First Christian Church of Macon - Consumption Fast and Yard Sale

Congregations encourage fasting as one of the spiritual disciplines to prepare for Easter. Typically, members give up chocolate or sweets.

Not so with First Christian Church of Macon.

This year, the congregation proposed a “consumption fast” and asked its members to examine their purchases and look closely at what they consume. “We own too much stuff,” says the pastor of First Christian Church, Janetta Cravens Boyd, “and any time we can become more mindful about what we own, the more dedicated we become to our relationship with God.”

As a congregation, the church transitioned to using fair-trade coffee and ceramic mugs that are better for the environment, and individuals were encouraged to make changes to how they drive and become more fuel efficient. Small adjustments make a big difference when it comes to the collective impact we make on our world.

Members also cleaned out their closets. Reducing consumption starts at home by examining what we already own. Cleaning and sorting became an important part of their spiritual journey.

For some members, cleaning out their closets presented an opportunity to evaluate their life’s priorities and personal goals. A pile of paintbrushes or an old golf bag may symbolize a life that you used to live, not a life you are living now. What does your life need in it? Is this it?

“Cleaning out my closet made me appreciate what I already own,” said Suann A. Strickland, the church’s accompanist, “I have a dresser that was my mother’s and when I open it, I remember her. I’m not ready to get rid of it because it still smells like her, but at least I now know why I am keeping it.”

As the last act of their spiritual discipline, First Christian Church will host a church yard sale on Saturday, April 7th from 9:00-2:00. It is the final act of emptying before moving into the celebration of Easter. The sale is open to the public. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to organizations in the community that help our city address homelessness, poverty, and affordable housing.