As many of you know, we had an auction sale at Loon Lake Community Center on Saturday, September 17th. Col. Stanley Evavold of Nordic Auctions donated his services as the auctioneer.

Some items were sold on a consignment basis, and other items were donated to the church.

The sale reminded me of a prayer that we often say during our worship services after our offerings have been presented at the altar. We say, “Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us – our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (LBW)

What if people really did offer their possessions during the offering? I sold a boat, motor, and trailer during the auction. The money was donated to St. Mark’s. It isn’t something that I could have put into an offering plate during the worship service. The auction provided a way for me to offer it without needing to roll it up the aisle in the sanctuary and lift it onto the altar. I’m sure the ushers are grateful that people don’t often literally offer their possessions during the worship service.

If we were to add to that a truckload of firewood, a truckload of hay bales, and a truckload of black dirt, the front of the church would be a big mess. All of these items were sold at the auction sale and the proceeds were donated to the St. Mark’s.

Those who sold their items on a consignment basis were actually tithing the sale of their possessions. Both members and non-members sold some items on a consignment basis. The church received a ten- percent fee on items sold on a consignment basis.

Selling items at an auction is somewhat of a gamble. Some things sell for less than they are worth, and other things sell for an excellent price. When there are two people who both want the same item, the seller will receive an excellent price. If no one in the crowd is in the market for a particular item, the selling price will be low.

Some things sold for a decent price on Saturday and other items sold for next to nothing. We were fortunate to have a beautiful day, and we were fortunate to have good participation in the sale.

The results of the sale are as follows:

Total Sales $13,759.00

Amount paid to consignees $ 8,435.90

Gross profits $ 5,323.10

St. Mark’s will have to pay for the use of the Loon Lake Community Center, and for the advertising of the sale. We will also receive $700.00 in matching funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The St. Mark's WELCA made somewhere near $900.00 by selling food, beverages, and baked goods on the day of the sale.

Many people worked hard organizing the sale and bringing items to the sale. Many people contributed to the success of the sale by selling items on consignment and by donating items to the sale. Many people worked hard baking and serving food. Still more people came to the sale and bid generously knowing that proceeds of the sale would go to St. Mark’s.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the people involved in the sale in any way. That includes the auctioneer and his staff, those who bid on items during the sale, those who consigned items and donated items. I also thank the St. Mark’s WELCA, and all of those who picked things up on behalf of those who couldn’t bring items to the sale on their own. The sale was important to the ministry of St. Mark’s. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Pastor Birk