Student Artisans benefit local shelter

A new opportunity for men and women who find peace and expression through crafts of varying of modalities evolved this past fall. Tuesday afternoons you could find several students in the lounge knitting, beading, crafting, and enjoying moments of “Creative Rest.” From this expression grew the first Hands for Hope Artisans’ Bazaar, held on November 13th.

The bazaar was sponsored by the Mission and Outreach Committee as a way to raise money for a local charity. The crafts were sold through a reverse tithe: 90% of the proceeds were donated to New Bethany Ministries, a local food kitchen and shelter for the homeless, and 10% was offered back to the artisans. Crafts included scarves and hats, jewelry, Christmas decorations, desserts, pictures — even a few angels made from discarded hymnals.

Over a hundred items were purchased; the total amount raised for New Bethany Ministries was $717.25. The Mission and Outreach Committee plans to hold a similar bazaar in the spring to benefit another local charity.