Another successful rummage sale by Bethlehem Women's Guild
The Bethlehem Women's Guild recently hosted its annual rummage sale. Proceeds from the sale are used to support 10 missions during the Christmas season and 10 missions during the Easter season, as well as supporting church projects such as buying kitchenware, tables and chairs for the church fellowship hall, kneelers, pew cushions and carpeting, and sanding the floors in the sanctuary, etc.
The Women's Guild is a self-funded organization in the church headed by president Mary Cameron. The rummage sale is a big operation that has been led by Martha Lehman, vice president and project chairman, for some 25 years. They wish to thank all the donors and volunteers that helped make this year's sale one of the best ever.
In addition to items donated or created by members of the congregation and members of the community, items left unsold at a neighboring church's rummage sale were received this year. When Bethlehem's rummage sale ended, most unsold items were passed along to two other church rummage sales in the area, and one of those already has arranged for yet another church rummage sale to receive its unsold items. Some particular items needed by a veteran's health care service were pulled out and donated. Every year there are new arrangements based on what items are left over and which organizations need them. There are large trailers of goods being loaded and unloaded and driven around by hard-working volunteers, and money is raised at every step. Nothing goes to waste.
The Women's Guild hosts a picnic in June and and a Christmas party in December. It also hosts a Soup and Sandwich Luncheon in conjunction with Dickens in Dundee, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville. The Dundee Township Historical Society holds its own Dickens of a Christmas Sale in an adjoining room at the church.
The Women's Guild offers a Sewing and Quilting Group that makes various kinds of quilts that are donated to recipients such as women's shelters, natural disaster victims and overseas relief organizations. No experience is needed to participate.
Bethlehem also has a Sisterhood of Stitching that knits and crochets prayer shawls, baby blankets, lap afghans, gloves and scarves to provide warmth and comfort to many. The choir and a praise band with singers are always on the lookout for musical talent.
If you would like to have some companionship and fun, learn some new skills, revive your spirit and help make a difference in the world, consider joining.
For information, call (847) 426-7311, e-mail bethchurchdun@aol.com or visit www.bethlehemdundee.org.