Jill Schramm/MDN Some members of the quilting group at Christ Lutheran Church were tying quilts during their work session Thursday at the church. From left are Karen Christianson, Arlene Mehlhoff, Donna Luther, Marlene Tossett, Marlene Pennington and Linda Johnson.

Quilters with Christ Lutheran Church in Minot have been sewing and donating quilts for many years, and they continue to use their skills to benefit church missions and the community.

The quilting group recently donated baby quilts to the Parent and Family Resource Center, associated with the North Dakota State University Extension Center.

Lorraine Medalen, who oversees the quilting operations, said the group produces many of its quilts for Lutheran World Relief. The group also donates locally to Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, PATH and Head Start. It has given quilts to support benefits for individuals in need and has sold quilts at church fundraising events to generate money for the cause.

Medalen estimated the group gives away 60 to 70 quilts a year.

Many of the quilting supplies are donated. The group takes donated fabric, particularly cotton and cotton/polyester blends, but not old clothing.

Medalen recalled storing supplies in her home during the 2011 flood. She brought them back to a new room in the restored church that now provides them a dedicated space for quilting supplies and sewing.

On the first and third Thursday morning of each month, the church has about eight to 10 women gathered to work on quilts. Medalen said it’s the desire to support missions that keeps the group going.