PROCTORVILLE — Shoppers can get an early jump on holiday gift-buying when the New Hope United Methodist Church has its Holiday Bazaar.

The event starts Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

According to Harriet Scragg, chairperson of Sisters in Christ, one of the women’s ministries at the church, last year’s benefit event offered quality decorative and gift items.

“Our bazaar was well attended last year, and just like last year, we’ll have some really great crafts and gift baskets for the coming holidays. We look forward to another wonderful turnout,” she said. “Proceeds from the bazaar benefit projects in the newly constructed Family Life Center, which will open in November.”

Construction on the Family Life Center has been underway for just over a year and will help alleviate overcrowded conditions in the current building. The facility will provide a large meeting room and fellowship area, a new nursery, a youth center and more and will be a resource for people in the community.

Greg Inboden, the church’s pastor, said community outreach is nothing new for the congregation.

“New Hope has always opened its doors to the surrounding communities in various ways,” Inboden said.

“We consider the new space a community resource. In addition to Sunday school classrooms and fellowship opportunities, our building expansion will provide a place for community events and gatherings. The church conducts many kinds of outreach ministries, and the new building will allow us to do even more.”

Rusty Jeter, building committee chairperson, said construction is moving forward quickly, and the congregation is working toward funding several remaining items to complete the project.

“Right now we’re looking to fund additional items for the kitchen and various items not in the construction budget. The holiday bazaar will help complete those finishing touches that will make the facility really outstanding,” he said. 

The charity sales event will feature specialty gift baskets; woodworking crafts and items; home baked goods; candies; fall crafts, Christmas crafts and other crafts of all kinds; plants and herbs; and a white elephant booth with many nice surprise items.

Lunch will be available after 10 a.m. featuring beans and cornbread, hot dogs and fixings, chips, desserts and beverages.

The church is located at 111 Township Road 1130 just north of Proctorville. From County Road 775 (Old State Route 775), turn right across from Hall Funeral Home onto Township Road 1130 and travel one block east.

For more information or directions call the church office at (740) 886-5311.