Do you have a few extra books sitting around at home?  Turn those used books into food for the hungry.  hat is what First United Methodist Church in Mitchell, South Dakota does each fall.  Saturday October 17th the used book sale resulted in $600 for the local food pantry and $200 for the Weekend Snack program.

Each year Mitchell First United Methodist Church holds a used book sale. Throughout the year, used books are collected and stored. Then one Saturday each fall books are arranged throughout the fellowship hall into a store. The buyers browse the hundreds of books and purchase their favorites. 

Proceeds from the annual book sale go to help local hunger projects. The recipients of this year’s book sale profits were the Mitchell Area Food Pantry and the Weekend Snack Program. Books that are left are handed out at the Love Feast, a warm meal prepared for those throughout the community twice a month.

To top off the weekend of giving at Mitchell First UMC a Blanket Sunday was held. Sunday October 18th congregants were asked to give funds to Church World Services (CWS) Blankets.  Contributions to CWS Blankets help to provide blankets, food and other necessary supplies in communities throughout the world hit by disaster and displacements. CWS Blanket Sunday brought in $932.

The next adventure in mission at Mitchell First UMC is the annual Alternative Gifts Fair on November 15th from 9am-12:30pm in the church dining hall. Fifteen organizations will be present for giving opportunities from local to international.