CrossROADS shares talents around the world

WINTER GARDEN — A group of women started meeting a few years ago so they could spend time in fellowship while they worked on sewing and other needlework projects. Their purpose soon became more Christ-centered, and they are now part of the CrossROADS Ministry at First Baptist Church Winter Garden.

Led by Celeste Spencer, this service-oriented sewing group reaches out to help people in West Orange County and in many other countries. She meets with 12 other members: Ann Braddock, Marsha Caldwell, Marsha Dunaway, Margaret Hurst, Jane McCloud, Audrey McKee, Elizabeth Osborn, Ann Patterson, Louise Scarboro, Claudia Smyth, Edith Stepp and Debbie Sweredoski.

Twice a month, they get together to work on projects. They create hygiene bags for young girls in other countries to hold their personal items. They sew wheelchair bags, lap pads and shawl sets, and they repair clothing, for residents at Health Central Park and Quality Health Care Center. They make diaper bags, burp cloths and crib blankets for young mothers through Accept Pregnancy. They have made pillowcase dresses (more than 100) and pants for girls and boys through the Children of the Nation program and created single bed sheets for a new children’s dorm in Africa out of more than 120 king- and queen-size sheets donated by a local hotel.

“We are always excited to make a difference,” Spencer said.

The sewing enthusiasts welcome new members, and all are invited to the church at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

“We invite others to share their gifts,” Spencer said. “We have had ladies participate in a couple of states just because they want to share in our effort.”

Residents who want to help but aren’t seamstresses can make a monetary donation, or a gift of fabric, to the church.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to do what God has called all of us to do,” Spencer said. “We do realize that the organizations we are supporting are also performing a ministry — helping others.”

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].