Ten years ago, Judy Riesser and Gina Duncan set up tables at the Wednesday Night Dinner at Tipp City Global Methodist Church to display and sell their art, painted and carved gourds and framed photography, respectively. That evening sparked an idea from which the Angel House Christmas Bazaar was born.

Riesser and her husband, Larry, had been involved with the Angel House Children’s Home and Secondary School since 2011. She traveled to the school in Tarime, Tanzania, East Africa, with mission teams twice; Larry joined them three times. Larry has served on the Board of Grassroots Ministry (U.S.) for 11 years and five years on the International Board. Grassroots, the ministry that provides support to Angel House was established in 2005 at New Carlisle United Methodist Church.

Now, in its ninth year, the Bazaar Team has helped generate more than $62,000, including the church’s  2020 and 2023 Gift of Advent offerings. This year’s proceeds will be designated to the construction of primary classrooms. “It has been very gratifying to watch the growth of this children’s home as we visit each time,” Riesser said. “The home and school consistently rank in the top five percent of the 176 schools in the district.” In addition, she is pleased to know that “Of the hundreds of people from Tipp and beyond who have attended the Bazaar, some have decided to become a part of our church family.”

The 2024 Bazaar Team will host 35+ artisans with a wide range of merchandise and price points. The Team also presents an elaborate feature in the church sanctuary each year, complete with live music. Patrons will enjoy the return of the “Piece by Piece” Quilt Exhibit, an all-time favorite. “The only thing better than wrapping oneself in a warm handmade quilt,” Duncan said, “is a sanctuary blanketed in a kaleidoscope of fabric.”  

The annual Cookie Walk (cookies sold by the pound) also takes place in conjunction with the Bazaar. After several years, Jessica Busboom and the Kids of Faith turned over the reins to the Women’s Ministry Team. “It is quite appropriate for the women of the church to sponsor this community favorite again,” Duncan said, “considering it was established many years ago by the United Methodist Women’s Ministry, which concluded its tenure after 75 years of dedication to missions. “

Elegantly-themed gift baskets valued from $25 to $500 and two beautiful, handmade quilts will be displayed, and tickets will be available during Wednesday Night Dinners and the day of the Bazaar. Riesser said, she and Duncan have been blessed to collaborate with a dynamic team of workers through the years to organize and execute this successful fundraiser. Current members include Karen Bostelman, Diana Medlock, Diana Begley, Mary Wheeler, Helena Schlafman, and BJ Lamp. Because the Riessers recently moved from the area, this is the final year Judy will be involved with the planning, and orchestration of the Bazaar. However, Duncan said, “We genuinely hope our dear friend will continue to return as a vendor.”

The Bazaar will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 7, at Tipp City Global Methodist Church, 8 W. Main Street. Admission is free. Additional public parking will be available on Broadway Avenue.  For more information or to learn how to loan a quilt, contact TCGMCBazaar@Gmail.com.