Tom Gardner, former pastor at Holley Presbyterian, now leading church in Barker

File photo by Tom Rivers: The Rev. Tom Gardner, former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Holley, leads a special service on July 14, 2019 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the church in Holley.

BARKER – In addition to welcoming the Rev. Tom Gardner as their new pastor, the congregation of Faith United Methodist Church at 1449 Quaker Rd., Barker, is also planning its first live auction July 20.

The Rev. Gardner assumed his new duties June 9, succeeding former pastor Sheila Paige.

“I’m very excited to be the new pastor for Faith United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Gardner, who previously served 13 years at the First Presbyterian Church of Holley. “I look forward to serving the community in that capacity. I have deep roots in Barker, and have loved all the years coming and going to family and community events. While attending worship at Faith United recently, I was pleased with how welcoming, open and kind everyone was to me and my wife Laura. I believe this is a way of life for this congregation.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: The Rev. Tom Gardner, former pastor of Holley’s Presbyterian Church, has assumed duties as pastor of Faith United Methodist Church at 1449 Quaker Rd., Barker. The church is planning its first ever live auction on July 20 to help with the cost of a new roof.

Katie Kempf is one member who would agree with him.

“Our church has a small, but mighty following and widely opens its doors and welcomes everyone,” Kempf said.

She is a relatively new member, and when she learned her church needed money for repairs, including a new roof, she had an idea.

“This is my first attempt at a live auction, and I’m praying for a successful event,” Kempf said.

Provided photo: This wood chest is among the many items which will be included in the live auction July 20 at Faith United Methodist Church in Barker.

Doors for the live auction July 20 will open at 10 a.m., with the auction beginning at 11 a.m. Auctioneer will be Joe Reed from Gasport/Hartland.

“Our auction will have all kinds of great items,” Kempf said. “Everything from jewelry, home repair items, gifts, collectibles and art to treasures and mystery boxes, and everything in between.”

Kempf said she got the idea to have an auction because most people love a bargain.

“We wanted to do something fun for the community, while raising money for our work and church repairs,” Kempf said. “I thought a live auction would make for a fun afternoon.”

Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. During the summer they have lemonade in the library after church, but when the school year starts again, they have music by the choir and adult Bible study after church.

Kempf would welcome donations for the auction. She can arrange pickup if necessary, and asks anyone with questions or items to donate to call or text her at (716) 930-6559.

She also adds the first 100 folks to arrive on auction day will get a special gift. They also advise that payment will be cash or check only.