Daylesewblessed

After an extremely busy month of March, I finally have time to catch my breath.

I have started a quilting group at church and am interested in peoples' experiences and advice for leadership and direction. We met in March, and there were 4 of us tying a Lutheran World Relief quilt (60x80). We discussed projects that might be in our future, and I handed out a list of possibilities, some with corresponding websites for review. The experience level varies greatly with the group so far, but the enthusiasm is high all around.

Our church has the building full with a pre-school daycare program, so we are meeting in a small parlor type room with big overstuffed furniture that must be moved out of the way. It is not ideal, but we managed.

At first I expect to be preparing work for people to do at the session and to take home, but eventually my goal is to have people gain confidence and skill to start their own projects at home.

So at this point I would like to hear from those of you who lead church charity sewing groups or have started such groups. I would like your suggestions for operating the sessions, recruiting, choosing projects, planning and executing development of the group, accountability, and hints for communication and encouraging support with and from the church staff and congregation.

Thanks!

Dayle