Hello everyone,

As the season has been shifting, we have been busy on the farm, collecting leaves, protecting perennials, finishing up the garlic planting, weaving rugs and MAKING ADVENT CANDLES. Our Candles are looking beautiful and we have a lot of sets made already. This year, we are going to be participating in a number of Holiday Markets, starting tomorrow in Des Moines at an alternative gift market. Besides our advent candles, we will be selling a number of other crafts (more info below and on our website Mustard Seed Community Farm (mustardseedfarm.org)) and plants to raise funds for the farm's future work of growing and sharing food.

HOLIDAY MARKET SCHEDULE 2023

Sunday Nov 11. 12-2pm, Alternative Gift Market in Des Moines. WHAT: Des Moines Intentional Eucharistic Community Alternative Gift Market
WHERE: 3306 University Ave., Des Moines
WHEN: Sunday, November 12, Noon-2 p.m.

Saturday Nov 18, HOliday Farmers' Market, Sweet Caroline's event room, Main st. Ames, 10 am- 2 pm

Saturday Nov. 18 & 19 St. Cecilia Christmas Market on November 18 (4:30 – 6:30) & Sunday, November 19 (9 – 12:30). Ames

Sunday Dec. 3 12-6pm, HOliday Market, Prairie Moon Winery Ames, https://www.beautifullandmarket.com/

(a little note from alice about confused feelings about selling gifts)
I'm excited to try selling at these markets this year, but also have reservations about encouraging capitalist values around the holidays. Gift giving is lovely and fun, but not if it's overwhelming, obligatory, stressful, and consumerist. So these markets are a new experiment this year. The things we are selling are made by our team, with love - functional items that bring beauty into everyday life. But I also know that I can embrace the spirit of love, generosity, community, peace, and joy without buying or selling more things (like by singing songs together!!). So yes, we are going to try these holiday markets, and hopefully keep our hearts centered in our values of an economy based on cooperation and generosity instead of competition and acquisition.

ADVENT CANDLES - $20/set of 4 candles: hand dipped with love from recycled liturgical candles and other candle stubs. Can't make it to a market but still want candles??? email outreach.mustardseed@gmail.com

POTTERY
GARLIC
CRAFTS - rag rugs, hand spun yarn, other fiber crafts
T-SHIRTS
SUCCULENT PLANTS
(possibly jewelry, greeting cards, alternative gift cards, quilts?? We haven't figured it all out yet.)

peace,
alice mcgary
Mustard Seed Community Farm (mustardseedfarm.org)
mustard seed community farm
978-471-8414