Quilters Guild

The Quilters Guild is one of the oldest outreach ministries of Mount Calvary.  It was organized in 2009 by Barb Pifer who was inspired by a blessing-of-quilts service at her daughter’s church.  Barb wanted not only to establish an outreach ministry but also to provide an opportunity for the women of the church to come together to socialize while doing God’s work.  In this endeavor, Barb was assisted by Pat McKee who was an experienced and avid quilter and who designed a special set of altar paraments for the church, used each year during the blessing of the quilts in addition to other times. 

 

Barb is passionate about this ministry as she loves sewing and finds it relaxing.  Most importantly, her desire for service is modeled after her family tradition of service, a quality passed down by her ancestors.  She feels the Quilters Guild has been an outlet for unifying the women of the church while giving them the opportunity for personal outreach.  One of the wall hangings in Mount Calvary is especially meaningful to the women because it was made from pieces of old and worn paraments. 

 

Since its inception, the Quilters Guild has made over 700 quilts, fulfilling both a national and international mission.  The quilts from all the Lutheran churches in Virginia are gathered at the east coast warehouse in Maryland, are compressed and baled, and are then sent by the Lutheran World Relief to all parts of the world, including the United States, wherever there is the greatest need.  The sense of urgency has undoubtedly increased lately due to the increase in disasters, both natural are war-driven.  The members of the Guild feel their purpose is being fulfilled because they know that whoever gets a quilt is in a dire situation and the quilt will be appreciated. Because making the quilts is expensive, particularly for the batting and backs of the quilts, the Guild depends on donations. 

 

If you would like to become involved in this vital ministry, contact Barb Pifer.  The Guild meets from September through May on the second and fourth Thursday from 9:00 to 12:00 in the Mount Calvary Social Hall.