Advent Day 2: Glasgow Church In The Market To Help Local Businesses Spread Christmas Cheer
(from www.churchofscotland.org.uk)
A Glasgow church is helping local people make their Christmas cash go further and providing businesses with a new festive outlet.
Patrick South Parish Church is joining forces with independent houseplant store Green Living Glasgow to host a Christmas Pop-up Market this Friday and Saturday, 2nd and 3rd December, to showcase local produce and products, festive crafts and other seasonal goodies, including Christmas trees.
Partick South minister, Rev Andy McIntyre stepped in to offer the use of the church after the established pop-up market lost its usual venue over rising costs.
The aim is to support local traders who cannot afford their own shop, but want a space where they can sell directly to the public.
"The idea is that independent local traders, who are having a hard time with the cost of living as we all are, can be offered a space at a much reduced cost," Mr McIntyre explained.
"At the same time, it allows us to promote our church and its place in the community. We have space, and they don't. They have goods, and we don't, so it works for us."
Early feedback from the local community suggests Partick residents are also behind the initiative and Mr McIntyre expects the two-day market to be busy.
"They see it as supporting the community," he said.
"There will be local handcrafted gifts and produce. There's going to be some seasonal food there. We've also got someone who is bringing real Christmas trees and wreaths.
"It is a whole host of things which are independent and local and give the stallholders a wee chance to make some money before Christmas."
Local people supporting their local economy
If the market is as successful as hoped, Partick South and Green Living Glasgow's Jordan Traynor could hold similar events at other times of the year.
"That way we are keeping the money in the local community rather than giving it to big businesses," Mr McIntyre added.
"It's local people doing local things to help the local economy. Many of the businesses seem to be pretty eco-friendly too, so that is another element."
In turn, local people will be able to pick up often one-of-a-kind gifts at bargain prices.
The church will have a stall of its own, promoting not only its regular services, but other Christmas activities. These include a Christmas concert by community choir Vocal Dynamics on Friday evening, its popular Carols by Candlelight service on Sunday, 18th December, and its Christmas Eve community Christmas lunch with pizza, curry and chips replacing the traditional turkey.
Importantly the pop-up market will also help members of the congregation, who will be dispensing free teas, coffees and seasonal mince pies, with an opportunity to get to know and chat to the wider local community.
Mr McIntyre said: "We already have a good name in the community, but this is a chance to raise the profile of the church a wee bit higher and say we are here and happy to work with local businesses and others."
Partick South is already a busy church, Mr McIntyre explained, and by investing in people it has developed a thriving baby and toddler group used by up to 30 families each week, and a free Sunday afternoon café aimed at those in homeless accommodation. The church also hosts Broken Voices, which supports those with mental health conditions, individuals in recovery and others.
Its latest initiative is its Warm Welcome Thursday, opening up a warm space and a warming meal to anyone struggling with fuel bills.
"We are great promoters of good ideas. If anyone has a good idea, we encourage them to go for it," Mr McIntyre said.
"But it has to be something the community needs and helps solve a problem."
The Green Living Glasgow Christmas Pop-up Market will take place at Partick South Parish Church, Dumbarton Roa, Glasgow, form 11am to 6pm on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December.