Outreach in a highly diverse community can be a challenge. Ellensburg is a farming community, a college town, and a retirement area, lacking the amenities of other towns of similar size, but having a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
The Cle Elum and Ellensburg churches are blessed to have the "ABC" mobile van come to our area each fall. However, since Ellensburg lost its main community Christian bookstore several months ago, some church members decided to plan a second "ABC" sale in March that would reach out to the community, as well as showcase the many outreach ministries the two churches offer in Kittitas Valley.
The members got the word out about the event through newspaper and radio announcements, posters, the public library display case, and bulletin inserts to most area churches. An easily accessible location was chosen for the event as well.
Greeters welcomed guests and invited them to look at the large variety of books, as well as listen to some music and sample some vegetarian foods. Valley Christian School set up a colorful display as well as offering a haystack luncheon; Pathfinders were represented with a display booth featuring staff and members in dress uniform to answer questions; a registered nurse was present for blood pressure checks and counseling; and the LifeTalk Christian radio station was on hand with an information table. Participants could register for door prizes and pick up printed information from health professionals.
Everyone had a good time and community members were pleased, with many indicating that they would appreciate this event again. Even though sales were lower than anticipated, we are thankful for the seeds that were planted and hope to have another sale in the future.
