I love the curated chaos of a church rummage sale. There are tables full of dishes, books, lamps, jackets, old picture frames, and at least one completely mysterious kitchen gadget nobody can identify but everyone agrees was probably expensive in 1987. People wander slowly, picking things up, telling stories, remembering grandparents, laughing at old fashions, discovering they suddenly absolutely need a bread machine they had no intention of buying five minutes earlier. It is messy. A little chaotic. Strangely joyful. Some people are looking for whimsy, some people are looking for survival essentials  Honestly, it feels a lot like life.
The word rummage comes from old ship language—sailors searching through the hold for something useful, valuable, or needed. That feels surprisingly close to the work of faith. Most of us are rummaging through life all the time: sorting through memories, grief, hope, old habits, new possibilities, trying to figure out what still matters and what can be let go. And the Gospel keeps insisting that value hides in overlooked places. Jesus was always noticing what others passed by. Lost coins. Forgotten people. Tiny seeds. Ordinary bread. Grace has never been afraid of cluttered spaces or ordinary objects reimagined..
Maybe that is part of why church rummage sales have lasted so long. They are not really about “stuff.” They are about community, stories, second chances, and the quiet belief that usefulness and beauty do not disappear just because something is no longer brand new. One person releases something with gratitude; another person finds exactly what they needed. There is something hopeful about that. Somewhere deep in Methodist history, I am convinced there has always been someone talking about the love of God while pricing a crockpot for three dollars. And honestly? That feels exactly like the kingdom of God to me.
If you have items you would like to release with gratitude please bring them to the church by Friday May 15th.  Plan to come to the Rummage Sale on May 16th and see what extraordinary  things you can find – God’s not done with you (or this stuff) yet 😊
Grace and Peace, Pastor M@