Comforter Ministry - News, Notes and Newsletters
JANUARY - 2020
Happy New Year, dear friends of the Comforter Ministry!
Throughout this new year 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. My first example (above) was machine quilted right into the quilt. Quilter Phyllis F often has me searching for where she has added her heart. I'm not sure she has meant it to be a game but I have thought of it that way ;) One particular quilt, I searched and searched and finally had to come back the next day with the idea of "fresh eyes" and sure enough, there it was! Your good, Phyllis!
GOD'S SAFEKEEPING BIBLE VERSE -
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39).
Please READ...
As you read your most recent 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" :)
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.
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 - Winter-2019/20
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
Amy K and Margo S - Franklin, WI
Chris B - Manitowoc, WI
Check out these amazing quilts in the Photo Gallery!
Words to Share...
Three Very Special Notes...
Dear Su,
Thank you so very much for sending me a "comfort quilt". It arrived while I was in the hospital in Columbia (Missouri) and my family brought it to me. It brought back memories of your diagnosis way back in 1996. That year I had a hysterectomy and struggled with the decision of whether to remove my ovaries since I was only 40. I remember your incidental finding of ovarian cancer with your hysterectomy and it gave me peace that I made the decision to remove them. I also remembered being with you and enjoying some good times when you lived in our neighborhood...
My tumor was found in the ER incidentally when they checking my gall bladder. On June 18 God carried me through a 14 hour surgery...The Lord has granted me peace, comfort, hope and joy throughout this journey...
I know you understand where my heart is. A cancer diagnosis helps us look at life differently. The flowers last fall and spring have never been more beautiful, riding my bike down a mountain outside of Budapest with the leaves drifting down was God in my presence, every time I get to hug a grandchild those hugs are ever so special. God has blessed us with "enlighten life".
Thank you for your ministry. You are a blessing to many.
With love, Nancy G (Springfield, MO)
THANK YOU, NANCY! Your letter was such a blessing to me. Together we praise an awesome God!
THANK YOU, Quilter Elenore G - San Jose, CA
I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
This verse has been my comfort through the 73 years of my life. There are so many journeys our Lord takes us on and they are different for each of us. Why he chooses cancer for some and not for others is something we will only know when we are in heaven. What he does tell us is that no matter what the trial or the outcome, he will be with us. I have been blessed with 7 children and 11 grandchildren, good health and have been spared the journey you are on thus far. My trials were not the same as yours, but they were tools God used to teach me to trust him and show me his power. In thankfulness to God, for his guidance and strength through my life, Want to share this quilt with you...I have prayed for you as I constructed and sewed that God will give you strength and healing. Be assured that you will continue to be in my prayers.
Chris B (Manitowoc, WI) (From "Greetings from the Quilter" in the CM Journal)
THANK YOU, QUILTER CHRIS B! Your words will bring strength and comfort to its CM recipient!
Dear Susanne,
We met years ago at a LWMS convention. I thought the ministry you were doing with cancer patients was wonderful. I signed up for your newsletter even though I don't quilt. In one of your recent letters you mentioned using bookmarks. That is something as a paper crafter I can do. So here is my contribution to your ministry. Merry Christmas! Betty G (Sun City Center, FL)
THANK YOU, BETTY G, for the background story and lovely bookmarks I can include in each CM journal when they go out to a CM recipients!
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
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.