St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sea Cliff Hosts Annual Fall Bazaar to Support Church Operations

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sea Cliff hosted its annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, drawing residents and visitors to the church at 253 Glen Ave. The event, a longstanding community tradition, featured homemade preserves, baked goods, raffles, and other offerings aimed at supporting the church’s operating costs.

The bazaar has been a fixture of village life for decades, though the origins of the event remain unclear. Rev. Jesse Lebus, the church’s pastor, noted that no one can precisely count how many bazaars have taken place. “There are certainly people who have been doing it for well over 20 or 30 years,” he said.

A defining feature of the bazaar is the Country Kitchen, where volunteers prepare homemade jams, jellies, and other preserved foods. Lebus said up to 20 people contribute to producing nearly 1,000 jars of preserves each year. The effort sets the event apart from other church fundraisers, offering products that are increasingly hard to find elsewhere.

This year’s Country Kitchen focused on traditional favorites, including strawberry and raspberry preserves, as well as blueberry and blueberry lime varieties. The bazaar also featured dozens of jams and jellies, along with pickles, sauces, infused oils, pies, and quiche.

In addition to the food, the event included raffles and a selection of donated items, crafts, and other goods. Lebus expressed gratitude to members of the wider community who contributed to the raffle basket table, helping make the event possible.

The bazaar serves as a major fundraiser for St. Luke’s, with proceeds helping to cover the church’s ongoing operating expenses. Lebus emphasized that the event’s value extends beyond the money raised, providing an opportunity for residents to connect and participate in a shared community tradition.

“What we’re really doing is just providing people with something that it’s really hard to find anyplace else,” Lebus said. “Community is key.” He added that the congregation remains grateful for the continued support of Sea Cliff residents and the broader community.

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