November 2-4, 2012
The community will have an opportunity to support missions and do some Christmas shopping.
A purchase from this Alternative Gifts Fair gives twice, once to the mission and once to the recipient of the gift. This is not a fundraiser for First UMC-Denton, but rather an opportunity to support missions that are badly in need of funds. All money collected will go directly to the mission. There are a variety of missions both local and global. Featured items include loomed textiles, jewelry, ceramics, basketry, stationery, woodworking, watercolors, nativities, stained glass, garden stepping stones, handmade crosses, photography, fair trade food items, books, toys, weaving, sewing, and much more. Shop early as many booths will have one-of-a-kind items. Below is a list of missions and outreach organizations that will have booths at the fair.
HEIFER Project International – For 65 years Heifer’s approach has helped people obtain and sustain a food source and income by the purchase of animals. With gifts of livestock and training, families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable way. The animals are considered ‘living loans’ because in exchange for their livestock they agree to give one of the animal’s offspring to another family in need. Make a donation to Heifer to maintain the tradition of an ARK purchase by First UMC-Denton. Read more about Heifer International . . .
TEN THOUSAND VILLAGEs - Gifts of quality improving quality of life. Shop the exquisite collection of handmade gifts, home décor, musical instruments, jewelry, pottery, toys, baskets, personal accessories and much more. Help skilled artisans in 38 countries receive a fair price for their products. Read more about Ten Thousand Villages . . .
SERRV – For over 60 years, SERRV has worked to eradicate poverty through direct connection with low-income artisans and farmers. Featured products include home décor, jewelry, books, woodworking, textiles and fair trade food products. Make a purchase at this booth to help build a sustainable lifestyle for those in need. Read more about SERRV . . .
RUSSIAN INITIATIVE, SARATOV, RUSSIA – This is the third year Saratov has participated in the Alternative Gifts Fair. Featured again this year will be the artwork of the pastor, Tatyana Molodyk, on greeting cards. The ladies of Saratov UMC made linen towels and cosmetic bags from traditional Russian tapestry to be sold at the Fair. In addition First UMC-Denton Mission Team returned from Saratov with Russian made goods available for purchase. Your purchases will help them move toward self-sufficiency. Read more about the Russian Initiative . . .
BILL CROUCH Community GARDEN – The Bill Crouch Community Garden is First UMC-Denton’s effort to build community through the common task of growing nutritious food for distribution to the hungry in Denton. The Garden features 10 raised beds tended by Sunday School classes, the children’s programs, church youth, and individual members. Bill Crouch Gardeners make weekly produce deliveries to Our Daily Bread. This spring, the Garden yielded an abundance of beans, cucumbers, carrots, chard, cabbage, kale, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, radishes and tomatoes. Plans are moving ahead for the fall. Read more about the Bill Crouch Community Garden . . .
HOPE, INC. – Hope, Inc. is a Denton based non-profit organization that assists people who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless and have the ability and the desire to help themselves establish and maintain self-reliance and self- sufficiency. A purchase at this booth will help provide financial aid for, but not limited to, rent, utilities, food, medical needs, transportation and clothing for those in need. Read more about Hope, Inc . . .
CHILDREN’S DAY OUT – CDO is an extension of the ministry of First UMC-Denton, serving the entire Denton community. It provides pre-school experience and full-time daycare for infants through age 4. The children are providing artwork for sale at the AGF with proceeds going to support their programs. Read more about Children’s Day Out . . .
FIRST MEAL – First UMC-Denton’s own youth, Drew Marshall, began this mission. First Meal is a free breakfast each Sunday morning in Monroe Gym for whomever walks through the doors. A donation to this booth will be used to purchase food items. Read more about First Meal . . .
INTERFAITH MINISTRIES OF DENTON - Interfaith Ministries seeks to provide short-term emergency assistance to people of northern Denton County with the goal of helping those people become self-sufficient. With your help, they were able to assist 1300 families last year. Stop by this booth to learn more and make a donation. Read more about Interfaith Ministries . . .
FUN STOP After School Program - FunStop is a Christian ministry of First UMC-Denton, providing after school care for children in K-5. Artwork supplied by the students will be for sale with proceeds being used to enhance the program. Read more about FunStop . . .
GUATEMALA - This summer a team from First-Denton went to Guatemala to work for the Organization of the Indigenous Maya in Guatemala. They returned with beautiful works, including earrings made by children of San Pedro, and textiles woven on backstrap traditional looms and dyed from natural dyes made from plants and insects grown and gathered around Lake Atitlan. All will be for sale with proceeds supporting the Guatemala mission. Read more about the Guatemala mission . . .
OUR DAILY BREAD - ODB is a community soup kitchen that serves free lunch Monday through Friday to the hungry and homeless in Denton. They are dependent on gifts of time, talent and generosity, so stop by their booth to respond to this need. With the purchase of a ‘share’ you will receive straw weaving appropriate for decorating a tree. Read more about Our Daily Bread . . .
RED BIRD MISSION – Red Bird Mission, an institution of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, has been providing ministries to the Appalachian region since 1921. In recent years there has been a decline in support, and they are facing a financial crisis. By purchasing some of their crafts, including woodworking, notecards, toys, jewelry, etc., they will be able to maintain the ministry without cutting vital programs. Read more about Red Bird Mission . . .
DENTON WESLEY FOUNDATION – The purpose of the DWF is to serve the spiritual needs of all college students in Denton. Its daily activities help students grow in faith. Purchases or donations at this booth will help with cost of a mission trip to Honduras in January. Read more about the Denton Wesley Foundation . . .
First UMC-Denton LIBRARY- The library will have many new books for sale for both children and adults. These will make wonderful Christmas gifts or just good reading for your selves. Used books and videos will also be for sale. All proceeds will be used to purchase new books, DVD’s, etc. for the Library. Read more about FUMC-Denton Library . . .
First UMC-Denton YOUTH - The youth are continually learning about missions and support of missions. They are sponsoring a booth with proceeds going to Heifer. During the summer months the youth Sunday School classes made items to sell. Your support will help them help others. Read more about FUMC-Denton Youth . . .
CONGREGATIONAL ARTISANS – This booth will feature a collection of donations made by members of the First UMC-Denton congregation. The collection includes artwork, photography, sewing, woodworking, stained glass, garden stepping stone, jewelry and much more. Most items are one of a kind so shopping early is a must!! Proceeds will go to Heifer.
WOMEN CHILD CARE SOCIETY – WCCS , located in Bethlehem, works to help the Palestinian’s economy. Marilyn King works directly with them to import and sell nativities, angels, crosses and more made from olive wood. Proceeds will provide assistance to schools and refugee camps in Bethlehem. Read more about Women Child Care Society . . .