Handcrafted Gifts

BENTONVILLE, ARK. – Combining ministries and fellowship within the Bentonville Seventh-day Adventist Church and school helped stretch funds and manpower and made for a wonderful holiday get-together. Women’s ministry leader Beth Huff wanted to foster fellowship and relationship building with an outreach project, but she needed some help.

She planned a Ladies Holiday Luncheon with a devotional and some delicious comfort food. Each lady was asked to bring a small gift for an “inspiration basket” to be given to someone who might need some extra love and inspiration.

With 30 ladies present, the basket was soon overflowing with homemade bread, devotional books, lotion, candles, cards and more! After lunch the ladies broke into small groups and with merry smiles and laughter began working to make fleece blankets. The ladies completed 10 blankets that afternoon, each one made with hearts full of love.

The Pathfinder club donated more fleece fabric and the church school children completed several more blankets during that week. They enjoyed learning a new craft and being a part of the outreach project.

The following Sabbath afternoon, the Pathfinders picked up the completed blankets, baked goods and goodies. The afternoon was spent singing Christmas carols at the Osage Terrace Assisted Living Center and delivering the handmade blankets with hugs and conversations with each person.

It is amazing to see what can happen when everyone works together! A small budget can be overcome, blessings can be multiplied and there is no limit to what can be accomplished together. Our sense of church unity is strengthened when we look for opportunities to share Jesus’ love collectively.

By Audra Kohltfarber