LEYDEN — Though summer saw members of the Leyden United Methodist Church wondering whether the church would still be operating at year’s end, recent fundraisers have helped free the church from its financial pinch.
Between raising over $9,000 through its food booth at the Franklin County Fair, and receiving another $2,500 between two Columbus Day weekend benefits (the “Heartbreak of the Hills” tractor pull and the “Ghosts and Gravestones” cemetery tours), church Treasurer Gilda Galvis said the church is “in pretty good shape.”
“We’re doing much better,” she said. “I’m thinking we’re up and above and on the right path.”
The church had struggled to pay the Rev. Nami Yu’s salary, the pianist’s services, and heat and electricity bills. Galvis said utilities account for about $1,000 monthly, and Yu’s salary is about $1,300 monthly.
Thanks to a year-long grant from the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church, the church had about $800 of Yu’s salary taken off its plate, paying the remaining $500 monthly. Galvis said the grant can be continuous, and she’ll reapply for it in July.
Galvis said that after word got out that the church might be insolvent by the end of 2017, there was an outpouring of support.
“We’ve just been having a lot more people sending us monetary donations,” she said. “They don’t want to see the church close.”
Church Council President Mary Lou Barton said the fair booth was particularly busy with loyal customers, raising over $2,000 more than it typically does.
“It’s been one of our best years,” Galvis agreed.
However, Galvis said additional fundraisers are planned for November and December. There will be a wreath making workshop at the church on Nov. 26, with two sections from noon to 2 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. The wreaths are $20 each, with proceeds supporting the church.
A craft fair will be held Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at both the church and Town Hall. Booth fees from vendors and sales of breakfast and lunch items will support the church.
To sign up for the wreath making workshop or craft fair, contact Emily Herron-Clark at 413-336-6248.