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Handmade quilts lined the walls of the sanctuary at the Cundy’s Harbor Community Church of the Nazarene on Sunday, June 28. Carrying on a tradition that has lasted more than 20 years, volunteers crafted quilts for high school graduates with connections to the church.
In addition to Scripture readings and songs, the Quilt Sunday service features a send-off for each student, when the graduates may tell the congregation their plans for the future.
Pastor Veronica Gonsior said the church has been making quilts for high school graduates for about 22 years. Members give their time, and many quilts are created by people who don’t regularly attend services, but love and support the tradition.
At least 10 quilts are made each year — sometimes more than 15, depending on the number of local graduates. Church members also make quilts for expectant mothers in the congregation every year.
Quilts are personalized when a student has a personal connection to a volunteer. In one example this year, Gonsior made her great-nephew’s quilt, featuring passages from Scripture.
“Even though they’re not all personalized, I believe God knows who’s going to get what and blesses them,” she said.
Benjamin Mutty was one of the high school students to receive a quilt this year. “I’m excited for it,” he said after the service ended and he received his quilt.
Benjamin’s parents, Jeremiah and Vanessa, were married in the Cundy’s Harbor Community Church of the Nazarene. The family now lives in Bangor. They traveled two hours each way to attend the ceremony.
Benjamin graduated from Bible High School, a small private school in Brewer, on June 12. “I was the first and only graduate this year,” he said.
“I didn’t really get a graduation ceremony because I was only one person. But this is like my graduation ceremony,” he added.
Benjamin appreciated that his quilt displayed the “fruit of the Spirit” described in the Bible — the qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Gonsior said the church has built a new sewing room in its basement and plans to raise money for quilting equipment.
Church members will sell quilts to raise funds during the 30th annual Ocean Waves Quilters show from July 10-12 at the Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.
