On February 26, 2023, First Congregational UCC dedicated around 40 quilts before they were sent to shelters at the Mexican border. The Bienvenidos Quilts workshop is located at the church in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Rev. Brigitta Remole’s words of blessing: Gracious God, maker of all things. You have blessed us with so many gifts: a good eye for color; the ability to make fine stitches; the skills to develop ever new and beautiful patterns. Today we dedicate the fruits of this labor, these quilts, we dedicate them to your service, trusting that your love will go wherever each quilt is sent. Making it more than just a piece of material, a collection, making each piece we have created an expression of love. There is no way for us to imagine the power and effect an act of love can have on a person’s life. How you can use something as small as a quilt to radiate your love from us to the world. May these quilts be used in your service and become blessings for all those who receive them. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.