Salem United Church of Christ (UCC), 2312 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, will host its 39th annual Christmas at Salem Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. The event will feature holiday ornaments, handmade crafts and a variety of items donated by members of the church's congregation.

In addition to a mixture of crafts made by Salem UCC's members and friends of the church, several craft items will be available to purchase from craft vendors based in the local and regional communities. Tickets will also be available to purchase for a prize drawing that will feature gift baskets assembled by members of the congregation. Winners of the prize drawings will be contacted to claim their gift baskets.

Volunteers from the church will have a variety of beverages and homemade food available to purchase during the event, including barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, egg salad sandwiches, sticky buns, coffee, water and soda. Beef vegetable soup may be purchased by the bowl or by the quart, and customers may bring their own containers to fill. Homemade desserts and treats such as pumpkin pies, mince pies, fruit pies, cakes, breads and candy will be available to purchase from the bake sale table.

Used books and magazines will be sold in the church's parlor. This year, a local author will be stationed in the parlor to offer a reading and sell copies of her book.

The Christmas at Salem Bazaar will include a kids' craft station to keep youngsters occupied while their parents shop and browse vendors' tables. This year's event will also feature an appearance from Santa Claus.

Attendees of the bazaar will have an opportunity to learn about the history of Salem UCC during a tour of the church's 1906 sanctuary. The tour will include details and anecdotes related to the founding of Salem UCC, and guests may view the stained-glass windows in the gothic-style sanctuary.

Lee Martin, Salem UCC's community outreach coordinator and church historian, said he and his wife, Kathy Martin, have participated in the annual bazaar since it was first held nearly 40 years ago. Kathy and fellow congregant Chris Wanner are the co-chairs of the event. "(Kathy and Chris) have been instrumental in making sure things run smoothly and setting up the event," Lee added.

Proceeds from the bazaar will benefit Salem UCC's community outreach efforts in addition to helping the church cover general expenses and maintenance costs. Salem UCC organizes various community outreach programs every month, including efforts to support local food banks and schools in Lancaster city and Hempfield School District. "We enjoy doing that outreach to let the community know we're here to help," Lee said.

For more information, visit https://salemuccroh.org.