Once upon a time, people looked forward to market day as a time to see friends, catch up on the news, and enjoy a change of pace. There may have been selling of extra produce or other items. There may have been some buying of things needed. But whether or not it was financially profitable, market day was a day to look forward to.
Saturday was the first market day for the Skyway Community Market at Lakewood United Church of Christ. This endeavor has been under discussion on and off for several years at the church. After much planning and preparation, the market launched. We had hoped to start with 10 vendors but had 4. The produce vendor who had committed months ago ended up needing to bow out earlier this week. So, the church staffed the produce booth. Thank you, Jeff Wells! It was a “soft” start. How would this go? How would we feel about it?
Here’s my take on the day. The barbecue vendor sold out of ribs and chicken. The plant vendor and supplements vendor were happy to be there and will be back. People were enthusiastic about recruiting additional vendors. There were customers steadily coming and going all day. There seemed to be a good mix of people reflecting the neighborhood. Ed Helm saw to Mark Twain’s appearance and Denise Williams was the troubadour enchanting us with her songs. There were caterpillars and spiders and Spanish moss and sticks to amuse the children who were there. The warm sun and steady breeze made it a pleasure to be outside soaking in the glories of spring. Did we make a lot of money? I don’t think so. Was it a wonderful event? Absolutely.
It was a delight to spend the day with old friends and meet new friends. The day was gorgeous. (Being at the market was certainly better than staying inside and cleaning all day which is what I would have been doing. . .) The spirit was positive. Everyone seemed glad to have come and willing to return. The church people who were there enjoyed being with each other and getting better acquainted. There was a wonderful sense of community and possibility.
And isn’t that what the church is about, anyway? Community and possibility? The church is a community of solidarity and shared values. It is a gathering of people who are willing to be involved in one another’s lives sharing joys and struggles. It’s people you know you can count on whether you know them well or not, simply because it is the church. And the church is about possibility. What can be. What could be. What will be. For us as individuals, encouraging us to become our best selves. And for the community and the wider world. Helping the world more closely reflect the hopes and dreams of God.
The market was a beautiful day of bringing people together to create community and celebrate possibility. So even though it was a “market” it felt like we were being the church in the community. Taking the church beyond the sanctuary. Evidently LUCC has been called to this new venture. Who knows what may be in store!
Prayer: We are grateful for the bounty of the earth enjoyed on a glorious day. We are grateful for the sharing of stories, songs, and resources. While so often busyness and fear separate us from others we are thankful for the opportunity to be a community of solidarity for one another. May we take the community of Christ out beyond the walls of the church into a world which is obsessed with individualism and divided by fear. May we be a truly welcoming community to all. Amen.
There are lots of pictures of the opening day of the Skyway Community Market at the church website. Enjoy!
Lakewood United Church of Christ 