German Christmas Market Planned

Among the more than 40 items Lavinia Zimmerman has helped gather for the auction portion of the 2021 German Christmas Market and Auction are an "authentic German spinning Christmas pyramid and a German mug."

This year's fundraiser will wish attendees an early "frohe Weihnachten" ("merry Christmas") when it is held at Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community, 210 Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl, Saturday, Nov. 20. A craft and vendor show with more than 15 stands will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At 4 p.m., German-style food will be available for purchase, and the live auction will start at 5 p.m.

Among the crafters will be those selling clothing, prayer pillows, and more. Home-based business vendors will include Tupperware, Norwex, and Tastefully Simple.

The event is known for featuring food items associated with Germany such as sausage sandwiches and sauerkraut, along with hot dogs, soft pretzels, and apples and dip. Spiced cider and coffee will be served. "We are having mock mulled wine, also known as Christmas punch, which is served warm," noted Lavinia, who added that a sweet and savory side dish made of red cabbage will also be served.

Live auction items will include homemade crafts, outdoor furniture, a rag quilt, home decor, jewelry, gift baskets, gift certificates, German chocolate, and specialty dinners.

Funds raised by the event will benefit the Weaver Family Outreach in Germany. The Weavers - Darrel, Miriam, and their two daughters - are located in Halle, which was once part of East Germany. There, they often work with immigrants, helping them to come to know Christ. During 2021, eight people came to Christ and were baptized by the ministry. In addition, Darrel is involved in a prayer ministry called Isaiah 61, and he recently became a religion teacher at a German public school, where he has organized a student prayer group. More information is available by searching for "Weaver Family Outreach in Germany" on Facebook or by visiting http://www.emm.org and searching for "Darrel and Miriam."