UU Lansing 2026 Auction
April 19-April 26, 2026
Embrace the Possible!
General information
The annual auction is the largest fundraiser benefiting our church operating budget, and it is also how many of us get to know one another through mutual enjoyment of meals, parties, learning experiences, and sharing of our skills and talents. These activities bring communal joy, and the entire process enhances creativity and community in our church in multiple ways.
Our silent auction this year will feature both in-person and online bidding/sign-up options. In-person bidding/sign-up will begin on Sunday April 19 (11:30am – 12:30pm) and end Sunday April 26 (before service and after service until 12:30pm). Online bidding/sign-up will be over 6 days (tentatively): Monday April 20, 6:00pm through Saturday April 25, 3:00pm. Assistance will be available for online or at-church bidding as needed. Payments can be made by check or online before the end of June.
Donations: The first step is to get donations (deadline April 9). As in past years, these will include social activities both indoors and outdoors, edible delights, handmade art & craft items, gift certificates, and others.
Creative Collaboration Opportunities: Would you like to collaborate with someone to offer a gathering? Are you able to cook a dinner (or parts) but don’t have a venue for guests to gather? Do you have a house/apartment to host a gathering but want help preparing an entire meal? The Auction Team can help match people.
Special Requests: Is there something you need? This new category lets you describe what you need and specify how much you are willing to pay. When someone from the church community signs up to provide the service, you contribute the payment for your “special request” to the church. Examples include: window washing, power washing a deck, computer assistance of a specific type, a specific kind of help with your garden, a specific type of food, instruction or help for home repair, temporary use of an item such as a power tool or sewing/embroidery machine or log-splitter, music lessons, a poem or song written to your request, instruction to learn a game, etc.
Reach out to the Auction Team at auction.uucgl@gmail.com with questions and suggestions, or if you are interested in helping with planning.
EXAMPLES OF DONATIONS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
Outdoor social events beginning mid May:
● Afternoon or evening gathering at a park, e.g. for a picnic
● Concert
● Cocktails or wine tasting
● Dinner outdoors on the deck
● Canoeing or kayaking or boating on a lake
Indoor social events:
● Dinner or cocktails/hors d'oeuvres
● Home concerts
● Music nights or movie nights or game nights
● Learn a new skill together in a group
Outdoor social events beginning mid-late May:
● Afternoon or evening gathering at a park, e.g. for a picnic
● Concert
● Cocktails or wine tasting
● Dinner outdoors on the deck
● Canoeing or kayaking or boating on a lake
Indoor social events:
● Dinner or cocktails/hors d'oeuvres
● Home concerts
● Music nights or movie nights or game nights
● Learn a new skill together in a group
Kids and Family Activities
Lego or game parties
Mask-making
Nail painting
Art & Handicraft Goods (made by congregants)
● Original art or jewelry (e.g. necklace or earrings; paintings; note cards)
● Handmade craft items, such as potholders or bags, possibly personalized for the buyer
Edible Delights
● Meal ready-to-eat or ready-to-freeze
● Soup that can be frozen for later
● Baked goods, e.g. pies, cookies, homemade bread
● Home-brewed beer, home-made liqueurs or wine
Services
● Computer assistance
● Lesson(s) in playing pickleball or other games
● Instruction in how to do maintenance on a bicycle or car
● Help with gardening & weeding, or consultation in planning a garden
● Cleaning out a garage or basement
“Estate sale” items
● Pre-owned Items, such as a beautifully loved but no longer needed gorgeous something will be considered – contact the Auction Team (auction.uucgl@gmail.com).
Miscellaneous
● Gift certificate donated by your favorite restaurant or store
● Opportunity for others to stay in your cottage or time-share