Today, Anita Schweitzer, deacon of Hugs in Action quilting ministry, shares the rewards and blessings of this storied ministry, and how A Legacy of Worship impacts its ministry for the future.
Why do you feel called to lead this ministry?
I have tried several areas of ministry in my years of membership at Fellowship but never was able to find the “right fit.” Areas of ministry prior to Hugs seemed like a chore. Since heading this ministry, I have truly found a joy in serving that I didn’t realize was possible.I feel God has given me a gift and I want to use that gift to bring glory to God.
How does this ministry play a part in the Church’s mission
“We exist to pervade the Back Mountain, Wyoming Valley and the world with the Gospel by making disciples who make disciples and who display the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in every phase of their lives.”
Not only are our quilts given to church members and attenders, but as we are informed of a need in our community and in the surrounding areas, we give quilts to those people as well. We have received many notes and feedback from recipients of our quilts as to how this ministry has touched and impacted their lives.
What is your favorite memory while being a part of the ministry?
There are many favorite memories, but it is always so rewarding to see how touched people are when they are given a quilt, knowing that hours of labor were invested to construct the quilt. It is a tangible way that we can show the love of Jesus to those who are hurting or in need.
How has being part of this strengthened your relationship with the Lord?
Many times our supplies become depleted or our inventory of quilts “is at a low,” but God always provides. We have received donations of fabric or other supplies and our quilters “step up to the plate” and work extra hours to construct more quilts… to God be all the glory!!
How have you seen others grow who have been part of the ministry?
We have several ladies in our group who are not regular church attenders. At the conclusion of our quilting session, we pray for one another, share our needs and concerns, as well as pray for each of the recipients of our quilts.
My prayer is that as we show Christ’s love to each other in our group, we will all be drawn closer to God.
How do you see the expansion of our facilities impacting your ministry?
It is difficult and time consuming to “set up and tear down” each Monday, because we share our room with other ministries. It would be so amazing to have a designated area strictly for our ministry.
In what ways will this be able to better fulfill its purpose upon completion of the master plan?
As I stated above, to have a room with better lighting, wiring, a place designated for each area of cutting, sewing, ironing, etc. would certainly improve our work conditions.