All are welcome, and our main goal is adult fellowship. The classes and supplies are free," said Jennifer Earl when describing the Christian Crafters, a free craft class for adults that is offered by United Methodists in Action (UMIA) at Parkesburg United Methodist Church (UMC). "We laugh a lot, and no art talent is required."

Earl, UMIA president, leads the group, which meets monthly on select Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the church, 411 Main St., Parkesburg. The group will not meet in July; the next scheduled gathering will be on Aug. 4.

The group, which is new, formed about a year and a half ago. It is open to adults, and it is not necessary to attend Parkesburg UMC or another church to participate.

"We ask that it be adults because we (sometimes) work with glass and metal," explained Earl. "You don't even have to go to a church. It's more about fellowship."

Each meeting begins with a short prayer or reading. Earl then provides instructions for the craft activity of the night. Refreshments are provided.

"We do have a donation bucket if anyone wants to contribute, and (people may) bring a snack," Earl noted.

The group has worked with a variety of mediums since it began meeting. "I try to introduce a new craft once a month, whether it is working with fabric or Mod Podge," Earl said. "I have been doing arts and crafts my whole life."

The meeting on June 23 featured a craft using recycled DVDs and CDs to create card holders. "If you are playing cards, you can put your cards in the holder and you can hold it in your hand," Earl explained. "We wanted to take it a step further, and we put magnets on the back, and you could use it on your refrigerator (to hold) appointment cards or notes. You could also take a birthday card and place it in the holder on the refrigerator. It's a special way to display a card."

Deb Ann Scott, who attended the recent meeting, said she enjoyed meeting the other crafters and finding a new purpose for unused items. "(We had) lots of laughs, told stories and, of course, we (completed) crafts," she stated. "It's amazing how crafters can use leftover yarn, fabric, buttons, glue and some basic stuff to create something beautiful."

Earl noted that about 12 to 15 people attend the craft meeting regularly. "Each individual gets attention. I try to get everyone to learn something new," she said. "(Even) if people say they have never done crafts, they will come out with a product. We do easy things. We have a lot of fun."

Most of the projects involve the use of recycled materials. "A lot of our items are DIY (do-it-yourself). They use recycled items like fabric that was donated," said Earl.

In order to showcase its work and raise money for the community, the Christian Crafters held a bazaar last Christmas. "We decided to do a bazaar at the church (to sell) Christmas ornaments," Earl said. "We took the money from that, and it went back into the community."

She noted that Parkesburg UMC supports Parkesburg Churches Community Outreach (PCCO) and The Parkesburg POINT Youth Center, among other charities. It also operates the nonprofit Righteous Clothing Thrift Store.

In addition to the crafting group, UMIA plans to resume its monthly game night at the church in August. "We want to encourage outside activity just to have fellowship. There are no strings attached," said Earl. "We want the community to come together and get to know each other and have a good time."

For more information about the Christian Crafters, search for "Parkesburg 'United Methodists in Action'" Facebook group. Those with questions may contact Earl at cjearl@verizon.net. Earl asks that those who plan to attend the August meeting contact her in advance so that enough craft supplies will be available.