I AM THE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES

The most important things in life, the things that really stick with us, are not always our successes, but the ways we make people feel and the moments we share together. Julie Smith and Lois Pedersen — two long-time members who recently donated the new  chapel quilt — understand this deeply. 

Their quilt now hangs proudly on the north wall of the chapel near the lectern. Its bold, warm colors radiate joy, comfort, and love. The fabric, donated by Lois, was hand-dyed in Baxter, Minnesota at Cherrywood Fabrics. The pattern, also from Cherrywood and fittingly named The Vine, reveals more than a single vine when viewed closely — layers of leaves, tendrils, and swirling shapes stitched into the background. 

ABOUT THE QUILT 

For Julie, fabric is more than material; it speaks to her. Just as a painter is drawn to a particular color, she feels guided by the textures and tones of cloth. When the team finished the quilt, which has warm hues and intricate vines, Julie knew the scripture that  belonged with them: “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). The verse, which describes Jesus as the source of life and his followers as the branches, has long shaped  the chapel’s identity. 

Shepherd of the Valley (SOTV) Director of Music & Worship, Mark Ertl, reflected on this connection:

“When the chapel was built in 2007, the scripture that shaped the theme of the chapel was John 15:5: ‘I am the vine, you are the branches…’ The chapel altar, lectern, and font were built  by SOTV member Doug Mielke, and then taken to Burton Forge in Two Harbors, MN. There, Dale Burton forged the metal ‘vine  and branches’ sculpture installed on all three pieces, as well as the custom candle holders whose bases are Lake Superior rocks. The paraments, designed and sewn by SOTV member Mary Ann Kelling, also incorporate the vine and branches theme.” 

This theme resonates because it reflects what many of us experience: when we stay rooted in faith, friendship, and community, our lives grow stronger and more fruitful. Joy often comes from extending a branch to someone else. 

CREATIVITY & CONNECTION 

According to Lois, “I cook like I sew. I use what I have and I make it beautiful.” She delights in teaching others, especially her grandchildren. Her favorite memories aren’t about the quilts themselves, but the moments spent creating them — poinsettias sewn with family after her youngest daughter’s wedding, or the Jack Sparrow and silhouette tree patterns her grandchildren stitched. The joy was in the togetherness. 

Today, Julie no longer quilts. She stays grounded through her faith, by giving back, and by the support of her friends. She continues to find creative outlets, such as card making. Julie says, “I feel that I was given a gift of creativity, and I want to give that gift back. Everybody has a gift, and this is mine.” Her fondest quilting memories aren’t about patterns or techniques but about the people she was able to help. She has donated quilts, money made from selling quilts, and materials to Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and more. Her joy comes from knowing her work brings comfort to others. 

Before and after each project, Lois, Julie, and the larger quilting group say a prayer. Below is their starting prayer:

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with the ability to quilt. Thank you for the joy, peace, and blessings it brings into our lives. It is a gift that has brought us countless hours of pleasure and enjoyment. Father, we return this gift to You. Use this talent to serve Your purpose in the world. Bless each item we quilt so that it radiates Your love to the  person who will receive it. Amen.” 

When asked what advice they would give to new quilters or those curious to learn, Julie and Lois agreed: the most important thing is simply to show up. There is  a place for everyone — whether you’re learning a new skill or offering a friendly conversation.

CONSIDER JOINING A QUILTING GROUP

Shepherd Quilters
Wednesdays
8:45 – 11:30 AM

Golden Stitchers
1st, 3rd, & 5th Thursdays of the month  
9:00 – 11:00 AM