by Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery
One of the most recognizable aspects of Women of the ELCA is QUILTING. Quilting circles in the 19th century were a way for women to meet together to advocate for women’s rights in the church and in the nation while also creating works of art and necessary bedding for their homes. Today, Women of the ELCA contributes tens of thousands of quilts a year to Lutheran World Relief, local homeless shelters, hospitals, and prisons. Working together to create beautiful textiles that comfort and warm is part of our identity.
The Triennial Gathering was no exception. We had 11 quilts chosen as finalists, which were displayed at the Gathering, all on the theme “I am worthy!”
We were blessed to have the help of Kris Lubar and Debra Weinal, who were our judges for the event. Kris felt that “it was an honor to be chosen as a juror for the Triennial Quilt Challenge.” She offered “congratulations to all the quilters who took up the challenge of interpreting the theme of “I am worthy” in pink and gold” and thanked them for “contributing to Women of the ELCA and Lutheran World Relief with your talents, skills and insights.”
The judges awarded the first prize to Jan Anderson. Jan’s artist statement about her quilt said, “We are chosen and beloved children of God. Everyone—not just a few, not from selected groups, not just the wealthy, but every person in the world. Therefore, all people deserve the basic needs of shelter, food, and clothing. All people of the world have been chosen by God and deserve family and acceptance, love, peace, and joy.”
The judges noted that Anderson “used many techniques and materials to construct an intricate art quilt which shows her skill in many needle arts. . . . Depictions of women’s traditional roles of providing emphasize that while the world does not always hold these skills in high esteem, skill at providing for others – ‘women’s work’ should produce a feeling of self-worth.”
The judges also gave two honorable mention awards to Kris Oleson and Debra Jeske, noting their skill, construction, and fabric choices. About Oleson’s quilt, they said, “In her design the quilter recognizes that we are made worthy only by the grace of God.” The judges were charmed by Jeske’s idea for the quilt, “taken from Japanese culture of mending broken crockery with gold.” They also noted that Jeske is quite “skilled in piecing small slivers of fabric and quilting evenly and intensely.”
During the Gathering, attendees were also invited to vote on their favorite quilts. The People’s Choice award went to Cyndy Dixon. Second and third place in the People’s Choice voting went to Julianne Omland and Jan Anderson.
All 11 quilts were auctioned at the Triennial Gathering as part of the Silent Auction. The Silent Auction raised over $8,000 for Women of the ELCA, where needed most. We are grateful to all our quilters and all who admire the beauty of their art.
Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery is interim executive director for Women of the ELCA and editor of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics.