ARKANSAS—The Central and Northwest Arkansas congregations raised a sizable donation for the Philadelphia Church of God building fund on February 21 with a silent auction and coin donation.

After Sabbath services, members shared a potluck meal before sunset. Then the silent auction began where bids rose quickly on most of the items. Merchandise included gift cards and merchandise from local businesses, handmade crafts, baked foods and other items.

Members snacked on concessions during the bidding, and dropped the spare change they had been saving for several months into a five-gallon bucket, filling over half the container.

“I’ve always heard of the silent auctions in Central Arkansas and did not know quite what to expect,” Northwest Arkansas member Kimberly Bacon said. “For me, it was more about attitude and frame of mind and what God can do with a willing heart. I know that probably sounds a bit cliché, but it became very personal for me this year.”

“This is the most fantastic auction we’ve had yet, and we had a barrel of fun,” Central Arkansas member Bertha Zoellner said.

Between the coin drive and auction, the two congregations donated $6,800 to the building fund.