“You’re helping someone during the worst time of their lives,” says Eileen Lane, on what drives her as the head of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Quilt Ministry in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Her fellow quilters share her passion for serving others. However, when the St. John’s congregation found themselves on the receiving end of disaster, they experienced firsthand the profound impact of such love.
The main sanctuary of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, pictured here, was filled with smoke during the fire.
On February 5, 2026, the smoke alarms echoed through the halls of St. John’s. An electrical fire had broken out in the basement service tunnel, sending thick smoke billowing through the 80-foot-tall sanctuary. The sexton arrived immediately, and the fire department managed to extinguish the source with a single extinguisher. Thankfully, the historic wood interior suffered no structural or water damage, and the quilting supplies were safe, but the smoke damage was extensive.
The health inspector delivered the news: the building had to close completely until a full clearance was issued.
For the congregation, this meant finding a new place to worship. For the church’s dedicated quilting ministry, it meant their beloved Monday morning gatherings were suddenly without a home.
But as the quilters were soon to learn, their grief would be short-lived. Because out of the smoke, emerged a beautiful validation of the power of community, resilience and a reaffirmation of what the group’s time was about in the first place.
Welcoming neighbors with open arms
When learning about the fire, Christ Lutheran Church, located a mere mile away, offered a large, available classroom without hesitation. The St. John's group packed their supplies into two cars and made the short move.
The welcome was incredibly warm. When the St. John's quilters arrived, members of Christ Lutheran waiting to help move equipment and tables were set up as they had requested. For six weeks, the St. John's quilters operated out of this temporary home. Driven by their commitment to Lutheran World Relief, these dedicated women completed over 30 quilts during their time at Christ Lutheran.
St. John’s quilters at their temporary home of Christ Lutheran.
And the collaboration extended far beyond the sewing room. For the Lenten season, St. John's and Christ Lutheran combined their congregations. They shared staff, resources and music directors. The combined choir, led now by four music directors, filled the sanctuary with beautiful music.
Because of the increased membership, the choir tried more challenging songs than they could with smaller numbers.
“It felt good,” says quilter and choir member Erlinda Aguiar. “It was beautiful to work together and there was lots of celebration and togetherness for the Lenten season.”
A lifeline for others…and for its quilters
The experience inspired deep self-reflection within the group. Recognizing what they could have lost has reinforced just how much of a lifeline their ministry has been in their own lives. For many, it offers a safe space free of judgment and full of support during rough periods.
“We live for our Monday morning quilting,” says quilter Elisabeth McGee. “We’ve got a really good fellowship.”
Fellow quilter Jeanette Nichol agrees. “I joined not knowing anyone or what I would be able to do. Now, it is my solace. I get to do God’s work for people who have nothing and I’ve made some very good friends.”
Finding a second family
The memorial pillowcases Danielle Reimer sewed, with help from the group, for her late friend.
For Danielle Reimer, the quilting group became a sanctuary in a time of profound grief. She first joined while seeking help sewing memorial pillowcases in honor of a dear friend. With Eileen and Elizabeth’s support, the pillowcases — made from fabric cut from her friend’s father’s shirts — were completed in time for the funeral. They became a source of comfort for both Danielle and her friend’s family.
"If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have this second family," Danielle shares. "These ladies brought me on as another niece."
Danielle now brings her 10-year-old daughter, Sophie, to the group. Together, they create unconventional, beautiful quilts. Danielle uses the experience to teach her daughter about giving back.
"I'm a single mom. I struggle myself," Danielle says. "But I can make time out of one day to give back to those who are in need. It makes you feel good that you can help."
Serving like Martha
Linda Schwartz compares the ministry to the biblical story of Martha and Mary.
"Jesus spoke the gospel, but this is being Martha," Linda notes. "Martha was the practical one that fed the disciples, took care of them. And that's what we're doing."
This dedication spans generations. Linda's 100-year-old mother faithfully knits hats and sweaters at home for the baby care kits, proving that age is never a barrier to serving others.
Gail Shearer echoes this sentiment of accessible service. "I can't go on mission trips and build houses. But I can do this."
Weaving a stronger community
In late March, the quilters moved back to their rightful home at St. John's — again with the help from Christ Lutheran — filled with immense gratitude for the blessings found in unexpected circumstances. Even before the fire, local businesses and many neighbors donated much of the fabric the group uses, and talks were beginning about collaborations with neighboring congregations. The fire has only fast tracked those conversations, proving how much more comes out of working together.
For the St. John quilters, it’s the perfect example of God working in mysterious ways.
“Everything happens for a reason,” says Danielle.
Thank you to St. John’s Lutheran Quilters — and all our quilters and kit makers — for your unwavering dedication and for showing us the power of fellowship.
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can help right now:
- The Quilt & Kit Shipping Fund is an excellent way to support the journey of quilts made by compassionate hearts like St. John’s quilters, and get your congregations involved. You can also honor or recognize a loved one through our Good Samaritan Quilt Plaza and become part of the “Many Trips Around the World” quilt pattern in Baltimore. Get more information and donate online here.
- When disaster strikes, our neighbors need our love — immediately. Consider becoming a Faithful Neighbor! The sustaining love of Faithful Neighbors, our monthly donors, allows us to respond quicker in times of immediate crisis. But it also allows us to stay longer, helping neighbors build back stronger and more resilient to future crises.