Reflections on mini-Red Geranium Artisan Market

By Sherry Minton
FPC Mission Team Member

As the congregation sang “Amazing Grace” during worship on Sunday morning, Aug. 16, the words carried special meaning. After a weekend marked by historic rainfall, flooding, uncertainty, and countless last-minute decisions, we were reminded once again that God’s grace often shines brightest in the midst of life’s unexpected challenges.

The 11th Annual Red Geranium Artisan Market was shaping up to be another wonderful community event. As always, preparations by our Mission Team had been months in the making. By Friday afternoon, 16 indoor artisans were beautifully set up throughout Fellowship Hall, the balcony, and the parlor. Several outdoor vendors had already erected their tents in the parking lot, and the sunshine suggested we were headed for another successful market day.

Then Mother Nature had other plans.

By Friday evening, weather forecasters were predicting heavy storms and significant flooding throughout Hamilton County. Almost immediately, our planning team, led by Jennie Auble and supported by Kristin Roe, Debbie Wilson, Sherry Minton, Ann Crispin, and Kelly Wuerch, shifted into full-scale “Plan B” mode.

Vendors were notified of the changing forecast and encouraged to make decisions that prioritized their safety and protected their handcrafted products. Throughout the evening, cancellations began coming in as artisans weighed the risks posed by the worsening weather. Before dawn on Saturday morning, the difficult decision was made to cancel all outdoor market activities while continuing with an indoor-only event.

What could have been a disappointing cancellation became a powerful example of resilience, teamwork, and faith.

Despite being a scaled-down version of our traditional event, the “Mini Red Geranium” was a tremendous success. The Mission Team raised $3,350 through booth rentals, while the Presbyterian Women Bake Sale generated an additional $1,700-plus. Several vendors reported some of their strongest sales ever, and shoppers enjoyed a warm, welcoming indoor experience while the rain continued outside. Many visitors also took advantage of an impromptu tour of First Presbyterian Church led by Brian Wuerch, learning more about our church and its ministries.

Most importantly, this success would not have been possible without the dedication of nearly 50 church volunteers. Your flexibility, servant hearts, and willingness to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances reflected the very best of our church family.

While the storms created challenges for our event, they also brought hardship to many throughout Hamilton County. As our community begins recovery efforts, we are grateful for opportunities to support neighbors in need and share Christ’s love in meaningful ways.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will support local mission efforts assisting individuals and families affected by the flooding in Noblesville, providing a tangible way for our church and community to come together in care and compassion.

The story of this year’s Red Geranium Artisan Market is not really about bad weather. It is a story of faithful volunteers, supportive vendors, creative problem-solving, and a church community that refused to let difficult circumstances overshadow its mission. Through uncertainty and change, God provided exactly what was needed.

Indeed, amid historic flooding and a weekend full of surprises, we found Amazing Grace.

Photos provided by First Presbyterian Church of Noblesville