Colleen Shannon Connects Our Church to Global Communities Through the Mission Market

At this week’s Worshipful Wednesday, Colleen Shannon invited us to taste and learn from the Mission Market. Guests filled plates with samples of fair-trade foods—organic chocolates, breads with olive oils and vinegars—while Colleen explained what fair trade means. Unlike conventional systems that often prioritize profit over people, fair trade ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits for the wider community.

She shared the Mission Market’s history at FPC, beginning in 2001 when youth sold fair-trade coffee under Associate Pastor Wendy Neff. Today, the Commons store is supplied by organizations like Equal Exchange, Ten Thousand Villages, and SERRV, with proceeds supporting women’s and children’s programs in Congo.

Stories of the people behind the products were the highlight of the evening. Photos and videos introduced us to soap makers in India, olive oil producers in Palestine and Israel, cacao and coffee farmers in South America and Africa, tea farmers in South Africa, artisans in Haiti, pecan growers in Georgia, and many more. Each story reminded us that every purchase is a way of supporting dignity and hope.

We are deeply grateful to Colleen for her faithful leadership of the Mission Market and for offering such an impactful presentation. Her work connects our congregation to communities around the world and shows how justice can grow through everyday choices. The Mission Market is open Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings—come shop and be part of this story.