Submitted by First Church, Congregational
First Church, Congregational in Bedford has a new focus for their Fall Fair: providing clean, fresh water to a community in need.
The popular fair, held on November 14th and 15th this year, usually raises money for the church budget. But this year, they have a new vision. “Over the past year, the theme of water has been coming up in church” said Rev. John Castricum, the Pastor at First Church. “Lots of baptisms, a successful Ice Bucket Challenge and many other programs have involved water.”
After the Ice Bucket Challenge, one of John’s parishioners mentioned Matt Damon’s Ice Bucket Challenge video, which not only supported ALS but pointed out how millions in the world have no access to safe, clean water. “I couldn’t stop thinking about this video,” said John. “It felt like God calling us to build a well. Then I thought of our Fall Fair. I thought of how a mission focus could take an already successful event and give it an added dimension.”
The idea was discussed by church leaders, with some proposing 50 or 75 percent of the fair proceeds going to the project. Then, one member suggested they make a bold move: give 100 percent. After a lot of discussion, they decided to go for it. “This decision took a lot of faith on the church’s part. I am so proud of them,” said Pastor John. Now, the church is busy researching the best options to fulfill this vision.
The facts are shocking. More than 3.4 million people die each year from water, sanitation, and hygiene-related causes. Nearly all deaths, 99 percent, occur in the developing world. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation kills children at a rate equivalent of a jumbo jet crashing every four hours. The creation of a clean water well in a village has the potential of transforming between 2,000 to 3,000 lives.
About the First Church Fall Fair
The Fall Fair at First Church in Bedford will be held November 14th from 6-9 pm and November 15th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. It will include the traditional Yuletide Treasures room, as well as crafts, baked goods, a luncheon and an auction.
There will also be plenty of family-friendly events, with a puppet show on Friday evening where the Pumpernickel Puppets will perform at 7:30 pm. There will be pony rides and a bouncy house on Saturday.
Click First Church Fall Flyer 2014 to view or print a PDF with all the details.
About First Church, Congregational
The church is located at 25 Great Road, next to the police station. For more information call the church office at 781-275-7951 or visit the website www.firstchurchbedford.org .
Loading ...
