Alternative Christmas Market

Mark your calendars for the Annual Alternative Christmas Market on Sunday November 19 during coffee hour. For those of you new to this tradition, the Market is a practical way to refocus our attention on Christmas away from commercialism and towards the original message of Christmas: “Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards All”. The Peacemaking Committee has picked 10 organizations who focus on “Peace on Earth”. Representatives from these groups will be our guests at the Market to explain to you their organization’s goals and to share stories about their work. Take time to listen and learn, it will be inspiring! You will be able to support these organizations by purchasing Christmas Cards at $5 apiece. The money will go directly to the organizations you choose and you may send your Christmas cards, which will explain your donation, to friends, work partners, neighbors, and family members. This year’s organizations include: First and Franklin Food Pantry, South Dakota Learning Camp, Cuba Partnership, Guns 2 Gardens, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Women’s Housing Coalition, Family Survivor Network, and ROCA.

This year, on top of purchasing “gift cards” at the Market, you can also bring donations to projects supported by ROCA and Family Survivor Network. ROCA distributes Christmas presents to their clients and Family Survivor Network organizes gift baskets which are given to families who have lost loved ones to violence. More information will be available later this month.

For those of you unable to attend the Alternative Christmas Market on November 26, a Mini-Market will be held during coffee hour on December 3. Cards will be available for purchase without hosting representatives from the organizations. Please plan to join this joyful event and be a part of spreading the Good News of “Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards All”.