Mustard Seed Ministry
Dear Beloveds,
This past Sunday, our Mustard Seed Ministry met and had a great time of getting to know one another, working together, and learning together. The book of Matthew tells us that if you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains (17: 20)!
It was in this vein that we took the name Mustard Seed Ministry for our knitting and crocheting group. This group has been dedicated to creating beautiful works of art to be shared with our church family and the greater community. They have worked hard for many years to create prayer shawls, prayer blankets, and even baby booties, caps, and toys out of yarn--and work year-round in this ministry to share God’s love.
Many of you may have been recipients of a prayer shawl or blanket in a time of need, or when you have been ill. When my husband Charlie had his cycling accident, a blanket was dedicated to him; the ministry gathered over Zoom and prayed over him as the blanket covered him in bed, and it brought him so much comfort knowing it had been sent with so much support, love, and prayers.
Our items reach beyond our church walls as well. Each year, we dedicate and send many blankets to County USC Medical Center, where the chaplains take one day in December to distribute hundreds and hundreds of blankets from southland churches to the patients at the hospital. When they receive a blanket, the patients are informed that it comes with prayer to bring them comfort and hope. Oftentimes, this blanket is one of the few items these patients take home with them. This is an incredible ministry that we have the honor of participating in. (Below are a couple photos of a past blanket distribution days.)
In addition, some of our items, such as booties, caps, and stuffed toys, are given to Angel Interfaith, which is a non-profit agency that comes along side County USC to care for patients who leave the hospital with no resources. Angel Interfaith takes donations and provides families with everything from infant formula, clothing, car seats, and more. Please see their link below for more information!
The mustard seed is truly unique—it is one of the world’s smallest seeds, and yet, when it grows, it becomes a huge shrub! Such is ministry and caring for others. We may think that what we do is such a small thing, and yet, it can bring so much comfort and joy to a total stranger. We would like to thank those dedicated hands and hearts who work with love to make these many items to be given to those in need.
If you are interested in learning how to get involved, we would love to have you join! After many years of heading this ministry, Margi St. Clair is passing the torch to Esther Alva to continue carry on the leadership of Mustard Seed. Even if you do not know how to knit or crochet, we have those who are willing to teach! If you have yarn that you can donate or would like to purchase yarn to be made into a blanket that will be donated, you can get involved as well! We welcomed new members in Esther’s mom Raquel, Pierre Tang, and Dianne Atkins, and we thank all the incredible people who are faithfully knitting and home and delivering their items to the church office. For more information, please contact Esther or myself. Thank you, Mustard Seed Ministry, for your loving faithfulness!
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
