A beautiful quilt can be displayed, admired and appreciated, but ultimately it is an inanimate object. On the other hand, God's "Patchwork of People" is a living, loving, growing creation made from people of different races, occupations, sizes and backgrounds. Only the Master can put together such a spectacular collage. Following are samples from His "Patchwork of People."

Christmas Patchwork of Love

"Christmas in Africa" at First Good Shepherd, Las Vegas, Nevada

Celebrating Jesus' birth was the occasion for an exchange of culture and ideas. Helen Tibbet, First Good Shepherd LWML, Las Vegas, NV writes, When the Pastor of African Ministries asked for our help in furnishing homes of the people from his congregation, we responded with bubbling enthusiasm. To get to know each other better, we decided to ask them to share their Christmas traditions with us. On December 15th we held "Christmas in Africa." Our guests prepared the food for our enjoyment and invited us to sing their carols. So after a very brief lesson in their language, we sang together, ending with our "Silent Night," which they sang in English with us. God's Spirit was evident that night as we all joined together in praise to celebrate a Baby born 2,000 years ago.

One woman who had been in America for only two months had been expecting the birth of a child on December 5th. Instead of collecting food at Thanksgiving, the congregation collected baby items. The new mother and daughter were introduced on Christmas Day during the worship service.

Does your group minister to people of other cultures? Check in your area for opportunities to serve and to share the love of Jesus.

Chemo Cap Creators

A new fashion statement? You betcha! It is a statement of love for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The women of Trinity, Lexington Park, Maryland adopted this project after one of their members, Verna Vachalek, began it about six years ago. As Verna was battling her own cancer, she found the strength to help other patients who also lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments. She was an experienced seamstress and devised a pattern for a very comfortable cap. Verna has received her crown of glory, but her mission and witness continue. A special poem is attached to each cap. If you would like a copy of Verna's pattern, poem and a sample cap, please contact Beth Byrd at Trinity, 301-863-9512. Check in your area to see if your group could provide chemo caps for local patients.

How Many Stitches?

Forty years and counting is how many stitches Gustava Larson has made so far. She is one of the members of the Lydia Guild of Trinity in Grand Rapids, IA who has hand hemstitched baptismal napkins. Irene Haerther, also a member, shares, These napkins are made of pure Irish Linen ordered from Steven's Point, WI. A thread is pulled to align the fabric and then cut into 8-inch by 9-inch blocks. Four to five threads are then pulled 1" from the edges and also for a cross. The hem is turned and hand hemstitched as well as the cross. These are given upon the joyous occasion of a Baptism.

Perhaps your group already provides baptismal napkins or banners. Have a workshop and invite all the women of the congregation to come. Serve lunch and have a Bible study on Baptism.

Quilting Up A Storm

Dorcas Guild, St. John, Cypress, Texas has provided 1,000 quilts to Lutheran World Relief. See the feature story for an inside look at the many ways these quilts impact peoples' lives.

The big storm that has been seen in Texas is actually members of the Dorcas Guild of St. John in Cypress, TX who have made and sent 1,000 quilts to Lutheran World Relief since their organization in 1997. Nellie Garner writes, We are a small group of 13 and meet once a month ... we serve our Lord joyfully.

Many groups around the country make beautiful and practical quilts. Thank you to all for your dedication and loving service.

Recycling Update-OKC Convention

Just thought you'd like to know-more than $42,000 was collected during the cartridge recycling project to defray expenses for the 2003 LWML convention. By the district board's decision, the recycling program will continue to help fund the mission and ministry of the LWML and the Oklahoma district.

News for Next Time - Winter 2004 - Storms of Life

Deadline: July 1, 2004

Mail your items to:

Linda Bailey

1214 Broadway Ave. SW

Cullman, AL 35055-4930

We invite you, our readers, to share items of news that not only inform but also give ideas that other societies/groups can use. Send photos, but remember we cannot guarantee their return.

Thought provokers:

• How does your group help victims of floods, tornadoes or other natural disasters?
• What does your society/congregation do to support rescue workers and volunteers?
• Give ideas of how your group makes Thanksgiving special all year long.

Calling All Readers! We want to hear from you! God's Word says Christians are to encourage each other and build each other up (see Hebrews 10:25). One way we can do that is by sharing how the Lord helps us through difficult times. In keeping with the theme of an upcoming issue of the Quarterly-"Storms of Life"-please answer this question: How do you find peace amidst the storms of life? Submit your responses (100 words or less) by July 1, 2004 to Associate Editor Janice Kerper Brauer at brauer83@aol.com or mail to 117 N. Knollwood Dr., Wheaton, IL 60187.