Joyous Junque at Resurrection

     Several years ago, (17 at least) as the number of Catholics in the Smith Mountain Lake area increased, they gathered in one another’s homes on Sunday for Mass. As soon as there was a promise of a Parish, fund-raising activities got underway.  Joyous Junque was the first - and best - of those activities. Organizers realized that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  From such inauspicious beginnings came the present-day Joyous Junque Sale at Resurrection Catholic Church (on Rt. 122 in Bedford County).
      Joyous Junque has become an event that the whole lake community looks forward to. All year long, a team of volunteers picks up any and all usable items from the community at large – people moving, relocating or just getting new furniture!  Resurrection parishioners bring items in when they’re downsizing their possessions.  These “treasures” are stored in various locations – the old Capps out-building in Moneta (now used by Lake Christian Ministries), at Gary Rogers’ self-storage units and several garages
     Six to eight weeks before the sale, which is traditionally held the first weekend in June, volunteers begin moving donations into place. Another large group of members set up tables and start opening boxes and sorting glassware, jewelry, Christmas decorations, toys, books, linens, etc. It’s a major miracle of organization that takes place every year.
     Next come the testers, a group that makes sure every donated item works, including computers, TV sets, radios and phones. The very last task is pricing. Thorough investigation is done to see that the prices are as fair as possible.  Then comes the big days of the sale. The stories are wonderful. Young couples just starting out are able to get the things they need. People whose furniture has aged find replacement items they’re delighted with. Children find toys and books. Expectant mothers find a crib or a bassinet. The second day is even more exciting because eventually prices are cut in half. What bargains!
     Even though the people of Resurrection Parish work very hard for Joyous Junque, they also have a good time. It is an effort that involves the whole parish in one way or another.
     In the early days, it was exciting to raise a small amount of money.  Each year it has grown, thanks to the refinements Gene and Sandy McCullough have introduced during their 11 years in charge!  This year, as a result of several large donations - seven cars, two trucks, a few boats, jet skis and an abundance of everything else, they far exceeded any expectations.
     Such unexpected abundance needed to be shared with friends and neighbors.  Equal donations will be given to Lake Christian Ministries, the Foyer des Filles de Dieu (the girls home in Haiti with which we have a twinning relationship) and to a new parish just starting out in Craig County in much the same way as we started 14 years ago.
     The Joyous Junque team is already planning for next year - hoping to make more improvements.  Don’t forget to mark your calendar.  In early June, there is the best Junque sale right here in Moneta. See you there.

By Sister Betty Bagen, GNSH
Pastoral Coordinator
Resurrection Catholic Church