QUILTING MINISTRY

If you were in church Oct. 21/22, you noticed a lot of quilts displayed over the pews. This output is from October only and will go to Simpson House, along with warm knit scarves, mittens and stocking caps, toiletries, and beautiful tote bags for female homeless to carry in lieu of a black garbage bag.

You may have noticed a couple of quilts that seemed as if they were made from men’s ties. That’s because they were! Darlene Soderlind graciously donated her deceased husband’s ties for us to make into quilts for homeless men. When we get fabric donated, it’s usually pink floral or yellow floral, so it was a real treat to get men’s neckties to make into quilts. Hopefully, some homeless man will remember better days, or days when he was a child and remembered his father or grandfather dressed up for church in a suit, shirt and tie. The pastel “shirt fronts” were leftover pieces from sheets that we use to back the quilts with. Darlene’s ties made two quilts, and we scoured some thrift shops and mentioned to people who have ties in their closets that don’t get worn any more, that we’d love to make more of these quilts for homeless men. So if you have some ties gathering dust, just put them in the quilter’s bin in the entry, and we’ll make them into quilts for homeless guys.

We can use more yarn also, as we try to ratchet up our donations of knit scarves, mittens and hats with colder weather approaching. Otherwise, we’re pretty set to keep plugging away and assume we’ll reach our usual goal of 1,000 quilts for the homeless in the metro area again this year. One of our long-time members who now quilts in heaven, Betty Renner, used to refer to this women’s ministry as a “joyful ministry.” If you have time, could use a friend or two, or want to do something for the homeless, we tie knots (no quilting or sewing skills are necessary). We meet in the Undercroft from 9:00am-3:00pm the first three Thursdays of each month. You are welcome to join us whenever you are able. If you wonder about visiting or joining us but have questions, just call me at 952-442-1105.