Alternative Christmas Market
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Alternative Christmas Market
Gift giving out of gratitude to God and love of neighbor
A unique shopping experience, the Alternative Christmas Market is an event to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by offering an opportunity to give to those less fortunate while also giving to loved ones. Seventeen local and international non profit agencies and organizations have provided “shopping lists” that offer gifts to enhance the quality and faith based nature of gift giving this holiday season. At the market, you can “purchase” gifts from the participating groups and make your purchases in honor of family members and friends. With a wide variety of gifts, there is something on our list to suit the values and interests of everyone on yours.
Use this booklet as you would a store catalogue. Preview the description of the agencies and the gifts, and make a list of people you want to honor on the back page. On market day, November 30, enjoy refreshments and holiday music from 8am-1pm in the Fellowship Hall with family and friends as you browse and speak to agency representatives to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how your gift will help in our community and the world. Mark the items you’d like to buy on the shopping list provided at the market, and proceed to checkout where you will receive gift enclosures listing each gift and describing the organization the gift supports.
Specially designed Christmas cards are available at the checkout table for $1 each to “wrap” and complete each gift. The cover of the 2008 Alternative
Christmas Market card was painted by Lisa Staggs, a Westminster member.
After your items are totaled, you can then make a single payment (cash/check, or credit card plus 3% handling fee) to Westminster Presbyterian Church for the total. The entire amount that you spend will be given to the appropriate organizations. All donations are tax-deductible; your copy of the shopping list is your receipt.
A follow up table will be available in the Parlor during Advent for those who miss the market day or remember another person they would like to honor.
Tired of the commercialism and shopping “maul” of Christmas? Give a gift of hope.
If questions, contact Lane Harvey at or detoursend702@bellsouth.net.