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Market grows out of talent within Ludowici church
Santa stopped by his workstation at the Winter Market to take some photos and hand out some toys and candy to children.
Santa stopped by his workstation at the Winter Market to take photos, and hand out toys and candy to children. - photo by Photo by Tiffany King

The first Winter Market was at the Econo Lodge on Dec.19, hosted by C-A-Sermon Productions.

The company is based out of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Ludowici. Stephanie Berry, market coordinator, said C-A-Sermon Productions started as a mime ministry under Sean Brewton called C-A-Sermon Ministries. Members of her church decided to bring all of their talents together and go under the umbrella of C-A-Sermon Productions.

“Not only are we ministering but we have other avenues, like event planning, photography and things of that nature,” Berry said. “We want to use our gifts for ministering outside of the walls of the church. We thought that doing a Winter Market will be great for fellowship, fundraising and giving others the opportunity to share their gifts and their business.”

She said money raised will go toward providing free programs. The Winter Market featured a hot chocolate bar, snowflake ornaments to decorate the tree with a dollar donation and Santa’s workstation. Children took photos with Santa and the first 100 children were able to receive a stocking with toys and candy, sponsored by B&B Handyman Services.

Berry saw the Econo Lodge as a great central location.

“We wanted to also have an outreach here in the heart of Hinesville. My husband and I live in Richmond Hill and our church is in Ludowici, so Hinesville is the center.”

Berry is originally from Hinesville and she took advantage of getting the word out about the Winter Market through friends and family.

There were a variety of vendors, such as books, homemade sugar scrubs, flower arrangements, Mary Kay products, skin and nail care products, pastries, jewelry, monogrammed items, candles and wax, photography, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and African attire.
Vendors and attendees also watched Brewton perform a mime dance.

Berry said, “We would like to make this an annual event. We just wanted to do something that we thought would be fun.”

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