Community Ministry Projects 2 min read
Whether you sew, knit, quilt, or crochet, the sewing ministry is a creative way of fellowshipping and reaching out to the community. This ministry can benefit a variety of individuals or groups like children’s homes, nursing homes, hospital patients, homeless shelters, crisis centers and international missions.
Because certain projects can be time-consuming, a variation of this ministry includes praying while sewing. Prayers can be offered specifically for the intended recipients as members sew quilts, pillows, caps, shawls, hats, mittens, or scarves.
Steps
- Enlist volunteers. Advertise through the church bulletin, Sunday School groups and e-mail.
- Collect supplies through donations from church members or craft stores. You may need: sewing machines, patterns, pins and needles, yarn, scissors, fabric markers, hem gauge, sergers, etc.
- Set a time and place to meet. Determine how often your ministry will meet. Depending on the number of volunteers, it may be more convenient and comfortable to meet at someone’s home.
- Identify sewing projects based on needs and skills of the volunteers.
- Prayer shawl for families that are hurting, caps for military personnel, breast cancer pillows, quilts, and children’s hats, mittens and scarves.
- Set specific goals for the projects. You may want to focus this ministry to a certain organization like homeless shelters, or do it on a needs basis.
- As you sew, take time to fellowship with other members. Enjoy your time together over light snacks.
- Attach a note of encouragement with the package before delivering it.
Tips
- This ministry can be incorporated with a Bible study group.
- Members may not necessarily need to possess skills in sewing. In quilt ministries, volunteers are needed to cut fabric, tie knots, and iron.
- Consider sewing prayer items for families at Ronald McDonald Houses, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, or children at the pediatric care.
