How To Make A Fleece Blanket

Fremont Lutheran Church to give graduating seniors fleece blankets

First Lutheran Church graduating seniors will receive a special gift from the congregation. Fleece blankets will be handed out to each high school senior at the graduation celebration on May 22.

These gifts are personal. The graduate receives something that was made for just him and the person who made the blanket prays over it for the student as it is created.

The project began three years ago. Jeremy Hansen, director of Youth and Outreach, brought the idea to the church.

"A couple of other youth directors had talked about doing this," he said. "We have given gifts to the seniors before, but I thought this idea was closer to who we are as the church. It allows us to really personalize the gift."

This is the second year that Diane Paseka has made blankets. Last year she made two.

"One was in school colors and the other was for a girl who liked certain colors," she said. "I found a turquoise and brown tiger stripe for her. Last year it was anonymous, but this year it won't be. It's for Micah Chvatal and it may have to be extra long. He's going to a school whose theme is pirates so I'm looking in that direction for fabric."

Paseka has been involved in youth activities for many years, particularly with Spoudazo.

"I'd always heard from past pastors that we need to lovingly encircle our youth," she said. "Having anything that reminds them of home and particularly of their church while they are away at school is a good thing."

"Most of the people making blankets have been able to visit with their senior, or perhaps their parents," Hansen said.

They got an idea about what the graduates like, what the next step in their lives, the school they will be attending or maybe if they are planning to enlist in the military.

Perhaps the blanket will commemorate an activity in which the senior participated or a Big Red themed print if she is a Cornhusker fan. Some blankets may just be colors or designs that the senior likes. There is an effort to please the student. The church wants these blankets to be used.

A few of the families do an exchange. Their children have been in tandem, sometimes a year or two apart from each other, throughout the years of Sunday school, church and youth activities. They know the graduates well and want to make something personal and special for them. It is an "I'll make one for your child and you can make one for mine" kind of thing. Others in the church make the blankets because the concept fits with their idea of the mission of the church and they want to be a part of it.

In a Pickle Q and A Column: HOW TO MAKE A FLEECE BLANKET FOR MOM!

I enjoy writing poetry and have hundreds to share. I collect recipes and like to bake and have for over 25 years. Solving problems, coordinating, and helping others are also important to me. But most of all, serving God and spending time with my cherished husband and 2 teen-age daughters are the priorities that mean the most. I have lupus, multiple sclerosis, and other health problems, but God gives me grace and strength to do all things. (Philippians 4:13) We adopted our youngest daughter when she was five, and waited for many years for our older daughter. Both are miracles from God. I am so blessed! Through all of life’s seasons and changes, God has taught me so many lessons. He is my Joy, Refuge, and Rock. He is so faithful and merciful.

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