Covenant Presbyterian Church's Annual Global Gift Market Expands to Two Days: Sundays, Dec. 7 & 14

On Sunday, Dec. 7 and 14, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Buckhead (www.covenantpresbyterian.us) will host its annual Global Gift Market in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Beautiful, hand-crafted gifts from Haiti and around the world will be offered for sale, along with gift cards and fair trade food products and baskets. In addition, women served by Thistle Farms in Nashville, Tenn. will offer natural body care products. The Global Gift Market will be open to the public from noon – 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 and noon – 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. Proceeds from the Global Gift Market will support the efforts of Ten Thousand Villages (www.tenthousandvillages.com) and the LaGonave Haiti Partnership (http://lagonavepartners.org/).

“Every year this event grows in scope and popularity,” said Jill Ulrici, associate pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church. “Co-chairs Delicia Grimmesey and Heidi Squires 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. We’ll also have fair trade food products from organizations like the Presbyterian Coffee Project, which sells coffee, cocoa and chocolate bars. Proceeds from the Market will benefit these organizations as well as our congregation’s mission work in Haiti. It’s a wonderful way to showcase and support the work the various organizations are doing to better the lives of people both in our community and across the globe,” she said.

On Dec. 7, shoppers are invited to enjoy a concert by the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus in the sanctuary of Covenant Presbyterian Church. The Chorus will present selections from its 34th annual holiday concert, “Tied Up With Strings” from 2-3 p.m. with no intermission. Tickets are $30 and will be available at the door.

“The concert will offer traditional Christmas carols along with fun, up-tempo holiday favorites,” said Jeffrey McIntyre, director of music at Covenant Presbyterian Church, and founder of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus. “There’s no better way to enjoy the spirit of the season than hearing one of the best men’s choruses in town, and this performance is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.”

Shoppers will enjoy free hot apple cider and cookies on both Sundays, and are encouraged to stay for the popular service of Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.

“Lessons and Carols is 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,” said Dr. Ernie Hess, senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian. “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.”

Covenant Presbyterian Church is located at 2461 Peachtree Road in the heart of Buckhead. Free parking is available 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 more than 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