* * MARKET DAY for EXODUS * *
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Our MARKET DAY for EXODUS has become an annual event that continues to grow in size each year. It is usually held on the second Saturday in October, and has become quite a community event.
Saturday 7 October 2000, dawned bright and sunny and by 6 a.m. the Denistone East Church was a hive of activity. This was the commencement of another successful Market Day, all proceeds of which go to support Rev. Bill Crews at the Exodus Foundation. This is not just a market day, but an exercise in outreach and teamwork by our church.
Our co-ordinator has had the team working well in advance of the big day. He and his wife Jan are the driving forces in our efforts and, amongst other things, obtain lots of sponsorship from firms and businesses. Others filled freezers with cakes and made jars of jam throughout the year, giving the market day a flying start.
It was a very hot day and we were all pretty exhausted when the clean-up was completed. It was not uncommon to hear the comment:- "We are getting too old for this - we can't do this again." But then, those things have been said for the past 5 years. When the result was announced in church the following day, everybody was pleased and applauded. One had the feeling that this might not be the last.
It was great to see our people working together and enjoying the fellowship. Even the dreaded pricing sessions are a bit of fun. It shows our congregation that we can still make a special contribution, that we are still a force to be reckoned with. Helpers came not just from our church, but from the Eastwood church and from the community. Many of our young people from the past were there. Some folk who do not attend worship regularly get involved and others who have no church affiliation come to the market day and are introduced to our fellowship. Throughout the year, Jeanette Dixon, as the president of "Friends of Exodus", involves people in Exodus activities, particularly at Christmas time.
Outreach is an important aspect of our support for Exodus - the more we do for others, the greater are the returns for ourselves and to the church.
We are enthusiastic in our support for an organisation which feeds the hungry, cares for the homeless and supports those who have missed out on the things of life which we take for granted, like a family, a job and a decent education.
Our market day efforts are successful because the ideals of Bill Crews and the Exodus Foundation appeal not only to our church, but also to the local community. We are not making money for ourselves, to paint the church hall or to purchase new chairs, but we are doing this to help others. Local people look forward to the day and are reminded when it is coming up by the letterbox drops and posters displayed in local shops.
Jesus said: "Feed my sheep." He meant this in a spiritual way and in a practical way.
CRAFT is always a very popular stall at the Market Day.
