Ziegels Union Church hosted a relaxing afternoon providing fellowship and friendship at the Tea and Quilts organized by Elsie Heist and Karin Lilley with the help of many volunteers and church members.

Guests attending the tea were “greeted” by Isabella, a charming mannequin and close friend of Heist, who says Isabella can be seen at various community events always dressed in her best.

In fact, Isabella plans on attending the July 16 Parkland Garden Club tour at Garden No. 10 in Breinigsville.

More than 100 brilliantly crafted quilts were on display throughout the church with a breathtaking collection in the chapel.

Those guests desiring to stay for lunch, were treated to tasty finger sandwiches and tiny deserts including scones with jellies with homemade clotted cream and lemon curd.

Of course, a variety of teas and coffee were available for sipping throughout the afternoon.

The theme for the tea was butterflies.

The tables, covered with shimmering silver and pastel tablecloths were elegantly dressed with traditional tea settings, antique doilies and teapots, and butterfly houses.

Some of the tables featured centerpiece crocheted hats adorned with bright pink and purple butterflies, sparkling gems, taffeta and lace.

The result was a truly unique table scape which created the feel of a classic high tea party, the likes of which one does not often experience on this side of the pond.

“A lot of hard work went into this event but it was well worth it,” said Heist, who helped make many of the table decorations and treats.

Traditionally, quilting has been a unifying force for women, bringing them together to share thoughts and ideas.

And drinking tea, whether at a formal gathering or just an afternoon get together, has long served the same purpose.

Gardening is another activity that brings the community together and members of several local garden clubs, including Emmaus and Parkland, attended the tea.

They enjoyed one another’s company, viewing quilts and hoping to win one of the giant baskets up for raffle.

But, it was the afternoon’s guest speaker who taught everyone quite a bit about how settlers learned to garden in the New World and use plants to meet their everyday needs.

Master Gardener Becky Short, known as “Mistress Becky,” captivated the room with her tales of long ago, transporting guests back to the early days of this country.

Donned in traditional 17th century dress, she gave a broad history of native plants and gardening practices.

She spoke of variety of uses for plants “in her time” from food and clothing to some of the earliest plant-based medical antidotes.

Ziegels UCC Pastor Candi Cain-Borgman summed up the spirit of the afternoon during her invocation.

“This event which lifts up tea brings us comfort and solace; and quilts…quilts that bind together different pieces of material, just like here in our church, where we who are very different are bound together to provide beauty, provide comfort and provide love,” said Borgman.

According to Heist, the church does many wonderful things for the community and beyond and the proceeds from the event were to help offset the budget.

“Currently, the interim Lutheran pastor is Andy Meckstroth,” said Heist. “His great -grandfather, William L. Meckstroth, served as Ziegels UCC pastor from 1907 to 1933.”

“With his history and ancestry, it is the perfect time for him to be with us when we really need some extra guidance.”