This year, the event is schedule from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event was firs held in 2010.
ALLENTOWN — The Allentown Presbyterian Church will again host the Advent Village, an opportunity for the greater Allentown community to participate in an alternative experience to commercial Christmas shopping which creates awareness of and benefits the missions of the church.
This year, the event is schedule from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sautrday, Dec. 7. The event was firs held in 2010.
Gifts purchased at the Advent Village will benefit the lives of people who are in need, in the name of a loved one, fulfilling the church’s call to care for the members of the family of Jesus Christ.
Mission team representatives determine creative ways to sell products or services, which directly benefit those whom the mission team serves. Buyers receive Advent Village Christmas gift cards which explain the purchase made and the beneficiary of the gift.
Among the church missions represented at this year’s village will be the Allentown Food Pantry, Allentown Good Neighbor Fund, Crossroads Youth Ministry, HomeFront, Guatemala and Villages in Partnership (Africa mission).
For the annual event, the hallway of the church’s education building is transformed into a Victorian village complete with Dickensian storefronts. The patrons visit six stores filled with friendly and knowledgeable “owners” who offer explanations and creative displays of their work in the various mission fields. Also at the event, a potpourri of entertainment will be presented, including youth and adult choirs as well as other local talent.In addition, the event again will feature delicious and varied homemade breakfast. lunch, and dessert options at the “Ye Olde APC Café.” Food is donated and prepared by volunteers, allowing the café to donate 100 percent of proceeds to the various church missions.
In the three years the church has held the event over $63,000 has been raised.
For more information, concact Maureen Harshman, chair of the village committee and director of Children and Family Ministries at 609-259-7289.