Wrapped in Love

by Danielle Garbina

“For it is in giving that we receive.” – Prayer of St. Francis

I wanted to share a quick story about how a simple conversation with my sister back in November turned into something that has truly changed our lives.

My sister, Justine, moved back into town this past April, and we were both looking for a way to stay busy and try something new.

I remembered attending the worship where we blessed the quilts and I was blown away by all the quilts draped over the pews.

I told Justine that we should check out the quilting group, but I warned her, “I don’t know much about it, I have never been before. I had so many questions—did we need machines? Do they just make quilts? How much does it cost?

I chatted with Pastor Rob during a Wednesday Church Night and found out it was free and he encouraged me to go. I texted Justine that we should just go check it out. She responded by saying, “Woohoo! I have a few friends joining us!”

On Thursday, November 20th, five of us showed up. The normal sewing group was taken by surprise to see a whole squad of newbies walk in at once, but they welcomed us with open arms.

Since that day, the momentum hasn’t stopped. The five of us “newbies” have been trading photos of our creations, sharing tutorials, and cheering each other on.

We are now officially “all-in.” The newbies are dusting off our machines and learning how to use them! I started a GroupMe to keep us organized. We are making spaces in our homes for sewing. We are loving pushing our creativity. We actually get sad when we have to miss a sewing night!

Kelsey, one of the newbies, said in our group chat, “I’m so glad we found these amazing quilting women who are happy to pass on their knowledge!” — and I couldn't agree more.

From the five newbies, we want to give a huge thank you to: Diane... Diane... and Diane —yes, there are three of them! —along with Tammy and Nancy.

Thank you for your incredible patience, your kindness, and most importantly, your faith in us. You aren't just teaching us how to sew; you’re teaching us what community not only looks like but feels like.

I found a verse that reminds me of this sewing group at St. Luke's:

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together... but encourage one another.”
- Hebrews 10:24-25

From the 5 newbies, thank you for being such an encouraging part of our lives!

My message to the congregation... I hope my story inspires you to try something new or perhaps pick up an old hobby you once loved. Maybe it's a nudge to reach out to a friend or loved one and get involved in something that brings you joy, sparks your creativity, and brings a sense of purpose to your life.

During worship those in attendance tried to put a hand on every quilt and joined in the blessing:

Almighty God it is your will to bring comfort and help to the distressed. Bless these quilts wherever they may be used, that they may provide warmth and security to those who have experienced tragedy, those who have no other shelter, and those who are bringing a new child of God into the world. May all who receive these quilts experience the covering of your love and forgiveness. May they encounter your grace and peace. May they learn of the joy of life in Christ. Amen.

Quilt Sewing Group – Days and time Contact: Every Thursday night, 6:30PM - 8:30 PM. During the winter months, the second and fourth Saturday from 9:30AM - 11:30AM. Contact Tammy at [email protected] for more information.

Quilt Tying Group – Days and time Contact: First and third Saturday of the month, switching to Wednesdays in the summer. Contact Janet at 952-884-9475 for more information.