Saturday a beautiful day for a beautiful event: the 30th Harvest of Talents for World Hunger

[October 28, 2013]  When doors opened at Lincoln Christian Church at 7 a.m. Saturday, it was for the 30th Harvest of Talents for World Hunger.

The prime event on Saturday offered handcrafted items that were available by straight-out purchase, silent auction and open auction. It also featured signature homemade foods to be eaten on-site or carry-home. Inside, the aroma of cinnamon and caramel pecan rolls wafted through the halls. Outside, the sweet wood smoke filled the fall air as giant kettles simmered beef vegetable soup.

Inside and outside, there was plenty of serving, eating, visiting at many different stations, tents, rooms and in the main auditorium. Hungry shoppers could grab a bowl of soup and a brisket sandwich, which was particularly appealing to those coming in from the 5K run/walk that began outside the church at 8:30 a.m. A new tea room, Hospitali-tea, served four pre-ticketed sittings offering tasty homemade foods and a special Harvest blend of tea.

The crowds increased all day with throngs of people unhurriedly, but intensely browsing merchandise, looking for just the right bird feeder, kitchen apron, hair doodad, jewelry piece, knitted scarf, bakery, yard or household ornament, with a thousand to choose from and numerous quick, easy checkout counters throughout the building.

The day concluded with an auction beginning at 2 p.m. of unique, high-quality items such as handmade quilts, leaded glass designs, paintings, furniture, large floral pieces and more.

On Sunday, the church celebrated the end of this year's Harvest of Talents with a special worship service and the presentation of a check to Rick Jett, the executive director of International Disaster Emergency Service.

Prior to the check presentation, Carolyn Neal offered a few words.

"Over a billion people go hungry, but tomorrow, that number will be less because of all the faithful Harvest hearts and hands who honored I Peter 4:10 and shared a measure of their time, talents and resources to partner with International Disaster Emergency Service and the 30th Harvest of Talents for World Hunger, raising $101,068.15 for hunger relief this year," Neal said. "You gathered your thoughts to pray, your family and friends, your coins, your talents, and your time to volunteer, and helped to make a difference that will stretch around the world in Jesus' name. On behalf of those who will receive Harvest food (physically and spiritually), thank YOU, bless you!!!"

The check was presented to Jett by Patricia Snyder. Jett in return presented "Servant's Towels" embroidered with the IDES logo and bearing the words "Your faithful service has made a world of difference" to Neal and Snyder.

The 2013 Harvest of Talents brought in $101,068.15, bringing the 30-year total to $1,819,213.38. This was a record year, after the previous high total of $92,499.88 back in 2008.

Other Harvest of Talents activities, including musical presentations and teas, are conducted during the year as well.

Working with International Disaster Emergency Service, all proceeds are used to aid those affected by disaster and to relieve world hunger.

Visit IDES at http://www.ides.org/ to see what projects the agency has been working on this past year.

[By JAN YOUNGQUIST with additional information provided by Patricia Snyder, Lincoln Christian Church]