Wow, it's been a great year. Reflecting on the experiences we've shared this past year, there is much to be thankful for. We respectfully adjusted as necessary to stay safe from the COVID risk. While it seemed slow and frustrating at times, we still managed to be here for each other, for those that we serve, and those who our quilts keep warm. Hoping each and every month everyone felt uplifted after being together!
At the end of this year, here's a reminder of the good work you've done. This year we've donated 274 items to the missions of the church. This includes our new endeavor of making lap blankets and walker bags for the Care Ministry team to share with shut-ins. Quilts we donated raised around $4500 at Riverside and Okoboji Bible Camp quilt auctions. This money goes for their camp programs. We found a great way to use heavy fabrics (unsuitable for quilts) making pet beds, stuffing them with our scraps rather than having them end up in the trash. The ARL and A-Heinz57 have been very grateful. It's always a good feeling to find new outlets for our work ❤ and to see nothing go to waste.
We have found a place for our sewing machine donations from Georgia. We will donate them to the Des Moines Refugee Support group who is helping 'foster' the Afghan refugees who are relocating to our area. Besides a new machine, we will include a sewing basket of notions to go with them. We'll assemble this at our January meeting. We're looking for things for garment sewing, not quilting. We'll collect anything you have to share and then do some shopping to finish out the donation.
There were praises for answered prayers ❤ and there were many prayer concerns mentioned. God is so good. He has filled the heart of each Hope Quilter with compassion and love towards those who are hurting and struggling during this season, and they uphold each other and encourage one another during the more difficult times in our lives. It's a blessing to see God's love in action.
Finally, a quick reminder that the retreat is next month! Thursday thru Saturday, Jan 20-22 is our next retreat at Waukee.
In closing, an invitation is extended to all of you to come experience Journey to the Light at the WDM campus. See dates and times in the link provided. This is a wonderful light display that tells the Christmas Story in a beautiful way! Prayers everyone stays healthy and can enjoy time with family during the rest of this Christmas season and into the New Year.
PHOTOS of all the items made that will hopefully be a blessing to many!
