Tuesday, April 7, 2020

April 2020 Work-At-Home Recap

This blog post, like everything else that has “changed” in our world due to COVID-19, will have to be adapted to fit the times.  We’ve learned new words and how to live with them like, “Social Distancing”, “Stay-At-Home”, “Quarantine”, “Online Meeting Apps”.  Some of us have stopped sewing quilts for Missions to work on the immediate need of making masks and maybe even gowns for medical personnel and also family and friends.  But what hasn’t changed is the servant heart of this group of women in Hope Quilter’s ministry!

We probably are experiencing some sadness and loneliness at not being able to meet for our April Hope Quilter’s weekend, let alone three weeks of no church services in a building together, but you are encouraged to check out the Church's website for all kinds of ways to connect.  It has been very therapeutic to read and hear the daily prayers, devotions and other inspiration from all of the church ministries. If you haven’t already discovered this new podcast, give it a listen.  It’s called, “Pastor Mike Drop”.  https://www.lutheranchurchofhope.org/pastor-mike-drop/  In one episode Pastor Mike interviewed newscasters Eric Hansen and Dan Winters.  Greatly encouraging to hear how it's their faith that is the basis for how they can handle these times when there is so much bad news to report.  Both gentlemen spoke about the need to report the truth.  And the most important truth in these times is that "it's NOT all bad news"!   It's so encouraging for these two newscasters to see story after story of the way Iowans are helping each other through this challenging time, and they're sharing those stories with us!  How can you not see God at work? 😀

As we adjust to our new normal we may feel very out-of-control at moments, but remember that God is ALWAYS in control.  This did not come as a big surprise to Him, and He is here for you; to comfort, to listen, to guide you.  Also, He gave us the gift of friendship and this is a very faithful and generous group and we'll be here for each other.  I (Cathy) have been the recipient of being reached out to and have reached out to others to check in with them and it’s amazing how much of a mood lifter that is!  Please, don’t hesitate to reach out if you could use help! 

May God bless you all!

Our PHOTOS page will look a bit different for the month of April!  There will be some quilt tops/finished quilts, there may be masks, and there are items being made to help out Freedom Blend Coffee which is an enterprise of Freedom for Youth.  Check it out!