Fundraisers are the lifelines of nonprofits. But this one feels different, this one feels critical, this one feels urgent.

This one feels crucial to the future of Bird-in-Hand United Methodist Church.

"It's a fundraiser to support our church itself," said Audrey Miller, who's been the president of Bird-in-Hand United Methodist Church's United Women of Faith for 15 years. "We have a 250-year-old church, and there are so many expenses. Our group works throughout the year to keep our church functioning. We're just trying to support our church however we can."

"We're just going year by year," continued Miller. "If we don't, the church will close. We're trying to keep our church afloat. We have a wonderful bazaar, and it helps."

Bird-in-Hand United Methodist's United Women of Faith will present this year's edition of its annual Crafters Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m at the church, 2620 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster.

"I like the fact that we're able to welcome all these people from the community to see what we're all about," said Miller. "We're an old, traditional church located in the middle of this Amish population. It's a chance for us to interact with the community, and we don't get those chances very often, so we try to make the most of it. We would just like the community to know we're still here, and we're still trying. We want people to spend a Sunday morning with us."

The bazaar is named for the 19 talented craftspeople, most of whom are from Lancaster County, who will be present and plying their quality creations. Some of the large variety of crafts that will be made available include stained glass; snowman decorations; handmade jewelry; decorative eggs; painted gourds; elaborately painted rocks; and leather handbags, purses and satchels.

"They're not all holiday crafts," said Miller.

The United Women of Faith will also be offering for sale gently used holiday treasure items.

"We think a lot of the crafters, and we provide for them," Miller said. "A lot of them come back the next year because they enjoy it so much."

"We did very well (financially) last year," added Miller. "We're trying to make as much as we can to support our church and our mission projects. We're just thankful for what we get. We try to keep prices low. People don't want to spend a lot of money. The baskets are reasonably priced."

The pinnacle of the bazaar will be 70 themed gift baskets gathered and prepared by the United Women of Faith. The themed gift baskets, which come in all sizes and shapes, include gift cards, home accessories and certificates for services and experiences, all donated by local businesses.

"(The gift baskets are) what the people line up for," said Miller, a resident of Manheim Township. "That seems to be what the local folks want, and they're beautiful."

A light lunch of sandwiches, potato chips, macaroni salad and beverages will be served. There were will also be a large bake sale, with cakes, pies, doughnuts, fudge, candy and other assorted goodies available for purchase.

Several hundred people are expected to attend the bazaar.

"We know when we open the doors at 9 a.m., people are going to flock in," Miller noted. "Everyone is just excited for the event, and we're excited for the event."

Bird-in-Hand United Methodist Church has been hosting a seasonal bazaar for more than 75 years, but only over the last six years has the church brought in outside crafters. Typically, the church also conducts a sub sale as a fundraiser in the spring.

"Our ladies in the church provided all the stuff for the bazaar up until six years ago," said Miller. "The event has definitely evolved. The core group of women does as much as they can do. We realize with such a small group of people that we can't organize big events. When we have opportunities, we try to invite groups in."

Currently, Bird-in-Hand United Methodist Church is supported by a congregation of 25 faithful and active members. From that congregation, 10 are also members of the United Women of Faith.

"The ladies' group has been the foundation for keeping the church going," said Miller. "It's basically the backbone of the church. We try to do whatever we're capable of. We have some really hard workers. Those 10 women have been going to Bird-in-Hand United Methodist Church all of their lives."

For additional information, go to https://bihumc.com.