What’s Going On (by Pastor Chris)


What’s Going On (by Pastor Chris)

In the last edition of What’s Going On, I talked briefly about my decision  not to have a rummage sale this year. That original decision was made because of a worry about the potential lack of help to move forward. I reversed this decision because a number of people came forward—not to complain, but rather to volunteer to help. So we are pleased to announce that we are having a rummage sale this year on August 10 and 11, with a special preview for workers and people from the church on August 9.  But as I mentioned in the last edition, we had to make some changes to this ministry.  Now let me assure you these changes were not made in a vacuum.  We had a great initial meeting with the renewed rummage sale team.
One of the key changes revolves around the setup of the rummage sale. The first part of this change is to protect the new floor and walls of the Gathering Hall. Among other things, we cannot use the old pipes we used to hang clothes on. The second part of this change, improving the safety of our workers,  means that the whole sale will be on the main level in the Gathering Hall. 
The bigger change is simplifying the process of pricing items. The honor of hosting this Gaslight Playhouse’s August production means we cannot receive items until Monday, August 6, forcing the preparation for rummage sale into a narrow window.  Another reason to simplify is to emphasize the basic mission of this ministry:  to provide goods at reasonable and affordable prices, to maximize the reuse and repurposing of our items .  We are going to ask those who come to pay what they think the goods are worth.—that is, to make a donation for the goods.
Now I know that this change can seem scary or look like we will lose out,.  But I can assure you that every time in ministry I have seen a change from pay per item to free will offering, the amount raised always goes up. We will help our shoppers navigate this system by posting a simplistic recommended donation so that no one feels like they have to haggle.  Again, the point is to get these items into the hands of people who will use them so they are not wasted. Last year we sent an 18-wheeler full of items to Goodwill. I would love if we were able to get these items reused here in this community, and a start to that is simplifying pricing.

If you have any questions about any of this please feel free to contact me by e-mail,  chris@trinitychurchum.org , or by contacting the church office.


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