Women's Quilting and Fellowship
Throughout the months of January and February, the women of St. Peter gathered two days a week for quilting and fellowship. In that time, over 250 quilts were created. Wow! What a testament to the infinite potential when God is combined with a group of ready hands.
We applaud these women for the work they have accomplished this spring: Marge O’Brien, Elna Clikeman, Ione Hildebrand, Brenda Rickart, Margaret Johnson, Donna Spratt, Ramona Schafer, Marvel Landers, Mary Kock, Luella Miller, Lyna Miller, Mildred Deike, Caroline Menken, Marjorie Butzlaff, Ruth Wunsch, Evelyn Van Raden, Marlene Rogers, Kathryn Cassman, Joni Meek, Irene Landers, Irene Stanbrough, Lois Eliasen
On Sunday, March 19th the quilts were dedicated during our morning worship. They colorfully adorned the pews in both the sanctuary and fellowship hall. During the service, Pastor Hatcher gave a brief presentation on all the ways these quilts would change lives around the world.
So where did they go?
200 quilts were packaged and sent to Lutheran World Relief. This organization is particularly special because it reaches out to people in need around the globe. For instance, LWR was there to offer quilts and medicine for the survivors of the recent Pakistani Earthquake. Additionally, they are shelter from the hot sun or warmth on a cold night to families in African countries. Others use them as a backpack to carry belongings or even children when people are displaced by war or natural disasters such as the devastating tsunami of 2004. Additionally, 30 Layettes, 37 school kits, and 30 health kits were packaged and sent to LWR as well.
On a closer note, did you know that Lutheran World Relief provided quilts and personal kits for victims of hurricane Katrina and Rita? A shipment of health kits was sent to Lutheran Disaster Response as quickly as two days after the disaster. Further yet, quilts, health kits and school kits have continued to be sent to the areas along the entire Gulf Coast. Essential items went to Houston, Texas and both Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi. Currently, the school kits are providing school supplies for over 4,500 displaced children and almost 7,000 health kits have helped people maintain personal hygiene.
But that’s not all!
50 quilts were donated to the Bremwood Children’s Home in Waverly, IA. This place is also extraordinary in their efforts to reach children of all ages who have no where else to turn. Along with food, shelter, and education, a quilt is one of the first items a child just arriving at Bremwood is offered. Often, this article of comfort is all the child has to call his/her own.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
The family of St. Peter is very proud of the work our women are doing to aid ministry within our community and abroad. Using talents such as sewing, tying, packing and driving are wonderful ways to spread the love of Jesus Christ.
How can YOU get involved?
- You can join us! More hands are always welcomed. Watch the website or newsletter for chances to quilt this summer as we will be making blankets for a local group to take and distribute during a service trip to Biloxi, MS.
- If you can’t sew, that’s ok. Perhaps you have some old clothes, sheets, or scrap material lying around that would make perfect quilt pieces? Put them in a large garbage bag, phone the church office (641) 816-5531 and arrange a time to drop it off. After all without fabric – there could be no quilts!
- If you are saying, “I can’t sew and I’m not close enough to donate material, but I still really want to help. Is there anything else I can do?” Absolutely! Lutheran World Relief is able to do what they do in large part because of the funding they receive from people just like you. There are shipping fees, transportation fees, etc that are necessary to get the quilts, clothes, food, kits, and volunteers to the people needing them so desperately. Whether you give $5.00 or $500, your contribution is guaranteed to be part of a life-changing ministry. Making a financial contribution to Lutheran World Relief is a wonderful way to share the bounty God has given you and perpetuate the line of blessing. If this is a way in which you would like to help, you can send your personal check or money order to:
St. Peter Lutheran Church
ATTN: Lutheran World Relief
324 East Traer
Greene, IA 50636
