New Ministry Reflects Giving Hearts

Over the years, the Women’s Ministry has often adopted a missionary or organization supported by First Church. They have done this by highlighting them for events, collecting donations, and tackling projects specific to their needs.

“It is obvious that the women of First Church have many talents and generous hearts,” said Women’s Ministry Coordinator Donna Tenfelde. “And generosity is definitely a part of Hearts & Crafts, a new addition to our ministry that we began this past summer.”

Hearts & Crafts was started to offer more women an opportunity to give of their time, talent, and treasures. All levels of creativity are welcome. All are invited “to create something with your hands that comes from your heart.”

Their first project this past summer was making Christmas stockings for children in the Dominican Republic. Over 100 stockings were hand-monogramed with a heart saying “FPC Bonita” and will be stuffed with toothbrushes and special treats; Director of Missions Trusha Barner will deliver them on her mission trip in December.

Another project undertaken by Hearts & Crafts was knitting and crocheting shawls and infant hats which were delivered to Kenya for BethanyKids in August by Trusha.

Hearts & Crafts meets in the Banner Room where, on any given Tuesday, there are six to eight members sharing their various talents. “We have a roster of 20 plus,” Donna said. “Many of our women take work home to complete. It is especially heartwarming to see them creating new friendships, to hear invitations to join Bible studies, to share information with women new to the church. They are each so generous.”

Hearts & Crafts is currently working on various décor projects for upcoming women’s ministry events in November and December, one of which is creating hand-made napkin rings from toilet paper and paper towel rolls. Thanks to a power tool and an extra pair of hands from one of the husbands, 250 napkin rings were beautifully cut and serve as a foundation for the ladies’ talents.