The holiday season begins with the annual St. James’ Episcopal Church Harvest Bazaar on Thursday, Nov. 16.
With a silent auction, freezer and pantry items, treasure room, a raffle, a bake sale and luncheon, ticket sales and purchases at the Harvest Bazaar help fund St. James’ outreach ministries.
“We so look forward to the Harvest Bazaar each year,” said Mickie Sandidge, a member of the steering committee for the bazaar. “It kicks off the holiday season; the atmosphere preparing for and the day of the bazaar is so exciting, and it's great to know that all monies raised from the bazaar go to agencies in the community for our outreach program.”
Ministries supported by the Harvest Bazaar include charitable groups in Greenville and the surrounding area like Camp Looking Glass, Delta Cotton Belles, Camp Bratton-Green Special Camps, Hearty Helpings Food Pantry, Arms of Mercy and St. Vincent De Paul.
The Bazaar is successful thanks to the efforts of all of the parish members.
“This is a tradition everyone in our church can participate in,” said Debi Hendrix. “If you can’t help the day of the Bazaar because of work or other obligations, you can bake a casserole or a cake or sell raffle tickets. No matter your talent we can use you! It’s fun, and we’re helping local organizations — a win-win.”
Parish members always outdo themselves, planting bulbs, decorating the nave, collecting treasures and of course baking and cooking for a day of fellowship that permeates the entire church.
Shopping begins at 9:30 a.m. when the doors to the nave open and a delightful assortment of delectable cakes and candies are displayed atop tables beautifully dressed for fall as part of the bake sale headed up by Miriam Ables.
The Bazaar’s signature gift item, amaryllis bulbs carefully potted in stoneware and glass cases by Marsha Baird and Debi Hendrix, make a wonderful holiday happy.
Parishioners Marla McGee and Susan Sutherland gather fabulous art, decor and gift packages from Greenville’s finest shops for the silent auction. Artwork created by the precious students enrolled in the St. James’ Day School always garners lots of bids, and another hot-ticket item in the silent auction is prime seating at the St. James’ Day School Christmas program.
This year, a $10 raffle ticket will enter patrons into two drawings with prizes that include the Dining in the Delta package, an incredible selection of gift cards from local Delta restaurants. The second drawing is for a gift basket filled with Delta-made treats.
The St. James’ freezer pantry will be stocked with frozen lasagna, casseroles and soups carefully prepared by parishioners’ best cooks. These staples make delicious meals in a snap.
Ann Egger, Mary Lynn Andrews, and Ruby Edwards and other helpers dutifully prepare the luncheon each year, and they carefully prepare St. James’ favorites such as creamed chicken, almond rice, green beans, and cranberry relish. All church parishioners contribute to the dessert by baking an array of pies and cakes from which diners can choose.
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and takeout plates will be available curbside.
Tickets to the Harvest Bazaar cost $20 and may be purchased at Shoppes on South Main and the church, 1026 S. Washington Ave.
For more than a century, St. James’ parishioners have created a warm and festive day for the Greenville community, and they’re thankful to continue the tradition.
“I always appreciate how St. James’ parish comes together to support the Bazaar. Everyone, it seems like, contributes in some way, and it is all to benefit others,” said the Rev. Brandt Dick, rector at St. James’. “All of the proceeds go to help folks right here in Greenville.”
