Saturday bazaar promises to be one of the biggest at St. Barnabas

Pete Fontaine
Posted 11/20/14

If past presentations are any indication, Saturday’s annual St. Barnabas Church Holiday Bazaar may be the best ever.

One reason is that many of the Episcopal parish’s younger members came …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Saturday bazaar promises to be one of the biggest at St. Barnabas

Posted

If past presentations are any indication, Saturday’s annual St. Barnabas Church Holiday Bazaar may be the best ever.

One reason is that many of the Episcopal parish’s younger members came forward and offered their help. And that, Chairwoman Heidi Seddon said earlier this week, “will only make the bazaar bigger and better.”

Meanwhile, Seddon continued with excitement and enthusiasm ringing in her voice, “The success of the bazaar is not attributed to any one person. “It’s a parish activity; a collaborative effort of adults as well as young people. It’s wonderful and inspiring to see the kids so willing to participate, and their enthusiasm is catchy.”

And that means, Seddon said, “I have no doubt everyone – workers and guests alike – will enjoy themselves and really have a great time Saturday.”

If you like handmade crafts, plan on taking in Saturday’s annual holiday bazaar, where you’ll find a variety of things to choose from. This year’s bazaar will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church located at 3257 Post Road in the quaint village of Apponaug.

“There are some exciting raffle items, too,” said Seddon while going over the list of offerings. “And so many people have really used their talents to make beautiful handmade items, holiday decorations and those delicious home-baked goodies.”

Seddon, who serves as junior warden on the St. Barnabas Vestry and also sings in the church choir, added, “We’ll have a great selection of religious items and a really big white elephant room, too. Our theme baskets are always a huge hit, as is the penny social, and don’t forget to take a peek in the Attic Treasurers Room. We always serve a delicious luncheon, and this year it is rumored that we should expect an exclusive visit from Santa Claus between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.”

For those early bazaar-goers, St. Barnabas will also offer coffee and goodies in the morning and later lunch will be served in the café.

Although the bazaar is – and always has been – a fund-raiser for the ageless Episcopal parish that has roots dating back over at least a century and more, Seddon says it’s a long-standing storied tradition that is always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

“It’s always a great time,” she continued. “There are a lot of people who come back year after year. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for our church to work together on something so fun and so rewarding. It really is a testament to what a bit of cooperation can do.”

There’s yet another side to the St. Barnabas Holiday Bazaar that is an extension, of sorts, to Rev. James Bocchino’s philosophy of bringing the proud parishioners closer together.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to open our doors to the community at large,” Seddon noted of the holiday bazaar. “It’s always great to see so many people enjoying themselves, laughing and sharing, enjoying a bite to eat and shopping for something or someone special.”

The holiday bazaar is also an example of St. Barnabas’ generosity and a kick-off of what the parish will be doing for at least five families at Thanksgiving.

“This is such a great parish,” Seddon said. “We’re involved in numerous outreach programs and parishioners regularly bring meals to the House of Hope and Rhode Island Family Shelter. Next week we’re putting together Thanksgiving dinner for at least five families, and next month we’ll be able to make Christmas special for some families.”

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here