Swaddling Clothes 

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Swaddling Clothes in the lower level of our church located at 201 Fourth Avenue in Keystone. This is not just a program to benefit those in Keystone, but is open to all. We plan to hold a "shopping day" the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon starting on September 14, 2019.  There is no charge for any of the items in our "store", and we are open to anyone who has a need for the items we have collected.

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How does “Swaddling Clothes” work?

 

Swaddling Clothes is a program run by various congregations of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to share the mercy of Christ with our neighbors through the gifts of clothing, food, friendship, and the forgiving Word of God.

 

From various donors, we assemble a collection of items associated with pregnancy and motherhood - maternity and baby clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, toys, strollers, etc. and even clothing up to size 10. Then, on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until noon and the following Monday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., St. John hosts a “shopping day” where people can come in and survey our collection and take whatever is needed, up to a certain number of items. If any of the items you take can be re-donated to Swaddling Clothes when you are done with them, we ask that you do so to help those in need after you. 

 

We also partner with a number of other organizations, providing you with referrals if you are seeking counseling, health care, employment, etc… And, of course, being a part of a Lutheran congregation, we are always ready to share pastoral care and a Gospel word with those who need them.

 

How can you help?

 

We are in need of good, gently used clothing up to size 10, baby items, formula, bottles; and as the need arises, larger items like cribs, car seats, etc.  For larger items we would just like for you to call in and let us know what you have and if possible, have you continue to store them. When someone comes in and is in need of a crib, high chair, other large items, we could then pick those larger items up from you or have you bring them in when the need arises. Since our space is somewhat limited for storage, we are asking for fall or winter clothing items at this time. We are asking that donations be brought in to the church through the education wing during office hours or by appointment by calling 319-442-3514.

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The Sanctity of Life 

 

God’s eternal Son began His earthly life as an embryo. And when that embryo was a grown man, He shed His blood for the entire world, including those who were nothing more than a few cells in their mothers’ wombs. 

 

For this reason, God never wants abortion to happen. And, as Christians, one of the greatest ways we can help keep our neighbor far from this temptation is by making pregnancy less frightening. 

 

If you’re frightened that you don’t have the resources to care for the child in your womb or the children outside your womb, we’re here to help. 

 

If you’re scared that you don’t know how to navigate this new part of your life, we’re here to help. 

 

If you’re worried about judgment or rejection, we’re here with God’s word of mercy and hope, a word that no one can take away from you. 

 

Christ loved you from your very beginning. He’ll love you to the end. That’s why we’re here.