On Thursday mornings at Alba First Methodist Church, the hum of sewing machines and the chatter of friends fill a small quilting room where fabric, thread and faith come together in a ministry that has touched countless lives over the past two decades.
The church’s quilting group may be smaller than it once was, but its mission remains as strong as ever.
“We used to have around 30 women here before COVID hit,” said longtime member June Hubbard. “Now there are about five of us, but we’re still making quilts.”
And they make a lot of them.
The group produces approximately 150 quilts each year, creating colorful handmade blankets for children facing difficult circumstances. The group donates them to various organizations dedicated to helping children in crisis.
Each quilt begins as donated fabric, scraps or quilt tops that arrive from community members, quilting groups and even local fabric stores. Nothing goes to waste.
“We’ve been really lucky,” Hubbard said. “People bring us fabric and even sewing machines. If we can’t use something, we’ll find somebody who can.”
Inside the quilting room, every member has a role. Some cut fabric. Others match colors, iron materials, sew quilt tops together or prepare the layers for quilting. The actual quilting is often completed at home on specialized machines before the quilts return to the church for binding and finishing.
“If you can’t sew, we’ve got something for you to do,” Hubbard said. “If you can put colors together, we can use you.”
That spirit of inclusion extends beyond quilting skills.
The group welcomes new members of all ages, backgrounds and faith traditions.
“We welcome all different faiths and ages,” Hubbard said.
Several current and former members attend churches other than Alba First Methodist, and the women say anyone looking for fellowship, service opportunities or a creative outlet is invited to join them.
The ministry traces its roots back roughly 20 years to founders Louise Hill and Hallie Sundberg. While many original members have since moved closer to family or died, their legacy continues through each quilt that leaves the church.
For the women gathered around the tables each week, quilting is about much more than fabric and thread.
“What I love about it is when I’m sewing, I think of the little children,” said Carol Foster as she worked on a quilt decorated with playful animal prints. “I think about them pointing at the elephants and lions and enjoying it.”
The quilts are carefully designed for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Some feature bright colors and whimsical patterns, while others are made specifically for older children who may appreciate more mature designs.
Pastor John Epps said the ministry reflects the heart of the congregation.
“These ladies love one another. They love the people they are serving, and they love the ministry they are doing,” Epps said. “What they are doing is God’s work in the Wood County area.”
He added that the women embody Christ’s call to love others through service.
“They truly live the life of loving God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength, and they love their neighbors as themselves,” Epps said. “This is their way of doing that.”
While the quilting room remains busy, the group hopes more people will discover the ministry and help carry it forward.
The quilters meet every Thursday, with members typically arriving between 10 and 10:30 a.m. at Alba First Methodist Church. New members are always welcome, whether they are experienced quilters or complete beginners.
The group also gladly accepts donations of fabric, batting, thread, sewing machines and other quilting supplies.
For these women, every donated scrap of fabric represents another opportunity to create comfort, encouragement and hope — one stitch at a time.