CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Christian women in Franklin County who need fellowship and sisterhood can find both — and learn how to craft or knit every Wednesday and Thursday at House of Grace in Chambersburg.
The women’s ministry nonprofit, which was founded in 1989 by Janet Johnston to serve as a safe place for area women to make friends, study the Bible and learn new skills, hosts Bible studies and skills and craft classes at its 307 Lincoln Way E. location over lunch two days a week, said Nicole Saylor, who serves as its director.
“We make sure every woman who walks through these doors feels seen and loved and experiences the love of Jesus,” Saylor said.
Women experiencing loneliness are often referred to the organization by area mental health therapists, who encourage their clients to find a community of like-minded peers. Saylor said that many of the women the organization serves have a disability and have no income or are on a fixed income; many appreciate developing skills they can use to make gifts for loved ones, or to make items they can donate to worthy causes like House of Grace, which can sell their creations to keep the nonprofit running.
“That gives them a sense of empowerment,” she said.
Saylor said that the group serves women who range in age from their 30s to their 90s. Their oldest client, Fannie Frey, 92, was one of the first women to volunteer for the organization in 1989.
“The biggest impact is having a safe place where women can come in, be themselves and just experience sisterhood with other women,” Saylor said. “They find people they can lean on, that they can trust, and a place where they won’t be judged.”
The nonprofit director said that the organization can always use donations. Money is best, but supporters can donate coffee, tea and other items that support their regular lunches and craft activities. The organization is currently offering classes in crafts, music, painting and macrame on Wednesday mornings, and knitting, crocheting and sewing on Thursday mornings. Lunch and Bible study follow each craft session those two days a week.
The group is holding its biggest fundraiser of the year — its mum sale — on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the parking lot of Keystone Professional Center on the corner of Norland and Fifth Avenues, at 111 Chambers Hill Drive in Chambersburg. Saylor said she is considering assembling a cookie-baking fundraiser around the holidays.
Affiliated with the House of Grace is Dress to a Tea, a slightly-used clothing store at 17 W. King St., which donates all of its proceeds to House of Grace. All workers at the shop are volunteers. It accepts clothing donations Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Saylor said of House of Grace, “I’m just so blessed to be a part of it, to see these women grow, to hear their testimonies, their praises. Just seeing the changes in their lives, in their confidence, skill levels and understanding of the Bible. It’s just beautiful to see these women grow in their relationships with Jesus and with each other.” To find out more about House of Grace, check out their website here.
