The Heart Behind the Annual First Parish Yard Sale

Saturday, May 16 - More Than a Fundraiser - A Community Tradition with Deep Roots

Mary Masi-Phelps, Church Moderator

Each spring, our First Parish Yard Sale returns - not just as a fundraiser, but as a celebration

of community, belonging, and the enduring spirit that defines our church. For many, the yard sale is a chance to hunt for treasures, support parish programs, and enjoy a day out.

But for me, and many others, it’s so much more: it’s a doorway into meaningful connection.

Why the Yard Sale Matters

Over 25 years ago, before I was a member of First Parish, the yard sale was my first real interaction with this community. Though it would be another twenty years before I officially joined, that event planted a seed - a sense of warmth and welcome that stayed with me.

I would wander from table to table, sometimes with kids in tow, always coming away with

a variety of treasures. Then I would chat with Barb and Marge at the check-out before walking the short distance home. These moments revealed not just the generous and welcoming spirit of the parish, but the genuine camaraderie among parishioners that makes First Parish special.

Some finds remain woven into my life: the set of camping dishes and cookware that we still bring to Acadia every summer, holding memories of family adventures; the matching necklace and earrings that always earned compliments at work. The yard sale is, in a way, a tapestry of memories, linking people and objects together in unexpected and lasting ways.

Building Community, Sharing Spirit

So, as you do your spring cleaning, spruce up your garden and plan your calendar for

the spring, I hope you’ll remember all that the yard sale does for church and our community:

• Connection: The yard sale brings neighbors together, inviting newcomers and old friends alike to meet, mingle, and share in the life of the church.

• Reputation: Every interaction at the yard sale strengthens our reputation as a welcoming, vibrant spiritual home.

• Stewardship: By keeping usable items out of the waste stream, we honor our commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.

• Affordability: The sale helps people find affordable items they need, often sparking memories or new beginnings.

• Fundraising: Proceeds support our parish and its ongoing programs, ensuring we can continue to do good work in the community.

How You Can Help – Make it a 100-Family Event

Some will remember that this event was once called the “100-Family Yard Sale” – and indeed, this event thrives on the generosity and participation of our entire church family. If you have gently used items to donate, please bring them in (see the flyer for details). This year we also welcome Christmas items (Christmas in May, how great is that?). If you’re dividing perennials from your garden, they make a great addition to the sale, or if you’re more into baking you can make something for the baked goods table. We will also need help with setup, staffing the sale, and cleanup afterwards.

Here's where to find out the details: Yard Sale Flyer

Your contributions - volunteering, donating, showing up, chatting with customers, and maybe even buying something - make all the difference.

Leftover items are distributed to appropriate social organizations in the area, so every item finds a new life and helps build our collective story.

Join Us - And Spread the Word!

When I searched for a new church to call home, First Parish was at the top of my list—thanks in part to the fun experience and spirit of the yard sale. Invite friends, share the event, and let others know about the welcoming heart of our parish. The yard sale could be the first step

in someone discovering what makes First Parish a true spiritual home.

We hope to see you there! If you have questions, want to volunteer, or need more information, please contact Pam Kane or Nancy Hyde.