ASSINIBOIA — June 7, Messiah Lutheran Church was the scene of a twofold fundraiser.
Outside was a barbecue with pastor Sarah and a few adults cooking along with the youth running the serving and sales table. Inside, out of the wind, were a few long tables to enjoy the meal. Once the food was eaten, patrons could wander into the hall to find a large assortment of all the treasures one would expect to find at a rummage sale and perhaps a few more.
A church rummage sale is so much more than a place to donate items or shop for them. Besides raising funds for whatever requires fixing, updating, maintenance or attention, there is also the social aspect. Jeanne Martinson stated it’s to “Create a sense of community.”
All items collected for selling were donated by members of the congregation. Saturday was the third annual sale and the volunteers running it were pleased with the outcome. The public was welcome to drop in for the barbecue as well as to visit and enjoy the time to poke through all that was available.
The purpose of the Saturday barbecue was to raise funds for youth programs, specifically the Lutheran Youth Gathering. The congregation at Messiah Lutheran Church has sent youth to this event since 1942. Since 2010, this function has been called CLAY (Canadian Lutheran and Anglican Youth) to reflect the full communion of the Anglicans and the Lutherans. Generally, there are 300 or more youth attending, but on at least one occasion, the numbers were more than 1,000. This affair takes place every other year somewhere in Canada, with locations rotating across the country. This is the first time in more than 20 years that Saskatchewan has hosted the event and this year’s theme is “Rooted and Rising.”
The pastor and two youths will be heading to Saskatoon for the spiritual rejuvenation. They are thankful for the public that took advantage of the lovely barbecue on a chilly, windy day.
Twenty-four years ago, a memorandum of agreement was drawn up to join the Anglican and the Lutheran churches in such a way that members could worship in full communion with each other.
