Photo Credit: Alternative Christmas Market
There is no denying Coronado is a hub for the generous, thoughtful, and compassionate. Throughout the year, local churches, organizations, and individuals rally together to make a positive difference to those in need. As Christmas draws near, many people become especially conscious of the less fortunate and feel compelled to help in some way, but don’t know how. This year, to facilitate those who wish to help others, Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church in Coronado is hosting an Alternative Christmas Market, and those wishing to embrace the Christmas spirit of giving are welcome to contribute.
If you are interested in purchasing meaningful gifts for your loved ones this Christmas Season — gifts that are guaranteed to make a positive impact in the lives of the less fortunate — then Alternative Christmas Market is an event not to be missed. Local and international charities will be represented at the event, and shoppers are able to purchase a gift (make a donation) from the charity of their choice, which can then serve as their Christmas gift to a loved one. Shoppers will receive a gift description insert they can then slip into a Christmas card or add them with other gifts.
The Alternative Christmas Market will be held on the 6th of December, a Saturday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and again Sunday morning, December 7th, from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Graham Memorial’s Mission Committee Chair, Richard Moore explains, “Each year for at least the last 20 years, Graham Memorial has hosted a market to raise funds for local and international missions. The Alternative Christmas Market is a festive occasion held in our parish hall which will be decorated for Christmas.”
Finger food on will be served at the Saturday evening event, and pastries will be served at the Sunday morning event, along with beverages for the Alternative Christmas Market shopper. Purchases can be paid for with cash, check or credit card and 100% of funds go to the designated mission.
Left: Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church, Coronado
Local and International Ministries set to attend the event:
Angel Tree — A ministry of Prison Fellowship
“Every child has a story. For 2.7 million American children, that story is filled with the abandonment, loneliness and shame that come from having a mom or dad in prison. For many, it may also include following their parents down the same destructive road to incarceration. Angel Tree, a program of Prison Fellowship, reaches out to the children of inmates and their families with the love of Christ.”
Baja Presbyterian Missions
“Baja Presbyterian Missions promotes Christ’s message of hope in Baja California by raising money to plant Presbyterian missions and churches, purchase land and buildings, overseeing construction projects, and supplementing pastor salaries until church self-sufficiency.”
Cityteam International
“Founded as a downtown rescue mission in 1957, Cityteam now has operations in five urban centers in North America. In 1997 Cityteam launched an international division (Cityteam International) that now encompasses disciple making/church planting activities in more than 50 countries. The international division is part of a unified organization but is funded separately from the work in our North American urban centers.”
Military Outreach Ministries
“A Christian Service to all junior enlisted military families in gratitude for their service. This outreach provides a practical way to lift some of the burdens on our military families and a meaningful way to say thank you for their sacrifices in service to our country. Your donations and participation as volunteers make it possible. We serve families of all faiths.”
Presbyterian Urban Ministries (PUM)
“PUM ministers to the poor and homeless in urban San Diego, providing prayer and counseling, identification documents, food and clothing, employment referrals, transportation assistance, tools and work boots to needy people since 1968. This special ministry provides a HAND UP to the less fortunate in the name of Jesus Christ”
World Vision
“World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children, families, and communities world-wide reach their full potential by tackling poverty and injustice. They help to transform the lives of the poorest children and families through nutrition and safe drinking water programs, poverty relief and community development programs, disaster assistance, and more. People who sponsor a child affect the whole family and the community through their interest and monthly contribution.”
For more information about the Alternative Christmas Market event, phone Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church on Ph: 619 435 6860 or send the church an email here. Alternatively, people can visit the Alternative Christmas Market website here, peruse the extensive ACM gift catalogue and purchase a “world-changing” gift online.
Image Credit: Alternative Christmas Market
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Siobhan Bailie
Staff Writer
