“During our holiday market, volunteers serve shifts. Some volunteers create brochures for the event, others make soup. The day before the holiday market, volunteers will remove furniture from the Narthex and Hanson Fellowship Hall to accommodate vendors.”
On this Saturday, there are at least four bazaars planned in the Mat Su Borough, and more are planned throughout the month. Meanwhile, if past years are any indication, the 9th Annual Show at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 N. Bogard Road, across from Wasilla Middle School, will draw over 500 shoppers between 10AM- 4PM. There will be new ways to serve shoppers, such as free babysitting while guests shop, and a room for children to select inexpensive Christmas gifts for their parents.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Women’s Holiday Market will feature items produced by at least 30 skilled craftspeople. In addition, there will be a silent auction and a raffle featuring a beautiful quilt and two homemade benches. Vendors will sell handmade items, such as dolls, jams and jellies, wooden toys, pottery, quilts, weaving and stained glass.
Food is a must for any bazaar. Our Five Loaves Two Fish Kitchen will feature soups and sandwiches. The funds raised by the kitchen help with their mission of providing hot meals for homeless teens at MY House, adults at Family Promise, and Knik Men and Women’s Homes.
“It's been a good fundraiser for us.” says Pat Ott, who coordinates the church event. "Our funds will go towards church maintenance, as our church supports many activities besides our Sunday services and Sunday School, including Boy Scout Troop 300; a preschool program; Next Step for Handicap Adults, Strong Women; and the Five Loaves Two Fish Kitchen.”
