The public is invited to a one-stop holiday extravaganza at Tipp City Global Methodist Church. The eighth-annual Angel House Christmas Bazaar will provide shopping opportunities among 30+ talented artisans, the annual Cookie Walk, a Winter Wonderland exhibit featuring trains, the soothing sounds of Christmas by talented area musicians/vocalists, and a time for fellowship over a hearty a la carte lunch. Vendors will offer Christmas décor, wood crafting, jewelry, blown glass, gourd art, wreaths, a local author, visual art, quilts, candies, and so much more.
“Our planning team chose Winter Wonderland to be the featured theme for this year’s sanctuary display,” said Diana Begley. “We have asked the congregation to loan Department 56 Villages, Snow Babies, gingerbread houses, and assorted tabletop winter scenery.” Larry Riesser offered to enhance the display by adding his Polar Express, Thomas the Tank, and Harry Potter trains.
“We are also asking the public to donate discarded/unwanted train sets,” said Gina Duncan.
The congregation has partnered with Angel House Children’s Home and Secondary School in Tanzania since 2011. About 70 Children call Angel House home, and the school provides education for kindergarten through college for as many as 400 students.
The church’s initial fundraising efforts provided two fresh-water wells for the school, and mission teams have journeyed to Tanzania on two occasions. The Angel House Christmas Bazaar was established in 2016 and has generated more than $31,000. Funds have provided classroom and living space furnishings, science lab equipment, new bunk beds, and subsidized the completion of the kitchen/dining area and the kindergarten classroom.
This year’s proceeds will help pay the balance owed on the school bus that was purchased in 2021.
The bus provides the transportation necessary for the Angel House staff to realize their goal, as stated on their website, “to provide our children with a quality education and a family environment where they can develop the skills and faith necessary to be productive and successful citizens when they return to their villages and communities.” Please visit www.grassrootspeople.org/angel-house.
The Cookie Walk (homemade cookies sold by the pound) will take place from 9 a.m. until all cookies are sold. According to Family Ministry Director Jessi Busboom, last year, they sold more than 300 pounds of cookies and generated $1,800. The sale will be orchestrated by the Family Ministry Kids of Faith, middle/high school students, and the Confirmation Class. Proceeds will support the Angel House school bus fund and the Family Ministry Confirmation Class.
The entertainment lineup will include a flute ensemble, handbell quartet, Wayne High School Choraliers, David Johnson playing Native American flutes, Tyler Cochran on guitar, organist Stephanie Ours, and more.
The Bazaar will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 2, at Tipp City Global Methodist Church, 8 W. Main Street, Tipp City. Admission is free and open to the public.
Are you interested in being a vendor? Loaning Winter Wonderland décor? Baking cookies? Donating trains for the sale? Or volunteering at the event? Contact us at: TCGMCBazaar@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/AngelHouseChristmasBazaar.
