Handicraft Ministry
In 2002, one of our members had a dream about the ladies of Ardmore starting a new mission work in our community. In October of that year a group of ladies met to use their talents for sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc. to help those in need.
Their mission was and is two-fold:
- to provide loving care for people of all ages by sharing their time and talents through handicraft;
- to minister to people with special needs, either individually or through organizations, by the giving of our time and talents to provide tangible expressions of our love and concern for them.
After completing their first project (making aprons for the Tab Williams Senior Services Center), they canvassed the community to discover what other groups they could help.
The Dialysis Center asked for pillows for their patients’ arms during treatment; Cancer Services needed pillowcases for breast cancer patients; Hospice had a need for walker and wheelchair caddies; Brookridge and WinstonSalem Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center needed lap robes as well as walker and wheelchair caddies. Others who have been beneficiaries of this ministry include Ardmore Baptist’s Home Ministry members and those in assisted living facilities, rest and/or nursing homes. The response has been great.
This group now works with a dozen or more organizations throughout the city. Companies have donated material, thread, yarn, and church members have made significant donations to this ministry. From their first meeting in October of 2002
through December of 2003, this group of ladies have made and delivered 2,151 items.
The items include:
- For adults - aprons/bibs, craft aprons, fidget aprons, knitted moccasins, lap robes, pillows, pillow cases, scarves, toboggans, walker and wheelchair caddies.
- For infants and children - baby blankets, booties, burial garments, caps, diaper shirts, knitted moccasins, stuffed toys and washcloths.
At least three other churches have heard of this ministry and have begun similar programs in their own churches.