SUMNER — Preparations are under way for the beginning of the summer church season at the West Sumner Universalist Society.

The first service will be conducted by Marilyn Hammond on Sunday, July 9. Special services will include a christening service on Sunday, Aug. 13, conducted by the Rev. Scott Jones.

The sixth annual Whatever Sale to benefit the church will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. This year’s event is the same as last year, featuring a ticket auction with the drawing at 1:30 p.m. Donations for the ticket auction, especially themed baskets in memory of loved ones, would be appreciated. Food, bake and cutlery sales will be held, and a lunch will be offered. Those who would like to contribute a favorite recipe are welcome.

This year’s fundraising efforts will continue to focus on repairs to the crumbling foundation of the church’s horse shed, which is in danger of collapse. The horse shed is a separate structure as old as the church building itself, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed that this may be the only old church in Maine that still has an existing horse shed.

All are welcome to attend and participate.

All services begin at 11 a.m. and are followed by the coffee hour. Beth Chaffee will be the organist. This season’s scheduled speakers are:

• July 9, Marilyn Hammond;

• July 16, the Rev. Fayre Stevenson;

• July 23, Dr. Fred Jordan;

• July 30, Cindy Reedy;

• Aug. 6, Silver Moore Leaman;

• Aug. 13, the Rev. Scott Jones, christening;

• Aug. 20, the Rev. Bernice Martin; and

• Aug. 27, Rodney Abbott.

The church is on Main Street, Route 219, about a half-mile from Pleasant Pond, at the top of the hill.