Comforter Ministry - News, Notes and Newsletters
FEBRUARY/MARCH - 2020
Throughout 2020, I thought this might be a good place to showcase some CM quilts that depict different ways quilters have chosen to add the suggested "heart" that is part of my CM criteria for making and donating a quilt to CM. I don't want to hurt anyone's feeling if I don't showcase a quilt heart YOU may have sent, dear ones, so please do not feel badly if I have overlooked yours. These will be quilts I just happened to notice throughout the years and took pictures.
The quilt chosen to represent February/March with a red and white color scheme reminds me of Valentine's Day, a holiday we celebrate during the month of February. The hearts of course depicting the theme of "love", another essential element of Valentine's Day.
But the color scheme and hearts also remind me of the Lenten Season within the Christian church. Usually, the season of Lent begins in February or March, lasting six weeks and focuses on the love of God through the passion, sacrificial love, and ultimate death of His Son, our Savior, Jesus. All leads up to Easter when Christians from all over the world remember and celebrate Jesus' resurrection and victory over sin, death, and the devil.
Thank you, Quilters Barb S and St. Michaels Mission Quilters!
My song is love unknown, My Savior's love to me, Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be. Oh, who am I That for my sake My Lord should take Frail flesh and die?
Here might I stay and sing; No story so divine. Never was love, dear King, Never was grief like thine. This is my friend, In whose sweet praise I all my days Could gladly spend!
(Christian Worship #110, verses 1 and 7)
GOD'S SAFEKEEPING BIBLE VERSE -
"I (God speaking) have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again" (Jeremiah 31:3,4).
Please READ...
As you read your past issue of CMN-Winter 2019/20, I hope you will enjoy the story behind the Grace Quilters from Grace Lutheran-Scroggins, TX, OR as they also call themselves, "Deede's Quilters." Learn what makes them so when you read the article (written by my daughter, Rachel) on Page 7. You might remember my granddaughter Hosanna is a part of "Deede's Quilters" :)
(Scroll down and read a kind note from Carla B referring to the above article)
DO YOU have a top made that you would love to donate to CM, but it needs to be long armed?
Heidi Bork has offered to long arm up to two (2) quilts per month on a first come, first served basis. As the top maker, you would be responsible for making the top, providing a back that is 4" larger than the top in all directions and shipping to Heidi in Neenah, WI. She will provide the batting, long arm quilting, and return shipping to you. If interested contact her at: Quilterazzi@gmail.com or call 920.205.7213.
I understand there have been several quilters that have taken Heidi up on her offer - WONDERFUL! Thank you, Heidi!
A COMFORTER MINISTRY WOMAN WITH A PRAYING HEART -
You might remember that a year ago I encouraged you, dear readers, to include CM recipients in your regular prayers. I would like to continue the encouragement and emphasis on prayer. So, if you are a woman with a praying heart, I am asking you to set aside a few minutes each day or some regular time of your choosing in order to pray for Comforter Ministry Recipients, CM women who have been diagnosed with cancer.
The CM Prayer List and Prayer are found right here on this page. Simply continue scrolling down and you will find a list of names for 2019 and 2020. There are many more names but I have chosen to share names from just the past year and current year. You are encouraged to pray not only for the specific names listed here but also in a more general reference as simply "CM Recipients" and "all those who have been diagnosed with cancer."
Please prayerfully consider being a Comforter Ministry Woman with a Praying Heart. Please consider a Comforter Ministry Prayer Gathering in the future and contact me :)
IF YOU AND/OR OTHERS YOU MAY KNOW WOULD BE INTERESTED IN FORMING OR ARE ALREADY PARTICIPATING IN A PRAYER GROUP, WOULD YOU PLEASE CONSIDER INCLUDING CM IN YOUR PRAYERS? CM PRAYERS ARE ALREADY WRITTEN (4 of them) AND CAN BE FOUND ON THE CM WEB SITE, www.comforterministry.com, UNDER "MORE" AND CLICK "PRAYER GATHERING" OR USE THE PRAYER BELOW UNDER THE PRAYER LIST FOUND RIGHT HERE ON THIS PAGE :)
PLEASE NOTE:
If you are a quilter or know of someone who quilts, please pass along information concerning the Comforter Ministry and the continued need for quilts. Most information can be found on the CM Web site or I can send printed materials by post if needed. THANK YOU!
**COMFORTER MINISTRY PRESENTATION OPPORTUNITIES**
I would appreciate the opportunity to share my Comforter Ministry Power Point Presentation with you. The presentation could also include a Comforter Ministry Prayer Gathering/Prayer Bible Study. I would also encourage invitations to various events in order to share the Comforter Ministry Display.
These opportunities might include ministry/mission themed events within our WELS, women's retreats, women's groups, quilting workshops, college campus groups, high schools, Lutheran Pioneers (LGP), upper grades of Christian Day School and Sunday School, home schoolers, etc.
You are encouraged to contact me and we can determine if date, time, and place can be arranged. My hope and prayer? To search for more ways to get the word out about the Comforter Ministry and the blessing it offers women of all ages. To date, 1 years old has been the youngest CM recipient diagnosed with cancer.
*Currently, I am working on a new presentation called, "Comfort & Joy - For All Seasons." In the past, I have hosted several "Comfort & Joy" Retreats at my cabin for close friends. These retreats have been held in December, staying with a Christmas vibe. I have been pondering for some time the thought of "comfort" and "joy" as blessings from God which certainly are meant to be experienced throughout the year - in ALL seasons - not just at Christmas. Lord willing, I can also expand this beautiful and meaningful theme to not just a presentation but include a 30 minute Bible study to accompany the presentation. Excited! Look for more information in the upcoming months!
HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES
Check out the article in the 2019 Autumn issue of the Comforter Ministry Newsletter for Ideas as to how you can help CM and how CM can help you! Contact me for further information and/or inspiration!
COMFORTER MINISTRY NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020
Enjoy the latest Comforter Ministry Newsletter - Summer 2019 which is now available. Click here or scroll down to the bottom area of this page, click and read/print. I encourage you to print and share with others. YOU are my PR Department :) Thank you!
New Comforter Ministry Quilts
Thanks to the following quilters who have made and donated comforters for CM recently - Check out the Photo Gallery :)
*New Comforter Ministry Quilter/Quilt Group
Jan R - Hugo, MN
Kathy D - Shawano, WI
Trinity Quilters - Minocqua, WI
*Bonnie H and Salem Quilters - Escanaba, MI Welcome, Ladies!
Carolyn J and Faith In Action Quilters - Rochester, MN
Mary B - Sachse, TX
Karen S - Prairie du Sac, WI
Darlene D and Abiding Grace Quilters - Conyers, GA
Phyllis F - Mukwonago, WI
Check out these amazing quilts in the Photo Gallery!
Words to Share...
Dear Su, The story of Deede Zahrt in the Winter newsletter has touched my heart. I see a lot of Deede in me! I enjoy collecting fabric and using my stash of fabric for many projects. I too, hope to one day make quilts for the ministry but right now other projects need to be finished. My "problem" is I can't say no to other worthy causes that use my time when I should be quilting! What a blessing and motivator your grand-daughter is to the "Deede's Quilters". So for now, please accept this donation to the ministry. God's blessings to you, your family, and the Comforter Ministry in the new year. Carla B
THANK YOU, CARLA!
A note from me to all of you, dear CM supporters!
Recently, I was diagnosed with a rare vascular disease, fibromuscular dysplasia. There is no cure and there are several risk factors involved that I will have against me. I am working with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, one of a few throughout the United States that is involved at some level with FMD. I have every intention of continuing this wonderful ministry/mission BUT please allow me to also take care of myself as I determine as necessary. At this point, I am not even sure what that may actually involve.
I tell you this in order to not only make you aware but also to ASK FOR YOUR PRAYERS. I would be honored if you would add me to Prayer Groups you may participate in yourself or ones you may be familiar with in your church. THANK YOU, FRIENDS!
Sharing a Need...
COMFORTER MINISTRY POSTERS AND BROCHURES
Can you help? If you would be willing to display a Comforter Ministry poster at your church, school, etc. please contact me. Comforter Ministry brochures are also available if you have a tract rack, a women's meeting, group, retreat, etc. for distributing. Thank you in advance for helping to promote CM to those around you :) THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE CONTACTED
ME AND REQUESTED THEM!
Prayer Notes
Please add to your personal prayer list the following 2019/20 Comforter Ministry recipients -
Jana - Germantown, WI; Nancy - Maplewood, MN; Beth - Dripping Springs, TX; Marlys - Apple Valley, MN; Patty - Louisville, KY; Sandy - Clara City, MN; Amanda - North Mankato, MN; Teresa - Jasper, GA; Lesly - Burnsville, NC; Vicki - Thornton, CO; Tammy - New Berlin, WI; Brittany - Milwaukee, WI; Mary - Garland, TX; Linda - Plano, TX; Gwen - Waupaca, WI; Lucy - Green Bay, WI; Kari - Bloomington, MN; Connie - Gardner, KS; Cindy - Whiting, NJ; Susan - Wauwatosa, WI; Delores - Manitowoc, WI; Joann - Hermantown, MN; Sheila - Kaukauna, WI; Ellen - Covington, GA; Jean - New Ulm, MN; Rebecca - Carrollton, TX; Sharon - Algoma, WI; Melissa - Plano, TX; Robin - Marenisco, MI; Vivian - Louisville, KY; Nila - Amherst, WI; Jan - Weyauwega, WI; Anna - Marana, AZ; Stephanie - Amherst, WI; Linda - West Bend, WI; Mona - Waupaca, WI; Andrea - Rochester, MN; Nancy - Springfield, MO; Nancy - Winter Springs, FL; Yvonne - Kronenwetter, WI; Carol - Summerfield, FL; Connie - Gardner, KS; Gloria - Algoma, WI; Lynn - New Brighton, MN; Monika - Coral Springs, FL; Amy - Dallas, TX; Caroline - Shafer, MN; Courtney - Galloway, OH; Lisa - St. Paul, MN; Gloria - OshKosh, WI; Nancy - Bloomington, MN; Maria - Oak Creek, WI; Walt - Minocqua, WI; Anonymous Recipient; Mary - Egerton, WI; Debbie - Duluth, MN; Angie - Beaverton, MI; Tina - Bloomington, MN; Iris - Marshalltown, IA; JoAnn - Neenah, WI; Sue - The Woodlands, TX; Lana - Burnesville, MN; DeNae - Florence, AZ; Brenda - Rochester Hills, MI; Pamela - Tucson, AZ; Vicki - Manitowoc, WI; Jan - Watertown, WI; Andy - Tomahawk, WI; Kathy - Presque Isle, WI; Danielle - Almond, WI; Linda - North Port, FL; Li Li - China; Donna - Lexington, KY; Lori - Neenah, WI; Holly - Auburn, WA; Isabela - Valders, WI; Alesia - Kent, NY; Dave - Corinth, TX; Sharon - Waunakee, WI; Lisa - Inver Grove Heights, MN; Marcia - Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Sarah - Manitowish Waters, WI; Di - Manitowish Waters, WI; Linda - Norfolk, NE; Bobbie - Wausau, WI; Kathy - Plainfield, WI; Pat - Winner, SD; Dennis - Woodman, WI; Tracy - Brighton, MI; Sherrie - Wausau, WI; Karen - Winner, SD; Terri - Palestine, TX; Nikki - Hustisford, WI; Natalie - Bemidji, MN; Melissa - Fate, TX; Kristi - Eau Claire, WI; Michelle - Germantown, WI; LouAnn - Algoma, WI; Jodi - Wausau, WI; Alice - Zumbrota, MN; Chris - Shawano, WI; Tracey - Minocqua, WI; Sherry - Rosholt, WI; Anastasia - Milwaukee, WI; Carol - Hernando, FL; Nicole - West Bend, WI; Diane - Hales Corners, WI; Kay - Grand Rapids, MI; Ramona - Hartland, WI; Claire - Cottage Grove, WI; MaryAnn - Marshall, TX; Judy - Windsor, WI; Jill - Manitowoc, WI; Nicole - Sturtevant, WI
Holy Comforter, Bring peace of heart and mind to these women. Their earthly tribulations are at a high point during these most difficult days. They need Your presence and peace to comfort and sustain them. Through Your Word You promise to strengthen and comfort all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Through Your grace may they experience your holy comfort and, if it be Your will, grant them complete healing. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
REMEMBER - IF YOU KNOW OF A WOMAN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AND WOULD LIKE A COMFORTER MINISTRY QUILT AND JOURNAL SENT TO THEM, PLEASE CONTACT ME.