Ministry snapshots - Plastic bags wrap people with love

Churches across the state submit stories to Contact about their innovative and effective ministries. On these pages, we gladly share that news, both to celebrate with them and to inspire others, when space is available. Submit news by email to editor@okumc.org  — digital photos need to be original sizes, JPG format — or by U.S. mail to Contact, United Methodist Ministry Center, 1501 N.W. 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106. — Holly McCray, editor

At St. Matthew UMC in Midwest City, the United Methodist Women’s circle recycles plastic shopping bags in an unusual way.

The women repurpose the bags as "plarn," plastic yarn, and use that to crochet sleeping mats for people who are homeless. Kay Ross is coordinator.

The UMW at OKC-Epworth church distribute the mats.

Barbara Perry learned of the project at a meeting of the North OKC District UMW early this year. She described it as "a unique idea that takes time, but no cost … just hundreds of bags that some of us throw away." Perry is the district lay leader.