Quilts and Christians

Tea parties were fun when I was a child, even if I could only have water for pretend tea. So I was surprised when our women’s ministry team decided to have a real tea party at the church’s fellowship hall.

After a great deal of planning, everything was ready when the day arrived. All the tables were adorned with various kinds of teapots and beautiful table decorations. Refreshments were typical of old-fashioned tea parties: petit fours and other little sweets, dainty sandwiches, various finger foods, and of course, a variety of herb teas.

The guests were told that, except for the back, which had been made ahead of time, they would make a quilt from start to finish during the meeting.

Everyone decorated a precut quilt block with fabric pens.

There was no theme. As each person finished her design, it was taken to two ladies with sewing machines, who would then stitch the squares together right there. One square of fabric won’t make a quilt. If you’re cleaning house, you can use it as a dust cloth. If you are eating and get food on your chin, you can use it as a napkin.

If you sneeze, you can use it as a handkerchief.

But you cannot use it as a quilt. Quilts are made up of many pieces, all different sizes, colors, and shapes. Laid side by side, each piece supports the ones around it. Each contribution adds interest and beauty to the rest.

No one piece is more important than the others.

All are needed, and all add something special and unique.

When stitched together, it becomes a beautiful quilt.

A quilt and a church family have some of the same qualities.

You have a group of Christians of different sizes, shapes, and colors.

They support those around them.

Every member is important and contributes something special and unique. Bonded together with Christian love, they bring others the warmth of friendship, comfort in trials, and the love of Jesus. It’s surprising what you can learn about Christian living from a simple quilt.

Marcia Mollenkopf