Prayer Shawl Ministry
To lovingly create Prayer Shawls for people needing the warm arms of concern wrapped around them.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry Members knit/crochet
shawls that are given to persons who are: undergoing medical procedures;
as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress;
during bereavement; marriage ceremonies; birthing, nursing a baby; bridal shower
or wedding gift; during an illness and recovery;
ministering to others; graduation, birthday, anniversary, holiday gifts; or
just socializing...there are endless possibilities!
The Prayer Shawl/Blanket is an outward and visible sign of God's love, grace and presence in our lives.
This shawl-knitting ministry began in 1998 with a group of women who participated in the first
Women's leadership Institute at Harford Seminary, Harford, Connecticut.
One participant, Vicky Galo, started knitting shawls for women who were undergoing treatment for cancer and
other illnesses; another, Janet Bristow, started knitting shawls for new mothers. Other members of
the Institute began knitting shawls for their friends, family members, and people who just
needed a shawl.
People knit/crochet shawls for many different reasons. Shawls celebrate birthdays and
anniversaries, friendship and love, and professional and personal achievements. If one could
wear the heartfelt sentiments often found in a greeting card, it would be a shawl.
Jesus' favorite blessing was "Peace be with you"
Material objects such as food and the Communion elements may also be blessed. The power of
God is conveyed through this blessing. It may explain why Jesus' garment (Matt. 9:20; 14:36) and
Paul's handkerchiefs and aprons (Acts 19:12) could bring healing. Jesus blessed food regularly.
The disciples who walked to Emmaus with Him recognized Jesus as he blessed and broke bread
(Luke 24:30-31). Before distributing the food to the five thousand, He blessed it as he thanked
God for it. (Luke 9:16)
With regard to Communion elements, Paul spoke of blessing the cup used in the Lord's Supper
(1 Cor. 10:16, KJV). We follow the example of Jesus' and the apostles and bless the Shawls with
God's healing power!
Want to get involved?
Knit/Crochet a Prayer Shawl - patterns are available.
Request a shawl for a friend or loved one you know.
Or make a donation. The Prayer Shawl Ministry relies solely on the generousity of others.
Our Groups meets on the
last Saturday of the month from 10:00-11:00 am at the Youth Center.
We turn in all finished Prayer Shawls. We help and encourage each other.
On Sunday, the Prayer Shawls are blessed at our 10:00am Worship Service by Fr.Rand.