Prayer Shawl Ministry
"Shawls ... made for centuries, universal and embracing,
symbolic of the inclusive, unconditionally loving God.
They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace,
mother, hug, shelter and beautify.
Those who have received these shawls have been
uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings
to fly above their troubles..."
Written by Janet Bristow 1998
The idea of a Prayer Shawl Ministry began in 1998 in a church in Hartford, Connecticut. Since then a ground swell movement of this ministry has spread across the country and around the world. This is a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as prayers of God's love and healing are woven into each shawl.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a special way to reach out with love and care to others. While working with yarn may be the handicraft du jour, the repetitive action of knitting or crocheting helps us to slow down our racing minds and the frantic pace of our day. Once the pattern's directions become part of us, time seems to shift and distractions drift away. Into this stillness God can enter in and begin to help us connect our woven fibers to the various people we know who are ill, grieving, walking a difficult road, or about to celebrate a milestone event ... and we begin to create for them. Even if the recipient is not known to the crafter, as the garment is finished it is filled with prayer for that individual. While praying for someone we don't know is a different experience than prayers offered for a specific individual, praying for a stranger helps us to learn to trust the truth that God works through us when we care for friends and strangers alike.
Are you looking for something to do to help others? Do you love to knit or crochet? Would you like to learn to knit or crochet? This ministry may be just what you are looking for! Any level of involvement is welcome.
If you don't feel called to take part in this ministry by actually making the Prayer Shawls, there are many other ways that you can get involved. Monetary donations are always accepted -- please drop any donations off at the Church office marked "Prayer Shawl."
And as always, the most important thing you can do to help bless this ministry is keep us in your prayers and pass on this information to anyone you think might want to be involved or have an interest in supporting this ministry.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, at 6:30 PM in the Lounge.
Contact Linda Herbster or Rhonda Rea for additional information.
If you would like to request a shawl for a loved one who would appreciate our prayers, contact Linda Herbster or Rhonda Rea.
