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Support the Alternative Gift Fair this Christmas!
As we enter the season of Advent, most of us have begun planning our holiday shopping list - and maybe we have already purchased many gifts for our loved ones. Perhaps we're thinking of the latest gadgets, newest toys, or other popular gifts. But, what if you could give a gift that makes a real, life-changing difference? What if you could gift something that was not only thoughtful and valuable, but that would also transform the life of someone in need? Well, this year you can do just that!
For the fourth year, the women of our church are sponsoring an Alternative Gift Fair. The mission of our Alternative Gift Fair is to provide our church community with a meaningful alternative to holiday gift giving, one which celebrates personal charity, community health and well being, and the preservation of our earth. The Alternative Gift Fair will offer all of us an opportunity to choose gifts of charitable donations, rather than buy more "stuff." It also teaches our children about the meaningful giving of gifts that grow the church, fight hunger, and transform lives.
Joy's Alternative Gift Fair will be held on Sunday, December 11th and Sunday, December 18th between services and after the 10:15 service.
What is an Alternative Gift Fair?
- A different kind of shopping experience!
- Gifts are purchased in honor of family, friends, and others. Instead of buying a box of candy for Aunt Sally, a shopper at this fair might decide to feed ten people at a soup kitchen ($20), or buy chicks which lay eggs for people in developing countries ($10), or buy a goat which provides fresh milk for children ($50), or water jugs to help people transport water in remote areas of Africa and Asia ($12) or a mosquito net to protect people in Africa from the bite of an infected mosquito which can transmit malaria and lead to death ($10) or school supplies for a child who can't go to school without them ($10). Then, Aunt Sally can be given an attractive gift card telling her about this unique present given in her honor.
Why alternative gift giving?
- Because so many of the world's critical needs today are going unmet.
- Because of our need and capacity to give.
- Because Uncle Harry doesn't need yet another silk necktie.
Why an Alternative Gift Fair?
- Because it is a celebration of abundant life for the world's people.
- Because it is an appropriate nonprofit response to consumerism.
- Because it helps us raise many dollars for the world's needs, nourishing peace in our global community.
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' coming into this world, just think of how many families' lives could be changed with just one of our small monetary gifts. The gifts we choose to give through the Alternative Gift Fair have the capacity to grow the church, fight hunger, and transform lives - all in God's name. Will you help by "purchasing" an alternative gift on December 11 or December 18?
(If you have questions about the Alternative Gift Fair, please contact Marcia Lindseth or Kristin Tibayan.)
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