There is excitement and much bustling about as the United Methodist Women (UMW) prepare for their annual Holiday House Bazaar on November 4 and 5 at First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave. in Grand Junction.

Spend the morning shopping for wreaths, floral arrangements and gifts at the Christmas Boutique, then head to the Country Store for fall decorations and other unique gift ideas. Don’t forget to check out The Pantry’s freshly baked peach pies, jams and jellies.

For lunch, grab a bowl of hearty homemade beef vegetable soup, a bazaar tradition, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to go along with a homemade sandwich, salad, pie or cake.

On the lower level, take time to peruse the library of gently used books in the Book Nook. Then take a break from shopping by stopping for tea, coffee or hot cider in the Victorian Tea Room.

The Methodist Men and many congregation members pitch in to help make this an event the whole community can enjoy. One gentleman donates his time cutting out all the wood projects for the UMW to paint, and a local group works on crafts for the bazaar all year long.

Church members get involved by donating books, fruit, sugar and jars, or by baking pies, sewing and knitting. Some members even take tea towels to embroider and yarn to knit gift items. Friendships are formed and seniors who might otherwise be sitting home alone are active and social.

UMW considers it an honor to answer God’s call to care for one another. Therefore, all of the bazaar’s net proceeds go to missions supporting the church, community and the world.

The bazaar is held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, November 4 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, November 5. For more information, call 242-4850.