By Patsy Morriss
Cindy Lauper said it best: Girls just wanna have fun. And while Suzi Mercy is a girl who loves to have fun, her definition of fun undoubtedly differs a bit from Cindy Lauper’s. A talented seamstress who learned to sew making doll clothes at age ten, Suzi has found fun in creating most of the banners, altar cloths and paraments we use in worship at Williams.
Her green eyes twinkle as she describes the steps involved in creating a particular banner. “It’s a lot of fun,” she says when you ask her how many hours of work went into it. She doesn’t consider it work to stand at the dining room table husband John has elevated to a comfortable level, laboring over a banner. If you press her she’ll admit that it can take 120 hours to complete a single banner. For her, though, it’s an outlet for what seems to be an endless supply of creativity, as well as an inclination to resist sitting still.
“They called me ‘hyper’ when I was a kid,” she says, flashing her brilliant smile.
Suzi was drawn into liturgical arts when she saw a need and volunteered to fill it. She and some other church members noticed the deterioration of the church’s beautiful altar cloths and set out to make new ones. Through trial and error they discovered the most effective methods to turn out the flawless products one can now see in the sanctuary every Sunday.
One of the first banners Suzi made was for the Williams liturgical dancers’ performance at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Like most of the banners, it evolved from the scripture it features. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
“I thought the themes of hope, walking and running were perfect for the Race,” she says. “I always read the scripture over and over until I get an idea of how the banner should look. I think I’m inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
Having now made more than 20 banners, plus a number of altar cloths and pulpit and lecturn scarves, Suzi is considered the local parament expert. Members of Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church consulted with her recently as they planned for their new sanctuary. Hardy member Bennie Raney, herself a professional seamstress, praises Suzi’s work.
“Suzi Mercy is phenomenal,” she says. “You can see the heart in everything she does.”
Suzi’s heart is evident in almost every corner of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. She coordinates the Tribe of Dan and, with John’s help, dresses the stage for the Xperience Service. Her costumes can be found on everyone from the liturgical dancers to the cast of The Living Last Supper; she even made Victorian costumes complete with hats for the Madrigal singers a few years back.
Director of Music and Fine Arts Sherri Waters finds Suzi’s assistance with worship invaluable.
“Whenever I talk to Suzi about helping with a hope or plan for worship, she says ‘Oh, that’s easy.’ Nothing I ask her to do is easy. I probably tried to do it myself before I mentioned it to her, and it’s definitely not easy. I have not found anything she can’t do.”
Every year Suzi makes a special stole for each member of the Confirmation Class. She’s an active member of United Methodist Women, recently serving as co-chair for the Mercantile Store. Her handmade “Silver & Stone by Suzi” jewelry and “Crazy Good Bows” for little girls are available for purchase in the Good Treasures Book Store. She directs the profits from these items back to the church, crediting her husband for affording her the ability to do so.
“John is wonderful and supports all of it – including financially,” she says. “He has an artistic eye and offers helpful design suggestions.”
“He’ll even go to the fabric store with me if we’re out of town,” she adds with a laugh.
Children Kelsey and Spencer, now 20 and 17, are also supportive, and helped as young children by wearing the appliquéd clothes their mom made for them. Making those appliqués, she explains, taught her the skills she would later need to appliqué banners.
Listening to Suzi discuss the mechanics of bringing her works of art to life is fascinating. She uses fabrics and materials gathered from just about everywhere, embellishing banners with pom pom material from the party store and ribbon from the gift-wrap aisle that she strips of its wire edging. Deconstructed Christmas tree ornaments, bells and silk plant leaves have all found their way into her masterpieces.
For lettering, she downloads a type font from the Internet and enlarges it on the copy machine. Letters and designs are appliquéd first and then attached with special glue to prevent puckers.
She has even created, with John’s help, devices for storage including special hangers for pulpit scarves and stands for banners.
Senior Pastor Danny Wayman points out that Suzi’s gifts of service have added immeasurably to the Williams faith community’s worship experience. If her creations were purchased by the church, he adds, each one could easily cost thousands of dollars.
“Suzi is one of the most faithful members of any church I know,” he says. “Her commitment to excellence in alter preparations, paraments and banners is a great addition to our worship services.”
A more modest individual would be hard to find. Suzi isn’t one to bask in praise for her talent and hard work. She’s more likely to be busy looking for yet another way to help. Her attitude is best summed up by her own words.
“It’s a joy.”
By Patsy Morriss
Cindy Lauper said it best: Girls just wanna have fun. And while Suzi Mercy is a girl who loves to have fun, her definition of fun undoubtedly differs a bit from Cindy Lauper’s. A talented seamstress who learned to sew making doll clothes at age ten, Suzi has found fun in creating most of the banners, altar cloths and paraments we use in worship at Williams.
Her green eyes twinkle as she describes the steps involved in creating a particular banner. “It’s a lot of fun,” she says when you ask her how many hours of work went into it. She doesn’t consider it work to stand at the dining room table husband John has elevated to a comfortable level, laboring over a banner. If you press her she’ll admit that it can take 120 hours to complete a single banner. For her, though, it’s an outlet for what seems to be an endless supply of creativity, as well as an inclination to resist sitting still.
“They called me ‘hyper’ when I was a kid,” she says, flashing her brilliant smile.
Suzi was drawn into liturgical arts when she saw a need and volunteered to fill it. She and some other church members noticed the deterioration of the church’s beautiful altar cloths and set out to make new ones. Through trial and error they discovered the most effective methods to turn out the flawless products one can now see in the sanctuary every Sunday.
One of the first banners Suzi made was for the Williams liturgical dancers’ performance at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Like most of the banners, it evolved from the scripture it features. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
“I thought the themes of hope, walking and running were perfect for the Race,” she says. “I always read the scripture over and over until I get an idea of how the banner should look. I think I’m inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
Having now made more than 20 banners, plus a number of altar cloths and pulpit and lecturn scarves, Suzi is considered the local parament expert. Members of Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church consulted with her recently as they planned for their new sanctuary. Hardy member Bennie Raney, herself a professional seamstress, praises Suzi’s work.
“Suzi Mercy is phenomenal,” she says. “You can see the heart in everything she does.”
Suzi’s heart is evident in almost every corner of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. She coordinates the Tribe of Dan and, with John’s help, dresses the stage for the Xperience Service. Her costumes can be found on everyone from the liturgical dancers to the cast of The Living Last Supper; she even made Victorian costumes complete with hats for the Madrigal singers a few years back.
Director of Music and Fine Arts Sherri Waters finds Suzi’s assistance with worship invaluable.
“Whenever I talk to Suzi about helping with a hope or plan for worship, she says ‘Oh, that’s easy.’ Nothing I ask her to do is easy. I probably tried to do it myself before I mentioned it to her, and it’s definitely not easy. I have not found anything she can’t do.”
Every year Suzi makes a special stole for each member of the Confirmation Class. She’s an active member of United Methodist Women, recently serving as co-chair for the Mercantile Store. Her handmade “Silver & Stone by Suzi” jewelry and “Crazy Good Bows” for little girls are available for purchase in the Good Treasures Book Store. She directs the profits from these items back to the church, crediting her husband for affording her the ability to do so.
“John is wonderful and supports all of it – including financially,” she says. “He has an artistic eye and offers helpful design suggestions.”
“He’ll even go to the fabric store with me if we’re out of town,” she adds with a laugh.
Children Kelsey and Spencer, now 20 and 17, are also supportive, and helped as young children by wearing the appliquéd clothes their mom made for them. Making those appliqués, she explains, taught her the skills she would later need to appliqué banners.
Listening to Suzi discuss the mechanics of bringing her works of art to life is fascinating. She uses fabrics and materials gathered from just about everywhere, embellishing banners with pom pom material from the party store and ribbon from the gift-wrap aisle that she strips of its wire edging. Deconstructed Christmas tree ornaments, bells and silk plant leaves have all found their way into her masterpieces.
For lettering, she downloads a type font from the Internet and enlarges it on the copy machine. Letters and designs are appliquéd first and then attached with special glue to prevent puckers.
She has even created, with John’s help, devices for storage including special hangers for pulpit scarves and stands for banners.
Senior Pastor Danny Wayman points out that Suzi’s gifts of service have added immeasurably to the Williams faith community’s worship experience. If her creations were purchased by the church, he adds, each one could easily cost thousands of dollars.
“Suzi is one of the most faithful members of any church I know,” he says. “Her commitment to excellence in alter preparations, paraments and banners is a great addition to our worship services.”
A more modest individual would be hard to find. Suzi isn’t one to bask in praise for her talent and hard work. She’s more likely to be busy looking for yet another way to help. Her attitude is best summed up by her own words.
“It’s a joy.”
Her green eyes twinkle as she describes the steps involved in creating a particular banner. “It’s a lot of fun,” she says when you ask her how many hours of work went into it. She doesn’t consider it work to stand at the dining room table husband John has elevated to a comfortable level, laboring over a banner. If you press her she’ll admit that it can take 120 hours to complete a single banner. For her, though, it’s an outlet for what seems to be an endless supply of creativity, as well as an inclination to resist sitting still.
