Michigan — Viola Doering was the Investment leader for the Village Church in Berrien Springs during the late 1960s. Her personal project was to make a quilt top using five-by-eight inch blocks of material she obtained from fabrics found in wallpaper sample books. For one dollar, church members could have their names embroidered on the fabric. The quilt blocks were pieced together into a quilt, to be sold at an auction where proceeds would go toward Investment.

Andrew Snyder was the highest bidder in the silent auction. After purchasing the quilt, he generously returned the quilt to Viola. She kept the quilt for the remainder of her life.

The quilt was later recognized when it resurfaced at Community Services. Audrey Laman recognized the Investment quilt and took it home for repairs. When the quilt was restored, she presented it to the church. It was displayed for the church to see with the understanding it would again be sold to the highest bidder and proceeds would benefit the Village Church.

Tom Kuhlman was the highest bidder at the latest silent auction. In a recent Sabbath School program he presented the quilt to the original purchaser, Andrew Snyder, where it remains today.

Viola's commitment to Investment was inspiring. Her quilt — the gift that keeps on giving.

Janet Miskiewicz, Village Church correspondent