Serendipity Celebrating a Birthday

In 2005, St. Andrew's took in the Jackson Family as they fled hurricane ravaged Mississippi. It brought about the 2005 makeover of the rectory. While several of us sat around a donated table—one person remarked about how amazing it was that we were able to furnish an entire home (nicely) in ten days entirely through donations. Little did we know how serendipitous that observation would become. Building on years of effort by the St. Andrew's Thrift Shoppe, six months later we rented space, researched consignment software, and picked a name. We renovated the space with help from several of St. Andrew's most talented parishioners and somehow filled the store. Serendipity opened in May 2006.

More than 30 volunteers and a team of managers keep the doors open. We have sat on folks' couches and heard stories, laughed with many, and cried with a few. We have shared the pain of clearing out homes of parents now gone, a widow sorting through the years of memories, parents who have lost children, empty nesters moving on to new chapters, young mothers searching for the perfect Halloween costume or Easter outfit, kids looking for teacher gifts, and all of us looking for a bargain. Serendipity is a ministry in many ways. The support and fellowship which the volunteers provide for each other is a blessing to all of us.

Since the store opened, the financial profits exceed $75,000. These proceeds are divided equally between the church Operating Budget and the Outreach Fund. One of our best consignors is the non-profit organization Circle of Care, which supports families of pediatric oncology patients as well as the kids themselves. They have raised over $10,000 through Serendipity.

Items that do not sell are donated to organizations that include the Youth Continuum Shelter in New Haven, STRIVE workforce educationorganization, St. Paul and St. James Episcopal Church in New Haven, Goodwill Industries, Women and Family Life Center in Guilford, CLOUT Kenya Mission, and Christian Community Action in New Haven. Giving to people less fortunate than ourselves brings us back to our Christian values. Helping others in need.

Please join us in wishing Serendipity a very happy and blessed birthday. And consider volunteering with us, donating or consigning items, and telling your family and friends about Serendipity.

This reflection was shared by Nancy Karas at a St. Andrew’s Church service in 2010.