Federal Way United Methodist Church is preparing for its fourth “Abundant Grace Free Market,” which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13, at 29645 51st Avenue South, Auburn.

After reading the book “A Front Porch for all People” by Rev. John Edgar, the church’s women’s study group was inspired to try to do something for low-income people in the Federal Way community.

The book details the reverend’s extensive work to connect low-income people in Columbus, Ohio, with resources, including a free store that has been serving the community since 1999. The Free Store’s website reports that the Columbus church had over 50,000 families become members. The store “provides gently used clothing and household items to individuals and families in a hospitable atmosphere that affirms the self-worth of each individual.”

“This book offers inspirational guidance for any reader who yearns to live in a sustainable mixed-income community — and cares enough to do something about it,” the summary of the book from the publisher states.

For the Federal Way pop-up version of the free store, the group said that “we all recognized that we have lots of good stuff taking up valuable space in our closets, attics, garages etc.,” and “we thought it would be fun to give these things away rather than a garage sale.”

Now four times a year, the group turns the parking lot or Gathering Place in their church building into a free market where “people can come and shop and no money exchanges hands. They go home with gently used and some brand new items including such things as household items, furniture, sports goods, clothing, shoes, bicycles, garden and workshop tools, toys, games, books and more. And everything is free.”

The group said in its press release that previous events have been attended by “literally hundreds of people who have delighted in our generosity.”

The group held its first free market in fall 2023, followed by the Abundant Grace Free Christmas Market in late November and a third event in April.

“At this point, we plan to have these events at least quarterly with dreams to have a free store that could be open on a weekly basis,” said Michelle Thompson, team leader of the ministry.

For more information, contact abundantgracefree@gmail.com

Shoppers browse racks of clothes at the first free market. Photo provided by the Federal Way United Methodist Church

Tables stretched out under the trees to hold a variety of household items, distributed for free at the first free market. Photo provided by the Federal Way United Methodist Church