BROOKINGS — If walls could talk, the concrete blocks of a gym built for bouncing balls would report hearing a different sound on June 15: the hum of 24 sewing machines and the chatter of 68 workers gathered for a new-fashion quilting party.

The occasion was the second annual First Lutheran Church Quilting Bee, held to support the ministry of Lutheran World Relief.

In seven hours, the crew, ages 6 to 95, completed and boxed up 40 quilts, with 20 more waiting for a finishing edge. The children, meanwhile, focused on ripping and winding cotton sheet strips for bandages.

They produced 40 coils that will be sent to Global Health Ministries for distribution.

The volunteers, coming from various churches in the area, were energized from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with two coffee breaks and a boxed lunch at noon. Thrivent Action Team grants provided the food and the sewing notions. Additionally, FLC quilters have appreciated the generous donations of fabric from church and community members.

Mary Tereszkiewicz, a visiting guest from the LWR warehouse in Baltimore, provided expert advice and thanked the group for serving the needs of people they will never meet.

She specifically recognized FLC quilter Faye Dahl for faithfully encouraging others in this ministry by challenging the FLC quilters to reach a goal of 400 quilts produced this year. Tereszkiewicz explained that the national office has noticed the work accomplished in Brookings for some time now.

FLC quilters meet twice a week at the church on Eighth Street and Main Avenue with a small group completing preparatory work on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and a larger group working Tuesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to noon. All skill levels are welcome to join.