For decades, members of Ladner United Church have devoted energy and hours to organizing the annual in-person Christmas Village Bazaar. COVID-19, of course, changed all that.
Last year, during a time when in-person gatherings were restricted and Zoom calls were all the rage, a group of dedicated volunteers re-envisioned what the LUC CVB could be. If you’ve ever thought that older people can’t learn new technology, this group of passionate women will prove you wrong! What arose was creative, new, and emerging ways of supporting the church: online craft sales, bake sales, and donations instead of a silent auction.
Each person who is involved in the bazaar shares their own unique gifts and has their own story to share.
Marion Atkey, a longtime member of the church, has been quilting for 50 years and even at 93 isn’t stopping. She is an artist; enjoys the process of picking out each piece of fabric noticing the textures and colours, and loves the feel of the thread between her fingers. After her sewing machine broke, she kept going, hand-stitching every quilt she makes. Quilting has always been a favourite hobby of hers, giving her something to do and to share with others; she hopes people enjoy what she creates. This is just one of the many stories that emerge from the bazaar – it’s not only a fundraiser, but a way to deepen relationships and connect people together in their gifts and creativity.
For the second year in a row, COVID-19 restrictions have meant the bazaar is online yet again.
There are some amazing handmade hats, quilts, cards, wreaths, and many more special items, and Matt and Pat Rogers are working hard at baking delicious items for purchase.
The CVB helps to support the work of LUC in the community where the church strives to be “the Heart of God in the Heart of the Village.”
If you’re interested in supporting LUC and the 2021 CVB, checkout their Facebook page for more details or see this link: https://ladner-united-church-marketplace.myshopify.com.
