St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, click for home. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, click for home.

The Bezalel Crafting Ministry (BCM) typically meets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays of each month.

Why is this group named this?

First, Bezalel, is a Biblical character, mentioned in the book of Exodus as one whom God called to use his skills in all kinds of crafts for the service of the tabernacle. See Exodus 31:1-11 and Exodus 35:30-36:2 to learn about his work. We intentionally chose to name our group after a male known for crafting to show this is not the work of one kind of person.

Second, Crafting was chosen as a more inclusive term. This group is not limited to people who only work with yarn or only knit or crochet. Just as Bezalel was skilled in ALL kinds of crafts, this group wants to incorporate all the arts for the glory of God.

Lastly (and most importantly), Ministry is used in our name because we use the skills and gifts of crafts and crafting to share the love of God with others, both within the congregation and out in the community.

 

What does the BCM do?

We are a group of people gathered to craft together and then share those items. Our list of items to date include prayer shawls, pocket prayer squares, blankets for the Linus Project, sewn masks, and “heart pairs” for family members separated during hospital stays by Covid-19.

In the future, we hope to partner with community groups and make hat & scarf sets, washcloth sets, and other requested items for people who live in various shelter housing.

 

Who can be part of this group?

Everyone is welcome to join in. While most of our members identify as female, this not solely a “women’s group” or “women’s ministry.” Anyone is welcome to join. You do not need to know a craft before joining in. Come and see what we do. We are always happy to help people find connections with crafting, even ones that don’t require yarn or needle and thread!

 

When do you meet?

We typically meet at 11:00AM on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays of every month after Labor Day (September) through Memorial Day (May). Our first gathering of the program year is always the 3rd Thursday in September. Our last gathering of the year is always the 3rd Thursday in May.

 

Where are the meetings held?

Currently our meeting location is a combination of virtual via Zoom and in-person, following all CDC guidelines.

At present, the in-person group meets at St. Andrew’s, in the Great Hall. We will keep people posted if anything changes.

 

I do not do anything with crafts.

A person does not have to like crafts or be involved to still offer support for the ministry. One of the best ways to support us is by praying for us and the people who receive the items we make.

Another way to support this ministry is by donating money to help cover the cost of the crafting supplies. If you feel drawn to helping in this way, talk with Martha or Alma.