Agree that the quilts with religious symbols would be more appropriate in a setting like a nursing home, especially one affiliated with the church, or maybe just a membr of the congregation. Wouldn't it be kind of a cool idea for each new confirm and to receive a quilt at the time of comfirmation? Or for each child baptized in the church to receive a quilt at the time of baptism?

would you want your quilt to be tossed in a dumpster because it was inappropriate to the receiver.
Lets respect the work of the church. They don't go in preaching but "doing good works" Religious oriented quilts have no place on the mission field unless they are specifically asked for. I have lived overseas and and well acquaited with the work of any church's mission work. Be safe and know the quilt will cover a body on a cold night It is possible the symbol being used may have other meanings to a different culture.

and be sure and ask if specific colors should not be used.

I am also active in my church's quilt ministry for Lutheran World Relief. Check their website where you will find very clear statements NOT to include any religious, military, or "USA" fabrics. I pray you will abide by their rules rather than create a problem in a village somewhere because someone is using a quilt which is out of conformance with local standards.

Krisb,
I also like the idea of giving personalized gifts of quilts (or other things) to confirmands and those baptized. It requires quite a commitment though on the part of the quilters, because once you start, there can be quite a few.

My home church used to do a quilt for each confirmand, but found that in most cases, it really wasn't appreciated very much (who can guess what each kid would like in terms of pattern and color?). Now they do something better -- they make a quilt for a teenager in a residential psychiatric type facility and give it ON BEHALF of the confirmand. The confirmand writes out a card that is attached and gets to share in any follow-up correspondence. Since part of the confirmation program is about service, this affords an opportunity for them to participate in a service project while also celebrating their confirmation.

Baptism quilts would be easier -- smaller and quicker to do, at least for infant baptisms.

Dayle

I know that LWR is getting more fussy about the quilts that they get. I made 10 tops of different sizes last winter and was told they only wanted them to be 60x 80 in size. I also know in the litature they send out, that they don't want patrotic or holiday fabric used in them.

Lots of good advice here. Are there any other fabrics, besides those already mentioned, which should not be included? Now I'm thinking that leftover scraps of wine theme fabrics also should be left out.

If there is a chance that the quilts might go to a moslim country then any fabric denoting western culture should probably be avoided, i.e. sports themes, music themes, pictures of people, cartoons, Disney - It is my understanding that these are not welcome in their culture.

The message is in the making and sending of the quilt, and the message is love and caring. As a resident of this world I thank you for your participation in helping those who need.

I think you need to be careful. I know we live in a society that is tolerant of all religions, but such is not true world wide. In some parts of the world, Christians can be persecuted for their beliefs. You wouldn't want that to happen over a quilt you made out of the best of intentions on your part. I'd recommend checking with a higher authority at the charity first, but be prepared to do more generic quilts for overseas. After all, your whole point is to send quilts to people who need quilts, and that is God's work too. You can save the Christian themes for closer to home projects where you know they will be welcomed. Just keep thinking, in all you do, you are doing God's work, and I applaud you for it. May God bless you for your generosity of spirit.