First United Methodist hosts annual ‘Friends for Missions’

Published 4:32 pm Thursday, May 4, 2017

Attention pickers: First United Methodist Church is gearing up for its annual “Friends for Missions” fundraiser tonight and Saturday.

From antique clocks and aged, caned chairs, to collectible dishes and an 8-mm film reel, First UMC has a little bit of everything to offer — and it’s for a good cause. Proceeds go toward the church missions team, which in turn donates it all to local organizations, such as Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry, the Salvation Army and Literacy Volunteers, according to missions chairman Larry Lang.

This year’s event is a little different, however, as organizers added a preview sale today beginning at 6 p.m. for those who would like to be members of “Friends for Missions,” followed by the regular yard sale at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

Friday’s visitors can pay the $15 membership cost (or $25 for couples) at the door. Entry to Saturday’s event is free. Both are open to the public.

Lang said last year’s yard sale raised around $4,200.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for pickers, collectors, hobbyists and antique hunters to come in and have a chance to purchase the items they may miss by coming on Saturday,” Lang explained. “There are lots of sales on Saturday, and you have to choose, so we saw this as a good opportunity for the church to benefit missions and for the community to have a better opportunity to purchase these unique donated items.”

Organizers are also excited to see how the two-day setup will go, he said. The church congregation enjoys participating and donating the items, and every year is a lot of fun, especially seeing some of the historic items at the sale, according to Lang.

“Our missions group, it’s a way for us to have some funding for the year to be able to help other groups out,” Lang said. “Our congregation has been extremely generous in what they’re donating this year. … Our fellowship hall is completely packed with items. We’re expanding it out into the hall, Wesley Hall.”

The “Friends for Missions” yard sale will be held today from 6-8 p.m. for those who want to join the group, and Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 304 W. Second St., Washington.

PICKER’S PARADISE: This antique clock is one of many items available at this year’s “Friends for Missions” yard sale, scheduled for Friday night and Saturday. (Deb Ryals)