The Shawl Ministry

In 1998 Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Institute at Hartford Seminary in Hartford Conn., together with their love of knitting started this prayerful ministry.

The knitter begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the recipient. When we gather as a group to knit an opening prayer is offered to bless the results of our efforts...the prayer shawl.

We have all heard people say that things happen in "threes". In the Christian faith the number three symbolizes "Father, Son and Holy Spirit". Thus in knitting the three stitch seed pattern we are knitting in the essence of our faith.

When you wear a shawl you are wrapped in God's love. Shawls are also symbols in many parts of the world. In some cultures babies are carried in shawls wrapped around their mother's body. Even Jesus wore a prayer shawl called a tallit.

Some shawls are knit for cancer and seriously ill patients, or for those who have lost a loved one and some may be given to battered women in a local shelter. They are also presented to celebrate milestones and joyful times such as weddings and births.

Shawls, made for centuries,are universal and embracing, symbols of an 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.

We meet on the second Friday of the month in the elevator lobby at 10:30 AM. Each new member receives the directions for a knit or crochet shawl, a list of yarn and needles needed and several of the prayers. If you can't knit we will teach you. Please join us in this rewarding ministry.

                                                          Gail Shuford - 692-9059