Wednesday nights are family nights at Pullman Christian Reformed Church in Chicago. From 5 to 8 p.m., families come to the church for choir rehearsal, dinner, and Bible study.
One of those groups is for fourth and fifth graders. They decided to make blankets for people without homes after studying the parables of Jesus. Randy Moes, one of the group’s leaders, explained that the children had been studying and reflecting on the parables of the lost son, sheep, and goats, and the good Samaritan. “We have been reminded about the extravagant love of God and the kingdom calling on our lives,” Moes said. That is how the group came up with the idea to make blankets.
The students made 15 blankets. The group cut fleece into two equal pieces, fringed the ends, then tied them together to make a warm blanket. The blankets were rolled up and tied with a ribbon. Each included a handmade card. They were delivered to Roseland Christian Ministries, just a few miles away from Pullman CRC on South Michigan Avenue.
Moes says that the parable of the rich fool was particularly applicable as the group worked on the project. “We spoke about needs and wants, and we discussed how our abundance could and should be available to others. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our neighbors.”
About the Author
Callie Feyen is a writer living in Ann Arbor, Mich. She attends First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. Callie writes news for The Banner and contributes to Coffee+Crumbs, and T.S. Poetry Press. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and is the author of The Teacher Diaries: Romeo and Juliet, and Twirl: My Life in Stories, Writing, & Clothes.
