~ Submitted by the First Church of Christ, Congregational
Following a two-year pandemic-enforced hiatus, Bedford’s First Church of Christ, 25 Great Road, is bringing back its annual West Virginia Mission Festival, to be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21.
In addition to live Appalachian folk music by the popular duo Tim & Maggie, and a Southern-style pulled-pork supper, the festival will also feature free children’s activities, plus a variety of arts & crafts and baked goods for sale.
Supper – featuring smoked pulled pork, sides, and dessert – will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person or $40 per family. First Church will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from this event to fund its ongoing humanitarian mission work in West Virginia.
The highlight of this year’s Mission Festival is the music of Tim & Maggie. This popular duo from Athens, W.Va., has spent decades studying and performing early American/Appalachian music, including tunes from England, France, Ireland, and Scotland. They play various instruments, including banjo, guitar, flutes, spoons, and bones. Tim & Maggie will perform three musical sets: 5:30 to 6 p.m.; 6:30 to 7 p.m.; and 7:30 to 8 p.m.
For almost 10 years, the church’s West Virginia Mission Project has helped fight poverty in Appalachia by supporting nonprofit organizations in and around Princeton, a town located in one of the poorest counties in southeast West Virginia. These community groups are dedicated to making home repairs for local residents, supporting after-school and summer children’s programs, and hosting arts activities for at-risk youth.
The entire community is invited to the 2022 West Virginia Mission Fest to sample the fine cooking of our First Church chefs and enjoy some lively Appalachian folk music. This benefit will also help bring hope and optimism to a naturally beautiful part of the United States with deep and distinctive cultural roots. Free parking is available behind the church.
For further information, please visit: firstchurchbedford.wordpress.com or call 781-275-7951.
First Church of Christ Congregational in Bedford, Mass., is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ. We welcome all, grow in faith, and joyfully serve.
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