Photo contributed from the First Presbyterian Church of Liberty Facebook page

Root cellar

Lest we forget

LIBERTY, NY — As the saying goes, God helps those who help themselves.

The First Presbyterian Church of Liberty has been without a minister of its own for four years now, said parishioner Susan Hamlin.

They’ve had supply ministers, which is wonderful, she said. But they are hoping for a minister who lives in the community and works full-time for the church.

So parishioners haven’t just been waiting for that person to appear. They have set about raising the money themselves.  

The thrift shop at the church was launched in May this year, starting in just a couple of rooms. And even though they’re only open two Saturdays a month—the second and fourth—they’ve been doing well enough to expand into five rooms.

“We have so much need and so many donations,” said Hamlin. She, with Hazel Yaun and many other volunteers, have been running the thrift shop from the beginning.

The thrift shop sells a range of items, from linens and clothes to kitchen appliances and kitchenware. There are toys and office supplies too, she said.

Masks are required inside the shop.

They’re holding a special sale on September 25, which will include jewelry.

And each step, however large or small, will bring them closer to a minister who can focus on Liberty and its needs. But in the meantime, the shop is doing its part toward that goal.

“It’s working out well,” Hamlin said. “It’s part of our mission, to give where it’s needed.”

The Thrift Shop at the First Presbyterian Church of Liberty is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, see https://www.fpclibertyny.org, or their Facebook page at LibertyFirstPresbyterian.