wfn.org | Banner makers sew seeds of faith

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #7714 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

26-May-2003
GA03024

Banner makers sew seeds of faith

GA display presents the Book of Confessions as a visual spectacle

by Sharon Youngs
Communication coordinator, OGA

DENVER, May 26  In 1994, Linda Budge, an artist and a new member of Central
Presbyterian Church in Denver, was asked to organize and chair a committee to
make a Stephen Ministry banner. She recruited four other women, and they all
spent a full year creating that first banner. They hadnt wanted a
run-of-the-mill banner made of felt or burlap, but something special, with
beautiful fabrics, appliqui and quilting. 

	Their enthusiasm proved contagious. Soon more women were sewing
Gods word and sowing seeds of faith in all who viewed their banners. The
group became known as the Faith Sowers.
 
	In the fall of 2000, Rev. Glenn Perica, Central Presbyterians
pastor, asked the group to make a set of banners representing the Confessions
of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He hoped they could be finished in time to
be displayed in February 2002, when his church was to host a meeting of the
Presbytery of Denver. Budge wasnt crazy about the patterns Perica had
ordered, but the Sowers went to work, using beautiful fabrics, trim and
stippling to make the banners uniquely theirs.

	They finished in a year, then went on to add a banner representing
the Brief Statement of Faith. That one was barely finished in time for the
215th General Assembly.

	All the banners are on display in the ballroom foyer on the lower
level of the Colorado Convention Center.

	The women say they have learned that God will provide  will see that
the appropriate scripture is found, the right colors and fabrics become
available, and the Sowers best suited to the project show up to help. Over
the years, the group has developed new techniques  and a new, collective
sense of excitement about sewing Gods word.

	The Faith Sowers, in addition to Budge, are: Pat Emerson, Dolly
Kratzer, Fran Mallett, Johnnie Mikeljack, Jane Nelson, Martha Prater, Ann
Stonebraker, Nancy Sullivan, Hanlie Wessels and Mary Williams.

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