Crafty Christmas Conventions at St. Andrews
By Ayen Riak
Holiday pride and joy were restored with the resurgence of St. Andrew’s Annual Christmas Craft Sale. A great number of attendees and merchants contributed to its blissful turnout. The event’s coordinator and church congregate, Central’s very own, Lisa Veer, spearheaded the events proceedings and gave insight as to what her aspirations were coming into this event. “I just want the vendors to do well, and bring a lot of people through our church doors.” As we spoke, Lisa revealed to me this was her third year leading the sale. Having been deprived, two years prior, of gathering due to Covid restrictions, Lisa felt ready to return to old traditions. Fifty-three vendors, dawning from all over Saskatchewan, came to sell a wide range of products: Food, wood works, cosmetics, astrological items, chocolate creations, quilts, and Christmas décor, just to name a few. When asked what new elements were added to this event, Lisa spoke of the sanctuary tour, which showcased their ministry and beautiful stained glass. “With the pandemic, we’ve been losing church members so we were hoping that a tour would persuade guests to come to a service at our church and become members.” Lisa implemented her own visions to the trade sale, inspired from European markets she visited. “When I was living in the Netherlands and Germany there were trade markets going on in the Medieval City Centre, and they were beautiful. I just loved the decorations and music, and put some of that into this sale today.” St. Andrew’s Church welcomes any new members into their community; you can find them on 60 Athabasca Street East.
