St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Thrift Store To Open Friday

CITRUS PARK, FL — St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Thrift Store will open its doors for the first time to the public Friday and Saturday, May 7 and May 8. The store, located on church grounds closest to Cain Road, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days and will continue to be open those hours Fridays and Saturdays thereafter.

The store takes up approximately 2,000 square feet of the separate structure on the church grounds. The other half houses an apartment.

“We have so many wonderful things,” said Jan Houser, who was part of the volunteer team who received, sorted and set up the store. Houser said the variety of merchandise includes clothes, children’s items, kitchen items, art work, jewelry and more.

As with any thrift store, pricing is key. She said the team worked hard to not only mark everything fairly but also make it affordable.

“We understand there are a lot of people in the community who are in need,” said Houser. “We have $1 and $2 things that can really help a family.” She said they also have specialty items, such as a large pair of stained-class candles for about $25.

Houser, a newer church member, said when she heard about the church opening a thrift store ministry, she jumped at the chance to help.

“I was immediately drawn to it (the thrift store) as I love shopping at thrift stores myself," she said. "We just want to get the word out and let people know where we're located, to further the mission of St. Mark’s and what we are trying to do in the community, and to have fun, too.”

The Rev. Robert C. Douglas, St. Mark’s rector, said when he arrived at the church about three years ago, he and church leaders searched for ways to meet the needs of the surrounding community.

There was a large, empty house on the property, so members suggested dividing it into a thrift store and apartment. It took a team of skilled church members two years to complete the conversion.

“I am excited by this newest mission that will provide low-cost goods to our community through this thrift store,” said Douglas.

He added that 50 percent of the store proceeds will go to fund other community missions such as creating care initiatives, taking a larger role in fighting human trafficking and other forms of injustice and oppression, as well as alleviating food and housing scarcity.

“We see this as a continuing step to becoming the beloved community we are called to be and to bear much fruit for the Kingdom," he said.