Immaculate CONCEPTION
Arts and Crafts Guild
BLESSED TO BE ACTIVE ONCE AGAIN,
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he Arts and Crafts Guild of Immaculate Conception Parish began meeting again in September after being forced to remain apart for many months due to COVID restrictions. During the pandemic restrictions, both the active and homebound members kept in touch via telephone — support the members see as a blessing. But now that they are meeting again, they invite anyone interested to join them in fellowship as they serve the Lord. Their meetings are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Tuesday at Immaculata Hall. The Guild began in 1970 with a group of women who wanted to do something creative, worthwhile, and enjoyable. “They met in each other’s homes until Immaculata Hall was built, and were given a room on the north side of the building,” says Rose Marie Karp, Guild coordinator. Not only were the Guild members creative, but they quickly embraced stewardship by using their time, talent, and treasure to benefit our par-
ish. The Guild has sponsored an annual crafts bazaar that has raised more than $200,000 for the parish. “Amazingly, most all of the materials for our items have been donated from kind individuals,” Rose Marie says. “The money we raised has been used to pay for many church needs — new carpet in church, a Nativity set, parish center tables, and kitchen supplies, the kitchen in Immaculata Hall, playground equipment, tuition scholarships, computers, audio-visual equipment, and more.” The Guild bazaars are a thing to behold, with the variety of items the members have crafted. These include tree ornaments, decorated small trees, artificial bouquets and wreaths, stuffed animals, aprons, pot holders, tree skirts, and quilts. “The last couple of years, we’ve made stockings for the parish youth to fill for the Christmas Caravan, and potholders for the Thanksgiving baskets,” Rose Marie says. “We’ve also made costumes for the Christmas pageant, repainted
Members enjoy crafting and working together.
The Arts and Crafts Guild has raised more than $200,000 for the parish through the annual bazaar, where their crafted items are sold.
