Covenant Presbyterian Church Hosts Annual Global Gift Market Dec. 9

On Sunday, Dec. 9, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Buckhead (www.covenantpresbyterian.us) will host its annual Global Gift Market in the church’s Fellowship Hall from 1-5:30 p.m.  Beautiful, hand-crafted gifts from around the world will be offered for sale, along with gift cards and fair trade food products and baskets.  Proceeds from the sale will support the efforts of Ten Thousand Villages (www.tenthousandvillages.com), the LaGonave Haiti Partnership (http://lagonavepartners.org/), the Presbyterian Coffee Project (http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/enough/presbyterian-coffee-project/) and Ties that Matter (www.tiesthatmatter.org).

“This is the sixth year our Congregational Life Committee has offered this market to Atlanta,” said Jill Ulrici, associate pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church.  “The committee and this year’s event chair, Lynn Linnen, will bring in amazing jewelry, home décor, art, textiles and more from Ten Thousand Villages, which is one of the world’s largest fair trade organizations representing the diverse cultures of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.  Atlanta-based Ties That Matter will offer beautifully crafted dolls and bags created by Haitian women from recycled and donated neckties.  We’ll also have fair trade food products from organizations like the Presbyterian Coffee Project, which sells coffee, cocoa and chocolate bars.  Proceeds will benefit these organizations as well as our mission work in Haiti.  It’s a wonderful way for people to buy unique gifts and have their money directly support artisans and communities in third world countries across the globe,” she said.

Shoppers will enjoy free hot apple cider and cookies, and are encouraged to stay for the Chili Supper, immediately following the Market at 5:30 p.m.  The cost for the supper is $6 per person (free for children 6 and under), and includes freshly-made chili, salad, bread and dessert.  The evening concludes with the service of Lessons and Carols at 6:30 p.m.

“Lessons and Carols is one of our most popular holiday worship services,” said Dr. Ernie Hess, senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian.  “It’s a celebration of the Christmas season with many of the beautiful Christmas carols and well-known scripture verses we know and love, presented by our choir and organist, Jeffrey McIntyre.  We welcome all visitors into the sanctuary to join us for this special evening and hope they will enjoy the music and the chance for spiritual reflection in what can be a very hectic time of year.”

Free parking for The Alternative Gift Market, Chili Supper and Service of Lessons and Carols is on the top deck of the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, immediately south of the church. 

About Covenant Presbyterian Church

For nearly a century, Covenant Presbyterian Church has served the city of Atlanta through its mission of “Equipping the people of God to serve Christ in the world”.  The church is a member of Presbyterian Church (USA) and is led by Dr. Ernie Hess, senior pastor, and Dr. Jill Ulrici, associate pastor.  Covenant Presbyterian Church opened its doors in downtown Atlanta in 1904 as Harris Presbyterian Church.  Twenty years later, the church community moved to its present location at 2461 Peachtree Road in Buckhead, where it holds Sunday morning and evening worship services.

Today, Covenant is home to a welcoming congregation that seeks, serves and celebrates together.  The church boasts a lively youth group, hands-on mission work, a women’s spirituality ministry and a strong music program, as well as offering public lectures, social events, educational opportunities and more.  Currently, the church supports numerous organizations including Buckhead Christian Ministry, the Central Night Shelter, ChildSpring International, Habitat for Humanity, The Open Door Community, Earth Covenant Ministry and Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta.  Covenant also takes a leadership role in the LaGonave Haiti Partners, a 20-year partnership with the Episcopal Church of Haiti. Ongoing Haiti projects include a community health center, as well as programs for education, agriculture, adult literacy and children’s nutrition.  www.covenantpresbyterian.us