Mennonite Weekly Review

GOSHEN, Ind. — Usually when Goshen College students attend the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale, they see quilts made by their grandmothers.

Goshen College first-year student Sophie Lapp, left, of Goshen, quilts with Talashia Keim, pastor of young adults at College Mennonite Church in Go­shen, as part of the “Passing on Traditions” group. — Photo by Jodi H. Beyeler/Goshen College

But at this year’s sale in Goshen in late September, a group of students were the creators of No. 244 in the quilt program book: a 62-inch-square sampler wall hanging with an international feel of blue, purple, red and yellow batik fabrics.

The quilt was the culmination of a new program, “Passing on Traditions,” which has produced contributions to aid in international relief and built bridges of friendship across generations.

During weekly Wednesday night gatherings after a light supper together, about 50 college students — both men and women of varying levels of experience — contributed to the quilt last spring.

Though the participants changed weekly, they cut the fabric, arranged the blocks and sewed them together. And they were joined by about 20 avid quilters — all women — from College Mennonite Church to do the framing and quilting over several months.

During these evenings together, students also learned how to tie comforters and knit, while sharing stories and fellowship as their hands and fingers moved needles and thread.

Kelly Frey, a sophomore nursing major from Shipshewana, attends College Mennonite on Sundays while in school and found the Wednesday night gathering offered a good break from her studies.

“I learned that quilting and knitting with women equals quality conversation and bonding,” Frey said. “I was able to feel more a part of the Sunday morning service once I recognized some people I had met on Wednesday nights. It’s nice to know that these women are thinking of us throughout the week; I know they are praying for me, and that is comforting.”

The intergenerational fellowship was also important for senior Bible and religion major Naomi Tice of Salisbury, Pa.

“Quilting nights were a way for me to unwind a bit and relax,“ she said. “As a transfer student last year, I still didn’t know very many people by second semester. When you’re quilting, the conversation is a lot less formal, and it’s easier to get to know people.“