Susan Marquis, campus pastor, with handmade gift ideas in the Bridgewood Church Christmas Story Experience marketplace. Photos by Phil Custodio

BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
The Christmas Story Experience at Bridgewood Church on M-15 offers gift ideas helping people locally and worldwide.
“We are so excited for the Christmas season at Bridgewood Church,” said Susan Marquis, campus pastor. “Christmas is about giving and the entire gallery has been transformed into a marketplace where you can buy Christmas gifts for a cause.”
The market is offering Monte Real coffee and merchandise for Hope International, a Christian non-profit charity providing free medical care, aid, disaster relief, and ministry; soap, lip and body balms, honey, and other items from Dutton Farms, non-profit group offering employment opportunities to individuals with mental, physical, and emotional impairments; Bold Venture Coffee, supporting the Engage Your Destiny ministry for veterans; handmade jewelry and home decorations for Living Waters; jewelry and inspirational signs for Power Company Kids Club; as well as items for The Warriors Journey, serving veterans, active service members, and their families with guidance, support, and resources; and Key of Hope.
The market, with hot chocolate by an outdoor fire, Christmas tree, and activities for the kids, is part of a month-long program celebrating the Christmas season.
Each week focuses on one part of Jesus’ life and ministry, starting with a manger scene the first week; Jesus healing the sick during week two; and a Crucifixion scene in week three.
“On Christmas Eve, we’ll bring it all together in a powerful, creative way,” Marquis said.
Christmas Story Experience includes Sunday services at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.; and marketplace on Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All proceeds go to the charities and non-profit groups.
Bridgewood’s Christmas Story Express, a drive-through program outside the church, was not held this year so they could help VisionPointe Church in Otisville launch their outdoor program.
Christmas Story Express will return next year, Marquis said.
For more information, call 248-625-1344.