The Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Participants in the Prayer Shawl Ministry gather on Thursday evenings at 6:30 in the church parlor to create shawls or lap robes which are given to persons who are in need of comfort. These shawls have provided "comfort" to terminally ill friends, new moms, someone grieving the loss of a family member or friend, and many others. Some of the Shawls have found their way to a local hospital cancer unit. Our shawls have provided comfort not only to local families and friends, they have traveled to friends and loved ones in other cities and states.
This ministry was initially created as a means of helping others, but those who participate will be quick to tell you that blessings are received by all, as in the saying "In giving we receive."
A Journey of Prayer
"Part of our journey of prayer and faith is to recognize that we may never know how our love and care will touch or change another person's life. We offer others our compassion and let whatever needs to happen, happen. We believe that our hands can be God's hands. Through the shawl-knitting ministry we can learn to trust the truth that God works through us when we care for friends and strangers alike." (Knitting Into the Mystery, © 2003 by Susan S. Izaard and Susan S. Jorgensen)
Knit Three, Purl Three
The spiritual practice of knitting shawls in a pattern of threes and giving them away to those in need has resonated with many people of all beliefs. Today, people all over the world are knitting and receiving shawls made and given in the true spirit of love and compassion. The pattern of knitting in threes came from the Christian faith tradition of Trinity (God the Creator, the Son, and the ever-present Holy Spirit)
Prayer shawls and the art of knitting are important in other religious traditions as well. Anyone attending an orthodox synagogue today will see that the men are all wearing prayer shawls. It is a very important part of their life. The Talis (Prayer Shawl) is a religious symbol, a garment, shroud, canopy, cloak which envelops the Jew both physically and spiritually, in prayer and celebration, in joy and in sorrow.
Anyone who is interested in this spiritual discipline is welcome. Come knit with us!
