Fat Quarter. Boxy star. Stitch-in-the-ditch: Alien terms to many.

Gretchen Roth wasn't intimidated by the lingo. She arrived early for her first meeting with the Covenant Quilters, eager to share her latest project – crib quilts for her twin granddaughters – to learn from more advanced quilters and to make new friends.

“And the Bible study interested me,” she added.

On a recent Monday morning, Roth and 14 other women gathered at Covenant United Methodist Church on Coldwater Road, carrying shopping bags crammed with colorful fabric creations, sewing kits, folded quilt tops and Bibles. At their regular twice-monthly meeting, members were putting the finishing touches on 80 quilts for the children of Bashor Children's Home in Goshen, quilts that will be dedicated at worship services at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Sunday.

Group leader Vicki Booth said the quilts will be displayed around the sanctuary, draped on pews and railings. Church members will be encouraged to touch each quilt, blessing it and the eventual recipient.

Former leader Jackie Young recalled a 1996 retreat for the United Methodist Women where many people expressed a desire to learn to quilt. She teamed with former pastor Derek Weber to begin a quilters' Bible study, and 15 people responded.

“Jackie taught the basics of fabric choice, cutting and piecing,” said Linda Dupont.“Designs were based on 12 traditional blocks from (Indiana resident) Kaye England's book ‘Journey to Jericho.'”

In 1997, England attended a worship service in which the finished quilts were displayed.

Booth began the group's recent meeting with prayer requests and sharing of joys.

A neighbor diagnosed with cancer, a death in the family, a loved one awaiting a kidney transplant ... members expressed sympathy and concern, sharing one another's burdens as prayers were offered.

Someone announced a positive doctor's report, others an eighth grandchild on the way, a new job and a quick recovery from surgery. The group rejoiced at good news and answered prayer.

Announcements were made about an upcoming quilting retreat and fundraising efforts for the Heifer Project.

“As a group, we pool our donations and purchase an animal (usually a goat or cow) for families in Third World countries,” Booth explained.

Roth was introduced to the group.

“We're glad you're here,” said Booth. “I hope we don't scare you!”

Show-and-tell was a veritable smorgasbord of vibrant colors, patterns and designs.

Cheryl Templeton shared a quilt made for her parents and displayed at her mother's memorial service. Fran Foskey passed around a six-pocket purse in a deep brown-and-gold fabric combination. Judy Davis showed off a tote bag done in black fabric with a cherry motif. Jan Lawhorn rushed in late, having just pulled the quilt off her sewing machine – a “chocolate” quilt, bursting with unique embellishments and clever techniques.

As the group awaited the pastor's arrival to begin Bible study, members stitched on projects large and small, admired a Christmas stocking cross-stitched for a beloved grandchild, laughed and enjoyed each other's company.

“My family is on the East Coast,” said Foskey, “so these ladies are the closest thing I have to sisters.”

“Each member is free to share,” said Dupont, “knowing that her quilting sisters are there for her, praying for her and reaching out to help her. We have truly become a family.”

Jane Wells joined five years ago, after the tragic death of her husband, Earl Wells, retired director of the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

“At Covenant Quilters, I found lovely women who had varying degrees of interest and (skill) in quilting, but who were very supportive of each other and ... strongly committed to Jesus,” Wells said.

Covenant Quilters members also have helped Wells by testing patterns for a book she and her sister, Linda K. Johnson, will publish soon, “Quilts Your Grandkids Can Cuddle In.”

“The last five years, since I lost my husband and best friend, have been quite a lifestyle change for me,” Wells continued, “but God has helped me through the tough times.

“I thank God for this gift (of quilting) and for friends.”