The bishop called down blessings not only on the new store, but also on its broader mission and the faith congregations that have made it all possible.
Bishop Julius Trimble, leader of Iowa's United Methodist churches, gave thanks to God for the collaboration and cooperation shown by Dubuque-area Methodist churches after one of their own closed.
When Faith United Methodist Church closed its doors in 2006, its assets were sold and the proceeds distributed to the other United Methodist churches in Dubuque. Those congregations joined to open Global Goods, a fair trade gift shop at 1141 Main St., the former parsonage of St. Luke's United Methodist Church.
"One church closed, and too often that's such a sad story that ends with a period, but here's a story that has a comma to it," said Trimble, who has served as Iowa's bishop since September 2008. "Here we have resurrection."
Trimble toured the colorful rooms of the shop filled with jewelry, clothing, artwork, baskets, toys, food items, purses and ornaments, all handmade by workers in developing
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Global Goods, 1141 Main St., will open its doors Monday, Nov. 2. Regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. store members Area United Methodist churches that formally support Global Goods fair trade store: Center Grove, Rockdale, Grand View, St. Luke's, Wesley (East Dubuque, Ill.) and United Methodist churches in Epworth and Sherrill, Iowa. |
"If you're going to spend your money on something, why not spend it on something that's a blessing to someone other than yourself. Why not give a gift with a story behind it," Trimble said.
The Rev. Jennifer Meyer, pastor of Rockdale and Center Grove United Methodist churches, is on the multi-congregational board that oversees Global Goods.
"It's a gift to have the bishop here today," she said. "United Methodist churches always work together. It's one of our missions to be united."
Ending his blessing, Trimble said, "People will be blessed by the purchases made through this store and ministry will go forth from this place."
Blessing Global Goods - Iowa Methodist Bishop Julius Trimble blesses the newly opened fair trade store, Global Goods, on Thursday.
