The Holiday Bazaar

If one considers Shiloh's Fall Fair and the Holiday Bazaar as a continuation of the congregation's annual "Shiloh Church Fair," this past weekend marks Shiloh's 70th annual celebration. Five years ago, Shiloh moved the single event back to its own facility from Hara Arena, split the event into two separate ones, and continued the tradition. The leadership of Shiloh Church has since wondered whether or not the event(s) could be so successful as they had been.

 

Thanks to the efforts of countless persons throughout the congregation, I can certainly claim for the leadership and staff of Shiloh Church that this year's Holiday Bazaar was a huge success.

 

To make that claim, however, the congregation has to understand why we hold such an event. The "Annual Shiloh Church Fair," now "Fall Fair" and "Holiday Bazaar," has never been primarily about money. I can think of at least three more compelling reasons for holding the annual event(s).

 

One: Shiloh Church pulls together to hold the event. The dual events would simply be impossible without persons in the church who take responsibility for the hard work that it takes to make crafts, bake delicious pies, cakes, breads, muffins, etc, make candy, mincemeat and feed hungry shoppers. members and friends of the church spend countless hours in gathering and creating the goods that we sell. The unity formed by working together is palpable throughout the events.

 

Two: Shiloh Church attracts the neighborhood and community. Interestingly enough, the first two persons in line for Friday's opening of the Holiday Bazaar were from Beavercreek. Folks come from far and wide to attain the goods that Shiloh sells. We saw and met more of our neighbors this year than ever before, particularly on Saturday.

 

Three: Shiloh Church practices and extravagant welcome. Those who came to the Holiday Bazaar were affected by the congregation's warm welcome and enthusiasm. The humor became infectious. The mood spread quickly through the crowd. People left smiling and laughing. It is no exaggeration to claim that those who came had a great time.

 

Oh, by the way, alongside working together to provide our community and neighborhood a warm and extravagant welcome, Shiloh raised over $11,000 toward expanding the congregation's ministry. Has it worked to bring the event back to Shiloh from Hara? Yes. Has Shiloh accomplished what it hopes to achieve through the Fall Fair and Holiday Bazaar? Yes. Is it worth it for the congregation to build upon 70 years of tradition? Oh, yes!

 

Thanks to all who helped. Thanks to all who came. If you have yet been involved in the Fall Fair and/or Holiday Bazaar, let this stand as your invitation. Work has already begun on next year's event(s). Join us!