Advent Mission Market brings springtime to winter!
When it comes to aromas, Advent and Christmastime are usually linked with the unmistakable scents of cinnamon, spice, and pine trees.
But for many DPC members, the chilly months have become infused with the not-so-seasonal, but no less appealing, smells of roasted pork, cabbage, and Asian chili pepper.
In this church family, winter brings spring. Spring rolls, to be precise.
Each year, going on a decade now, church member Peggy Moore has prepared hundreds of these delectable treats, which she sells through DPC’s annual Advent Mission Market. She was frying up a storm in the Andrews Hall kitchen recently preparing a large batch.
The Advent Mission Market, which is fully online this year, offers a variety of different products, most purchased as Christmas gifts, with proceeds going to various charitable causes.
“I really hope people give it a try online,” said Peggy, “I know it’s not the same as being in-person on the Bridge, but hopefully we can get back to that next year. It’s always fun.”
She is taking a conservative approach to her cooking this year, offering only 300 spring rolls for sale – as opposed to other years when she whipped up as many as 800. As of this week, nearly half have already been claimed.
Ten years ago, after Peggy and husband Michael took their adopted daughter Virginia Noelle Thuong Moore on a trip to visit her native country of Vietnam, she became inspired to come up with her own recipe for Vietnamese spring rolls.
“(DPC member) Marty Starner suggested that I sell them at the mission market. I made 100 that year and they sold out,” said Peggy.
A self-described “worker bee,” Peggy has served in numerous roles within the church over the years. She is currently a Deacon and a member of the Mission Committee and takes part in a weekly Bible study group.
Getting involved in DPC’s community outreach efforts, activities, and committees is always fulfilling, on several levels, Peggy says.
“There’s something for everyone. You really can be involved to the level of commitment you are comfortable with – which generally grows over time,” she explained. “There are ways of just helping a little – like volunteering for a food drive – but then you get to know people and might expand into other areas in the future. But it’s always up to you!”