It is refreshing to see that many traditions started by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers continue today thanks to those dedicated to donating their time to help others. While mass production is a thing of the present it doesn't hold a candle to the beauty of handmade pieces. One local group has chosen to put their hands to good use for the benefit of those in need.

Late last spring a few of the members began a sewing ministry called "Sewing Seeds." Volunteers from the congregation come from Brantford, Waterford, Oakland, Delhi, Simcoe and Mount Pleasant and meet every Monday afternoon, from 1 p. m. to 3:30 pm, in the kitchen area of St. Mary's/ St. Barnabas.

What began as just a small group has grown to 12 to 14 regular participants on any given Monday. It is not only an outing and social time, but a chance for them to put their individual talents to good work in making quilts.

Some of the people have little to no sewing knowledge or experience but it hasn't stopped them from making a contribution. Scissors are always in abundance and many hands make for light work when it comes to cutting out the hundreds of pieces of material necessary to make the quilts. Add to that the time required for piecing them, then quilting and the hours soon add up.

The group does general sewing for members of the community who may be in need of repairs like torn pockets, hems, patching ... things they are unable to do themselves due to such things as poor eyesight or unable to drive. They will, in fact, pick up and deliver (within a reasonable distance).

Their first projects were simple nine-patch quilts that are of moderate size with a lot of love and warmth put into each and every one. While the piecing is simple the uplifting colours and quilting detail make them true works of art. Six of these quilts will soon be on their way to some very special recipients.

Members of St. Barnabas congregation, Waterford, have recently become involved with a very special and unique project called Quilts of Valour-Canada. Two of those members, Louise Clarke and Rita Culver, learned of the project from a past Expositor article and felt it would be a great project to become involved in. While they recognize that their quilts may not be great beauties or perfect they have kept in mind that they will be used by injured soldiers, most likely men, and have reflected our Canadian heritage in each one.

The quilts are made of donated articles of clothing such as shirts and ties and also fabric scraps. When finished each is named and a little story about the quilt is written up and included with the quilts. They have also incorporated something very special into each piece -the pocket panel from one of the recycled shirts. Into these pockets they will be placing a New Testament, pencil, pad, pen/highlighter and the info sheet on the quilt. The pocket is also useful for the recipients in that they can place in them a cell phone, meds ... anything they feel is important and need to keep close to them.

It was the hope of members of "Sewing Seeds" to have five quilts to send off to Trenton for our troops, but are elated that they have been able to complete six -Faces of Canada 1 and 2, Taupe Hope, We Wear Red on Friday's, Home is Where the Heart Is, and Private Pocket.

This Sunday all six will receive a very special blessing from a very special friend of the congregation. Missionary Bishop Doc Loomis will be on hand at their regular 10 a. m. service to perform the blessing of these pieces.