Some things aren't exactly what they seem to be.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church's upcoming event is a Christmas bazaar masquerading as an art show.

"I think (the event's atmosphere will) be a family vibe, whether you end up purchasing something or not," said Jennifer Mattson, who's been St. Thomas Episcopal Church's pastor for seven years. "Each of these artists has a different way to see the world. It's as much an art show as it is a bazaar. It's a great way to spend an afternoon before Christmas. I hope that people would experience a different world."

The church will present its inaugural Christmas Art Show and Craft and Food Market from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, within the church's sanctuary at 301 Saint Thomas Road, Lancaster. The fundraising event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

"One of the members of our congregation, Gary Davis, wanted to do something for the church," said Mattson. "So he donated 150 framed original drawings, and his only request was that it benefit our outreach program. We realized there were other folks in the congregation who had different gifts, so we came up with this idea. We are so excited to showcase the work of so many talented artists."

"It will be a place where you can experience and see love in action," Mattson continued. "I think all art is an expression of that creative spirit. Art is a way of God saying to us, 'There's something beautiful here.'"

In addition to Davis' drawings of nature, scenery and religious-themed topics, 10 additional vendors, artists and congregation members will make their creative works available for purchase, including Three Creek Boutique clothing, Anne Kempsell's hand-stitched bags and Riad Mitri's hand-carved Bethlehem olive wood. CDs featuring original Christmas music by Maria Corley will also be for sale. Some of the other items that will be highlighted include Christmas ornaments; jewelry like necklaces, prayer bracelets and earrings; knitted items; soups; and cookies.

The event's ambiance will be augmented by Christmas music, as well as free spiced cider and hot chocolate.

"For me, my favorite part is the love and joy I see in Gary, who's doing this to help others," said Mattson. "It's a beautiful thing to celebrate the joy of giving and giving back. The Christmas season is about the inbreeding of God's love into this world. It shows that God has a sense of our goodness. The Christmas season is about hope and receiving this light into this world."

Organizers of the church's original foray into the holiday season fundraising world hope the event will produce more than 100 attendees and nearly $10,000 in proceeds. Half of the funds raised by the event will benefit the church's outreach ministry, and the other half will go toward the church's general upkeep and maintenance.

Established in 1967, St. Thomas Episcopal Church has a role in the community today that is based on the work of its 125 active members.

"Our mission is love," said Mattson. "It's following the way of love as modeled by Jesus Christ. It was founded as a mission church, and there was love from the beginning. The congregation grew and thrived, and they were able to build the sanctuary where we are currently located."

For additional information about the church, go to http://www.stthomaslancaster.org.