Sewing with Purpose
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If you come to the Peace Center on almost any Wednesday, you will find that it is buzzing with industrious activity. This is the day that faithful CFNA volunteers bring 10 or 11 Afghan women and a few of their children together for an afternoon of fellowship and sewing. Hugs and greetings are shared as they meet New American friends both old and new as well as loving and patient Christian women who help them with sewing projects and provide childcare.
We are so grateful to our volunteers who share their sewing expertise, love of children, and willingness to provide transportation. We welcome new helpers at any time. Many hands make light work, so those who come regularly do not grow weary in service.
An exciting part of the afternoon is the opportunity for Carol Buckman (CFNA founder) and other volunteers to share the Jesus of the Gospel with the women. The ladies are attentive, ask many questions, and are willing to share their experiences, hardships, and joys with the group. One woman has frequently expressed her appreciation for her American friends and the sewing class.
On a recent Sunday, volunteers were at Chapel of the Cross St. Louis with a beautiful display of CFNA information and sewing items. By God’s grace, churches and groups are supporting us very generously this year. The sewing table also made an appearance at St. Paul, Des Peres on November 16th and have been invited to New Beginnings, Pacific; First Presbyterian Kirkwood Alternative Gift Market; Messiah Lutheran in Weldon Spring; and Evertrue Laclede Groves to finish out this year.
We appreciate the opportunity to share our sewing items with you. If there is an opportunity or event at your church that you would like for us to come to, please contact me (Sheryl) at smattes@cfna-stl.org.
By Sheryl Mattes, Sewing Coordinator
and Shirley Drown, Sewing Teacher
