This weekend, we had the privilege of blessing 120 beautifully handcrafted quilts made by the dedicated quilting group at First Lutheran. Each month, these passionate volunteers gather to assemble and complete quilts for Lutheran World Relief (LWR). LWR partners with agencies worldwide to distribute these quilts to individuals displaced by fires, floods, hurricanes, political unrest, and war – those in urgent need of shelter and warmth.
Over the years, the quilters at First Lutheran have created and shipped over a thousand quilts to communities both globally and within the United States. Recently, we received a heartfelt message from LWR regarding quilts that reached homeless veterans in Asheville, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene. The LWR team shared, “Yesterday, we spent the day at a local hotel housing 168 homeless veterans. Before Hurricane Helene struck, these men were living in transitional housing and working hard to rebuild their lives. The hurricane devastated Asheville, causing them to lose nearly all their possessions and the stability they were striving to establish. Earlier this week, a local hotel was secured to serve as their new home for the next six months. Thanks to the generosity of Lutherans, each man received an LWR Quilt and Personal Care Kit. To say they were grateful is an understatement. One man returned after placing the quilt on his bed and remarked, ‘Ma’am, I put that new quilt on my bed, and the room just shone with those beautiful colors. Thank you for all the love in that quilt.’”
The quilts cushioned the backs of worshipers as they blessed them and prayed for those who will receive them…
Almighty God, it is your will to provide comfort and assistance to the distressed. We thank you for all who use their talents to create these beautiful expressions of love for people around the world who may be seeking your grace and comfort. We ask you to bless these quilts wherever they may go, that they may offer warmth and security to those who have faced tragedy or have no other shelter. May all who receive these quilts be enveloped in your love and forgiveness, encounter your grace and peace, and discover the joy of Christ. Renew our mission to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, comfort the weary and outcast, welcome the stranger, and be loving neighbors to everyone on this earth. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
…and sent them off to show God’s love for our neighbors – getting a little taste of the comfort these quilts bring to people who are experiencing upheaval, homelessness, natural disaster or violent conflict.
