CROWN POINT | Women volunteers of Trinity Lutheran Church have sewn their 1,000th quilt, as part of a shipment of 106 quilts now covering the beds of people in Third World countries who are enjoying the warmth of the church and Northwest Indiana residents.

The idea to create a Quilt Ministry came from Gertrude Polster, who came from Valparaiso more than 15 years ago to join Trinity Lutheran and immediately suggested the idea of this service. Up to 10 volunteers at a time have been sewing nearly 67 quilts every year since her idea found a home.

Made up of denim, corduroy and cotton and stuffed with old blankets, the quilts, which were first shipped through Lutheran World Relief, have provided comfort and warmth for hundreds of Third World citizens around the globe.

Recently, the women prepared their last complement of 106 quilts for shipping to various LWR warehouses in the United States, where the need is determined and supplies are sent overseas. The mission organized by Mother Theresa in India has been a recipient of these quilts.

During the 50-year history of LWR's Quilt Ministry, the tradition has not been utilized in the United States. "However," Polster said, "in 2005, quilts were sent to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina."

Other Lutheran Churches in Northwest Indiana also make quilts, with Christ Lutheran in Valparaiso serving as coordinator of this area's Quilt Ministry.

The 1000th quilt made at Trinity Lutheran Church of Crown Point was commissioned and dedicated in a recent Sunday worship service by Senior Pastor David Easterday.

- For The Times