Tri-State Worship Center started its annual South Point Community Rummage Sale to encourage fellowship among neighbors. The event is held the first Saturday in May.

“People often say they have lived in the same house for years and don’t know their neighbors,” Cindy Jo Staton, event organizer, said. “We thought having a rummage sale that allowed residents to meet their neighbors would be an excellent way to bring the community together.”

The streets are usually packed with cars and people walking door-to-door in search of treasures.

“We love that we can be a part of bringing the community together,” Staton said. “But then I was hearing other people who do not live in our community wanting to be a part as well, so we decided to have a flea market at the church that day so everyone can participate.”

Flea market spots are rented for $10 and vendors can bring rummage, Avon, Pampered Chef, weight-loss products, Scentsy, Mary Kay, arts and crafts, baked goods and other miscellaneous items.

Donations of furniture, appliances, TVs, kitchenware, toys, books, DVDs, shoes, clothing, knick-knacks, sports equipment, computers, printers, phones and any unused items in closets, attics or garages are accepted. All proceeds go to the church’s building fund.

Pastor Terry Wagner has been doing two morning services to meet the needs of the growing congregation. The goal is making the community part of something special.

“According to the New Testament, the believers in Christ affected their community and had goals and strategies that facilitated their efforts,” Wagner said. “Tri-State Worship Center has had a vision from its inception to be part of the community, reach out to the community and be a catalyst in bringing the community together.”

TSWC has several other community-oriented events such as Family Fun Days, Michael’s Grace Place, ice cream giveaways, Back-To-School Bash, Backpack Give-A-Ways and Praise-In-The-Park.

“It’s in the same spirit we began a community-wide rummage sale,” Wagner said. “TSWC coordinates the date and time, pays for the advertising and hosts a rummage sale at its building at 901 Solida Road in South Point and then simply asks the community to open their garage doors and have a rummage sale the same day, not unlike the Route 23 Yard Sale.”

The sale begins at 9 a.m. on May 3 and ends tentatively at 3 p.m. Call Staton at 740-237-2991 for more information.