The Episcopal Church in Minnesota, beginning with Saint John’s, has been gifted with two welcome quilts from the Episcopal churches in Tucson. These churches have been making quilts for several years as welcoming gifts to the immigrants that come through their welcome center. Gale Hall, the organizer hosts multiple quilting retreats during the year which include trips to the border, safe water sites, and the welcome center itself which is part of her congregation. This cluster of parishes are right in the thick of the borderlands and have a long history with supporting immigrants.
During the midst of the invasion by ICE they had one for their prayer and quilting retreats, and the group decided to gift Minnesota with two of their quilts, and the fabric squares to create art panels for the quilts. The quilts will be shared with congregations throughout ECMN, starting with SJ.
Gale also sent materials (blank squares) and a copy of her published book. In conversation with Heather Miller, John Bellaimey and Sarah Parker about the project we brainstormed the possibility of adding to the quilt making process. Creating one to send to Tucson, another to forward within ECMN, and gifts to immigrant families. Heather expressed an opportunity for an art project at Peace Frogs this summer. John and Sarah have offered to assist in this missional project as well.
You are all invited to share your talents in creating a panel which would be used in assembling a quilt.
Gale Hall has also written a children’s book, Lili’s Quilt, which is a wonderful story of a young immigrant girl and the quilt she was given. Included in the book is the history of the quilt making ministry. I have a few copies to share, or you can find it for sale on Amazon and other places.
The illustrator is Michelina Nicotera-Taxiera, who is the muralist for the Welcome Center and created this…she is an active member of the MWD Caucus… You will recognize her work with the banner on this article.
For additional information on the local quilt project, click here.
If you are interested in creating panels for quilts, assembling quilts, or more information on the ministry, please contact Rex or Linda McKee, or Sarah Parker. The two quilts will be displayed at Saint John’s for a few weeks.
