Photos: Prayer Shawl and Quilt Ministry Workshop Jan. 23
A joint workshop of St. Matthew’s Prayer Shawl & Quilt Ministries was held Saturday, Jan. 23. The workshop is an annual gathering open to all members, friends and family focusing on the needs of those seeking healing and warmth. Much was accomplished with busy hands and loving hearts.

The two groups met together with our opening guest, St. Matthew’s member, Sandy Cristan. Sandy volunteers at the Aurora VNA Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa. She shared with us her rewarding experiences at the Hospice Center, the impact of volunteering as well as the sense of peace and love it provides to others. Sandy offers this quote to sum up the comfort of volunteering – “The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers (Everett Mámor)”. In addition, Sandy shared a time of devotions with the group. 

The two ministries separated to work on projects and then joined together again for a light lunch to conclude the workshop.

Contact Jane Sandstrom (262-790-1652) or Bev Etzelmueller (262-250-3969) if you have any questions about the Prayer Shawl or Quilting Ministries. Photos of the event are below.

Hat, Mittens and Scarves Project a Success
Thank you to everyone that helped make our fleece project a success. We have gathered more than 100 items to be distributed to children in need. We will continue collecting items through the end of January. The collection box is on the table outside the library. More fleece material is still available for those who would like to sew additional items. It is under the collection box. Again, a big THANK YOU to everyone!!

Thanks for sharing your blessings!
The food that was collected at the Thanksgiving Eve service filled 50 grocery bags that were distributed by Reformation Lutheran Church’s food pantry, and the staff at Reformation wants you to know how grateful they are for your generosity.

The Food Pantry is also concerned about continuing to provide enough food to all those seeking extra help in the next few weeks. Your regular donations of nonperishable food to the food pantry will help Reformation continue to meet the needs of the struggling neighborhood that surrounds the church. We will also have a special food collection at the Sunday School Christmas Program December 20 to help ensure that the Food Pantry has enough food to get through the holidays [more].

New "Quiet Sacs" provided by Quilt Ministry for children in worship
For many years, we have had "Children's Quiet Sacs" (also known as "Activity Sacks" or by other names) for children to use during worship. Since Summer 2009 additional new beautiful cloth bags have been used by these children, thanks to the Quilt Ministry.

These activity bags contain crayons, colored pencils, scratch paper, few short story books, activity sheets for the kids to stay busy and "quiet" during worship.

Originally made by Norma Pence about 10 years ago. Pastor Gary liked them and asked her to make some additional ones a few years ago. Norma purchased the fabric to make them, but moved before she could complete the project, so the fabric was given to Quilt Ministry to complete. In early 2009, there were 20 additional sacks completed and the 6th grade Sunday School class decorated them.

Thank you to both groups for these wonderful additions to our worship ministry!