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4/ TheBucknerClarion.com October 9, 2014 Lord's Acre Sale Oakland UMC: 134 Years of Service, Worship somebody measured the thread we used. We don't do that anymore. That's the way they made money when I began," Overton said. Now, the group works year round to create a one-of-a-kind quilt. Each stitch is sewn by hand and put together by the Society. "In a really great year, we could get two quilts done but us elders are dying off and we now get only one made," Overton shared. "The quilt this year is huge, bigger than a king size, and it is beautiful! We are really proud of it." The sale of the quilt is always a crowd pleaser and attracts several participants. In 1999, in an effort to generate more revenue, the Ladies started selling homemade apple butter. Over an open fire sits a large copper kettle that holds five to six bushels of apples. The result is what is infamously known as the "Ladies Aid Society Lip Smacking Apple Butter." One day a year, shortly before the Lords Acre Sale, the women prepare the apples, add the secret ingredients and cook the apple butter the old fashioned way. Overton, who learned to make apple butter from By Jessica Mauzey (Continued from page 1) Road. These families wanted to worship with regularity in a church that was nearby. Churches were present in surrounding areas but transportation was a challenge. A group of citizens joined forces to create a church close to home. In 1881, land was obtained and plans to construct a place of worship were in the making. While much of the work and construction was performed by the congregation members and trustees, construction expenses were covered by donations from 21 individuals, totaling $157.50. The Oakland United Methodist Church was completed in November 1883. Presiding elder of the Kansas City District, Rev. C.C. Woods, dedicated the building. For 134, years the Oakland United Methodist Church has welcomed individuals throughout Eastern Jackson County. Beyond traditional worship services, the church congregation works year- round to ensure other annual celebrations are held, including the traditions like quilting and apple-butter making for the Lord's Acre Sale. The Lord's Acre Sale began in the mid 1930s through a collaboration with Oakland, Grain Valley and Pink Hill churches. The group decided that the men of the church, who were primarily farmers, should dedicate one acre of their main crop to a mass sale. Women, who were responsible for the children and domestic responsibilities in the home, contributed by making home baked and canned goods or sewn items. Through the years, this event has become a large fundraiser. While the men's role remained constant, the ladies of the church joined forces in 1912 and formed the Ladies Aid Society. As a team, the Ladies have found they each bring unique talents and strengths. These qualities attribute to the organization's success of reaching its goal to assist others. Meeting twice monthly, the Ladies quilt, share a potluck lunch and find creative ways to serve others. This organization quickly became a strong branch within the congregation and has remained for 102 years. "Right now we try to assist the Community Services League in Buckner, in their food kitchen. We try to give $300 every three or four months for hygiene products, toiletries and food," said Caroline Overton, former president. Overton is an active and respected member of the congregation with a contagious smile. She has served her fellow members and community for more than 50 years. She actively participates in all aspects of the Society's fundraising efforts centered around the Lord's Acre Sale. Traditionally, one method of fundraising came from quilting. "Years ago, we use to try to finance it through quilting for others. It was a penny a yard and Decorative quilt made by the Ladies Aid Society. her grandmother, has shared her knowledge with her fellow members. She created a recipe that has generated great success. Members—both women and men– consistently stir the apple butter for hours on end. While apple butter is a well known and enjoyed treat, the popularity of the Society's version comes from the old fashioned cooking methods and costs just $5 a pint. After the day-long process, the group ends up with roughly 140 pints to share at the auction. The proceeds from the apple butter, the quilt and auction-day lunch benefit the Society. The Lord's Acre Sale revenue generated from the other auction items benefit the church. In addition to assisting others in need, the Ladies are also responsible for providing financial support for additions to the church or repairs. The Lord's Acre Sale, featuring a professional auctioneer, is October 11. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., when the auction starts. Home-crafted items or homemade goods are among the items to be auctioned. Call 816.419.0945 for details. Oakland United Methodist Church was built 134 years ago to provide a place to worship close to home, after the Civil War.

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