Quilts are a worldwide tradition spanning centuries. The handmade blankets are not only a source of warmth and comfort, but also of love, memory and tradition.
The women of the Oxford Free Methodist Church’s Quilters For Life are gifted with the art of quilting ? and they are sharing that gift with the community.
On March 25, seven beautiful ‘Loving Lamb Quilts? were blessed by OFM Pastor Michael Alexander.
Each of the quilts holds a unique meaning:
n The center panel is made of many different squares representing the diversity of gifts in each church community;
n The inner frame is the unifying power of the Holy Spirit;
n The outer frame symbolizes the uniqueness of each child of God, the binding the love of God the holds this child in the church community;
n The three layers of the blanket represent the Holy Trinity ? Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Finally, placed on the corner of every blanket is the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.
Each blanket also receives a label with the Quilters For Life participants? signatures and a scripture telling of the love God brings to his children.
‘The most important part of this is the prayer,? said participant Carla Lambertson. ‘While we are sewing we pray for the Problem Pregnancy Center, the workers there and the women who don’t know what to do. We also pray for all the children and of course each other.?
‘The best part of this is that we are all of one accord,? said Joan Tailford, another participant who specializes in making the blanket’s lambs. ‘We all love the Lord. We enjoy each other’s company and the experience is relaxing. It’s nice to get together with the ladies and do something for the Lord.?
When the blankets are completed and blessed, they are given to the Oxford Problem Pregnancy Center, as well as to the first born of new church families.
‘This started as an outreach program,? explained Lambertson. ‘Quilts and babies just go together.?
Quilters For Life is open to anyone who would like to participate. The group meets at the Oxford Free Methodist Church, 790 S. Lapeer Road, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month during the school year. During the summer, participants work individually, but keep in touch.
‘I had worked on quilts before as a young mother,? remembers Tailford, ‘but nothing like this. It’s a great chance to learn something new and use a talent.?
For more information on Quilters for Life, please contact the Oxford Free Methodist Church at 248-628-1203.