About two years ago, three members of Oakdale UMC in West Boylston, MA, established the Pillowcase Project. Pillowcases are donated to the UMASS Pediatric Oncology Unit.
Oakdale United Methodist Church is a part of the New England Annual Conference.
Linda, one of the project founders, offered this report at the most recent Church Conference.
When a child is admitted [to the hospital], s/he is offered the opportunity to choose a pillowcase. In a sterile, scary environment a bright cheery pillowcase is a comforting gift. The pillowcase goes home with the child and can be used again if the child returns for repeat therapy.
We have received notes from parents and nurses expressing their gratitude for the difference the pillowcases have made in the hospital experience for the children.
The only “depressing” part of the pillowcase ministry is that the need is so great. It is sad to realize that although so many pillowcases have been given to children experiencing cancer and other health issues, the need remains. The nurses are very excited to replenish their depleted stock of these cherished gifts.
It all started as three people who just had fun making pillowcases. We now have 10+ people who join together monthly and not only create pillowcases, but have fellowship, fun and share our lives with each other. This is a mixture of our church family and several who just want to support this project.
To date we have delivered 864 pillowcases and with our next blessing will probably number over 900. As we hear about these numbers, we can’t help but think about the 900 families that are affected by childhood cancer and hope that this brings just a little bit of fun to an otherwise scary experience.
The pillowcases are made in an assembly line fashion.
- Bright, cheerful 100% cotton quilting fabric is used. Fabrics are purchased and donated by members. Monetary donations are always appreciated, and volunteers are encouraged to help even if they do not sew.
- The fabric is pre-washed and IRONED. This is the first of many ironings!
- The fabrics are cut to size depending on the purpose. The “thingy” is folded in half widthwise and IRONED.
- The next step is the rolling and pinning.
- The tubes are then moved to the sewing machines where Pastor Cheryl, Betty, Tina B and Tina M stitch the cuff seam.
- Next is the “Eureka” moment when the cases are pulled out and we see the beautiful color and pattern combinations!
- More IRONING and then trimming!
- A tag is placed into the edge of the case and the seam is serged. A serger is a four thread overlock sewing machine that binds the seam to prevent raveling. Jean and Rachel run the sergers.
- The pillowcases are then turned right side out, ready for a final pressing.
The pillowcases are now ready to be Blessed! On a blessing Sunday, Laurene and Linda carefully drape the pillowcases over the alter rail creating a beautiful, bright, & colorful display! The cases are blessed during the service. Once the pillowcases are blessed, they are packaged for delivery. A card is placed into each bag noting the pillowcase project and offering a message of comfort.
excerpt from a story on the New England Website
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
