SUMNER — Planning on how to meet the budget at the East Sumner Congregational Church began last winter in the vestry with coffee and doughnuts after church.
Parishioners asked: How can we have fun? How can we involve our friends and neighbors?
Their answers: First Saturday Suppers with different themes and a donation basket; a cookbook with recipes from everyone; a summer barbecue and yard sale; and a pumpkin patch and harvest festival. The members formed committees, made plans, prayed for guidance and got busy.
Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month, except July and August. The cookbook, “From the Good Earth,” has already made a profit and is on sale at every supper and church event or by calling Rosemary Henderson at 597-2270.
The pumpkin patch took a little more work, but with a lot of hands involved, the job became a planting party.
The barbecue and yard sale will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, with several meat choices, salads, beans, watermelon and beverages. There will be games, a 50/50 raffle and face painting. Tents will be set up for protection from the weather and the garden should be in full bloom.
Plans are also underway for a silent auction in November.
The Rev. Nancy Miaoulis invites all to Sunday services at 9 a.m. and to any of the church activities. For more information, call the church at 388-2610.

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