|
The Disaster Auction Coordinating Committee met yesterday at the District Office to discuss plans for the upcoming auction on May 19-20 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. David Fifer opened the meeting with devotions and prayer focused on the Golden Rule from Matthew 7:12: Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. He admonished, "We never know when we will be the ones in need of help from others," remembering previous flooding events in the Shenandoah District.
The committee identified immediate needs for information from congregations about the number of auction booklets desired, their auction representatives for 2023 and whether they intend to place ads in this year's auction booklet. The deadline for placing an ad is January 31.
In addition, photographs and descriptions of auction items, such as quilts and handmade furniture donated to the auction, are due by January 31. Tom Wetsel is producing the booklet again this year. Both ads and photographs may be emailed to him at sdcobda@gmail.com.
The committee discussed everyone's favorite part of the auction--food. Barring any unforeseen outbreaks of COVID-19, the dining plans include a fast food booth on both Friday and Saturday, a dinner on Friday evening, and a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. In addition, barbecue chicken, along with pulled pork, are planned for lunch on Saturday. Doughnuts, ice cream and fresh-squeezed lemonade will be returning, as well. Specific menus for the meals will be confirmed before the March meeting.
Chairperson Catherine Lantz noted that if a large group of volunteers steps forward to make omelets at the auction on Saturday morning, May 20, Mill Creek will make several omelet fryers available for use.
The Services Ministry Team will host another Big Thank You dinner for past volunteers and those interested in getting involved with the Disaster Auction or the District's Brethren Disaster Ministry response and rebuilding projects. The dinner will be held at Pleasant Valley on a Saturday afternoon in mid-March. The exact date and time will be confirmed and announced in the next Shenandoah Update. It is hoped that congregations can pick up their auction booklets at that time.
This special dinner event will honor everyone who contributes to the auction or disaster ministry by volunteering their time to make items or baked goods for the auction, work at the auction, serve on committees or assist in any way with the trips and projects. Last year, nearly 100 people attended.
| 
