news article
Alabama-Basom UMC’s Quilting Ministry makes big impact
February 2, 2016 / By Matt Wiltrout
On a mild day in mid-December 2015, I sat down to coffee and cookies with the women who make up the Prayer Quilt Ministry at the Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church. Under the commotion of the small crowd that gathered for the church’s Christmas fellowship party, they shared the history and successes of their small ministry that has touched people around the globe.
The ministry began in October 2004, when a member of “The Prayer Angels,” based out of the Batavia First UMC, visited the Alabama-Basom UMC to teach the women how to make prayer quilts. The small church located in Alabama, N.Y., took to the activity immediately and began crafting quilts for individuals undergoing surgery or who had lost a loved one. Nearly 12 years later, the Alabama-Basom group has donated 384 prayer quilts locally, across the United States, and even to Europe. The multiple photo albums holding hundreds of thank you cards and pictures of quilts bear witness to this achievement.
Quilts are given by request or are gifted to members of the community that are in the midst of a known struggle. Jim Kelly, former quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, and Robin Roberts, anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, are both recipients of Alabama-Basom Prayer Quilts.
“It’s so rewarding to help people in need, who need our prayers,” said Kay Ciurzynski, who has been with the quilting club for the last few years.
The group meets once a month at the church to begin assembly of the 40-inch by 60-inch quilts. They open each session with a prayer before cutting the fabric into squares and laying out the patterns.
“One of my favorite parts is putting the colors together,” Ciurzynski said with a smile.
Each quilt takes a full day to sew.
“You don’t do much else … you turn off the phone and lock the door!” said Alice Dix, one of the seamstresses who learned quilting as a child from her mother and older sisters. The completed quilts are brought back to the church, where the congregation prays over them before tying a knot in each of the 24 squares.
When asked what motivates the group to continue this ministry, the members replied, “Even though our numbers are small, we still keep going. There’s always a need. Just as soon as you think you’re caught up, you’re not.”
In the worship service immediately preceding the fellowship party, a prayer concern was offered for a child about to have a bone marrow transplant. “That means we get busy and make for that child,” said Dix, who had just finished another prayer quilt for a dear friend at 11 p.m. the night before. Despite the never-ending need, the group approaches its ministry with an evident enthusiasm and joy, serving as an excellent example of how we are to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The group is small – only seven women – yet look at what God has done through their efforts. Paul teaches us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to, “encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Please share this inspiring story with your congregations, and encourage them to support a ministry in whatever capacity they are able.
“If you can just make an inch of headway, a little dent, it helps. Everyone has to work together,” said Ciurzynski, speaking of the group’s efforts. As a church, we ought to strive to reinforce each other’s efforts to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Moving forward, the Niagara Frontier District Leadership Team hopes to offer the churches in the district opportunities to do just that.
Individuals interested in becoming involved with the existing quilting ministry at the Alabama-Basom UMC are encouraged to contact Gladys Phillips at (585) 948-9960, who would joyfully accept donations of material, funds, or quilters willing to join their ranks.
Matt Wiltrout is a member of the Niagara Frontier District Leadership Team.