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March 02, 2026

5,000 Quilts!

5000 Quilts Sent to Mission Work
The Tuesday Morning Quilters achieved their goal of 5000 quilts being sent to the Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk for distribution worldwide last week!
Tuesday Morning Quilters began in 2013 as the St. John Lutheran Quilters. As the group grew, and included more ladies from around the area, the name was changed to Tuesday Morning Quilters.
Four ladies began the effort as a way to clean out their closets of unused blankets, sheets, and material “stashes” that were piling up. These ladies were Mary Morgan (deceased), Opal Mogensen and Bernice Hunt (now in the nursing home), and Kay Swerczek (who still heads up the group).
The group meets in the St. John Lutheran Church basement weekly on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. They gather to cut, sew, tie, layer, and more. The group enjoys fellowship during their Tuesday morning sewing and feel they are making a difference for the world by sending warmth, love and support through a simple quilt.
As the word spread throughout the surrounding area about their mission work efforts, donations started appearing on their worktables in the church basement. People from all over Boone and Nance Counties, and beyond, seem to leave them material, sheets, light blankets, and more to keep their group going. Many times, they have started getting low on these supplies, only to show up the next week and find that someone has left them another large pile to work with! God does provide for them!
The group uses Thrivent Action Team applications to receive $250 to buy items such as: batting, material, thread, scissors, bags for transporting quilts and any other supplies needed.
The Orphan Grain Train always sends them a thank you card after each delivery to tell them where their handywork is being sent in the world. Some stay stateside, especially during disasters, but most have been sent to the Ukraine in recent years. The group also gives a nice baby quilt to all new babies in the community as a local outreach project.
The group has grown in members over the years, and we have lost a few as they age. Not all members come every week, and some just cut blocks or sew at home and bring items to the church. Sometimes other family needs come first, but all attend when they can to keep the mission work going.
We are so thankful for all who lend a helping hand. Present and past helpers are: Mary Morgan (deceased), Opal Mogensen, Bernice Hunt, Kay Swerczek, Liz Keehn, Judy Hunt, Renee Ostrander, Judy Imus, Noreen Moseman, Maria Moseman, Veronica Pfeifer, Diane Buettner, Pat Kolm, Shelley Towey, Bonnie McPhillips and Sue McIntyre.
The group hopes to continue its sewing efforts for years to come and welcome anyone who wants to help out. It’s a come as you are able group. If you have any donations you would like to give, you may leave them at St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids or contact any of the above members to arrange a pickup option. We will keep spreading God’s love and warmth – one quilt at a time!
Thank you, Tuesday Morning Quilters! 5,000 quilts strong and counting.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1 NIV
Categories: Branch Updates, Uncategorized
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