Photo courtesy of Bluff Park Baptist Church
Grace on the Bluff
Bluff Park Baptist Church's annual Grace on the Bluff event offers yard sale items to the public for free to demonstrate the free nature of God's grace.
Bluff Park Baptist Church in Hoover will host its annual Grace on the Bluff event — a yard sale with a twist — Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.
The event is set up like a yard sale, but the items are free, giving the church a special opportunity to spread the Christian message, according to Pastor Tony Barber.
“The idea is basically the demonstration of God’s love,” Barber said. “Every time we do it, before I let people in, I tell them, ‘God’s grace is free, and everything here is free.’”
That said, organizers “don’t beat people on the head with the Bible” or “walk around trying to convert them while they’re here,” the pastor said.
However, Grace on the Bluff is “a good way to expose (attendees) to the gospel,” Barber said.
“We have handouts in the bags – a gospel tract, information about the church and a plan for salvation,” he said.
Grace on the Bluff features clothes, toys and books, as well as other items, Barber said.
“We have a whole bunch of miscellaneous stuff — everything from knick-knacks to furniture,” he said. “It’s really a good yard sale. You’ll find a little bit of everything.”
The event is always on the first Saturday in October, Barber said.
“It coincides with the Bluff Park Art Show, and there are a lot of yard sales that go on,” he said.
More than 100 attended last year’s sale, Barber said.
“Especially as we get more publicity, we are getting a better turnout every year,” he said. “It’s hard to find places that will give you stuff for free.”
The church –at 2211 McGwier Drive – will begin taking donations Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m., following a prayer meeting. Donations also will be accepted during regular business hours Sept. 29 and Sept. 30 until about 8 p.m.
For more information, call 205-822-3240 or go to bluffparkbaptist.org. To arrange a special time to drop off a donation or have a heavy item picked up, call 205-823-2216.
