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Epworth UMC holds Christmas Joy! 365 silent auction

Christmas Joy! 365 Co-chairs Larry Ziegler and Diana Young take a break between the crowds of bidders. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Steven Billups
November 1, 2015
Epworth member Gil Thompson considers a bid on a gift basket. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Maureen Faries and Stephen Penny came to the event last year and returned because it was "amazing last year." BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Browsing the many gift certificates are (l-r) Madison Philiposian, Barbie Andrews and Chip Baynard from Lewes. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Nancy Hecker, an Epworth member from Lewes, admires the jewelry in the art room. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Rehoboth Beach residents Judy Melson, left, and Marlene Goepel, friends since high school, browse some of the items. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Getting together on a bid are (l-r) Brett Swenson, and Al and Linda Abrams. The Abrams, owners of Sea Finds in Rehoboth, contributed several items for the silent auction. BY STEVEN BILLUPS

Epworth United Methodist Church held its annual Christmas Joy! 365 silent auction fundraiser Oct 17-18. with over 300 silent auction items on display, including gift certificates, art, gift baskets and many more. Christmas Joy! 365 became a vital ministry as a result of the Great Things Await Epworth campaign when the congregation identified the need to provide year-round support to neighbors, to assist homeless families, to be advocates for the needy and disenfranchised, and to be good stewards of the Christmas Joy fundraising monies.

To accomplish these objectives, a partnership was created with Cape Henlopen School District teachers and homeless liaisons, Delaware Guidance Center and the West Rehoboth Youth program with support from the Epworth Caring Ministry. Through their referrals/requests since summer 2012 Christmas Joy 365 has provided $13,738 for personal needs, youth programs and housing assistance.

This year-round ministry is successful because of the generosity of the beach community businesses, and the Epworth congregation who donate merchandise, services and gift certificates to the silent auction to support the fundraising events sponsored by Epworth Missions.

 

 

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