This post comes from Judi Hayes, member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn.
Dorothy Steen realized her dream for her church by putting on a missions bazaar, featuring items for sale from ministries supported by Immanuel Baptist Church.
For Dorothy Steen the recent missions bazaar at Immanuel Baptist Church (IBC) in Nashville, Tenn., was a dream come true. Having admired and purchased items at annual General Assemblies, she had suggested for several years that her church hold a missions bazaar. Finally the time was right.
On Wednesday, Dec. 1, IBC held a missions fair and bazaar. Fifteen groups IBC supports financially, and often with volunteer help, set up exhibits in the church’s fellowship hall. After one of the largest groups in recent history enjoyed a great dinner, members visited representatives of these groups, learning more about how IBC support helps each ministry and how they can volunteer their time. Then they moved to the next room to do a little shopping and to support CBF mission work and field personnel.
Adults weren’t the only ones learning about IBC-supported missions and ministries. Children visited exhibits to complete a paper scavenger hunt, getting signatures to indicate they had found their answers. All the children were winners. Their prizes were small items they chose for themselves at the bazaar.
The missions fair and bazaar was a great success. Church members put a face with a budget line item and learned about people who are helped because they give. Then they enjoyed browsing through the crafts from around the world, selecting items for themselves, and buying Christmas presents for others. Sales totaled more than $1,200.
Lynn Woodhall, missions chair at Immanuel, sets up for the missions bazaar.
Many IBCers, including Dorothy, worked hard to prepare for the missions fair and bazaar, but seeing how much everyone enjoyed the evening and knowing how many will benefit made it all worthwhile. Dorothy is already dreaming of the next missions bazaar.
For more information on how your church can host a similar missions bazaar, contact Flo Shepley at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
