Through the month of November University Park United Methodist Church is teaming up with Advent Conspiracy to help us all slow down and experience a Christmas in a different way. Yes, the warm cookies and matching sweaters are great, but what does all the buying and busyness have to do with celebrating our Savior? How did Christmas turn into stuff, stress and debt? Christmas in meant to be celebrated, not regretted!

That's why we put together the UPUMC Mission Market, a unique shopping experience that makes Christmas giving more meaningful by providing items that support local and global causes. This Christmas, consider giving a different kind of gift, a gift that gives twice. Give your loved one a handmade piece of jewelry, an origami paper ornament, or fair trade chocolates! When you do, your gift helps someone in need – a hungry family, a Third World artisan, or a thirsty child who doesn't have access to safe drinking water.

Food will also be available for purchase from our friends at Lydia Patterson Institute, Christ's Foundry UMC and Agape memorial UMC Not Home Alone.

Tell your friends and family that you’ll be doing Christmas a little differently this year. Choose to spend less anxiety, energy, and money, and instead, give simply and meaningfully. Your giving can transform the world! Shop and eat Sundays, November 15 and 22, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and shop on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m.-noon, and Thursday, Nov. 19, noon-3 p.m.