Aldersgate United Methodist Church

Prayer Shawl Ministry

     
     

"Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us, yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17
     
     

ABOUT THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Our mission is to provide hope, comfort and healing to those who most need a reminder of God's love for them through the work of our hands and the prayers In our hearts.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry began at Aldersgate in September 2006. Praying for others combined with a love of handwork have been combined Into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Aldersgate Is a small part of a much larger shawl ministry that began In 1998 with Janet Bristow and VIctoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership institute at The Hartford Seminary In Hartford, Conn. Churches of all denominations, in all states, have started shawl ministries as a way to show a tangible expression of love and compassion for those who are In need of comfort and solace.

 
     

Making of Prayer Shawls

As each knitter or crotchetier begins a shawl the first step is always to begin in prayer for the recipient. Prayers are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When it is completed the shawl is brought to a group meeting for a final blessing before being sent on it's way.

Any pattern is acceptable, but a common and symbolic pattern of knit3, purl3 is often used to remind us of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Questions?

For more information please contact Peggy Gregory (919.477.3317) or Barbara Atkinson (919.765.9784), our Prayer Shawl Coordinators

Additional Resources

www.shawlministry.com

Knitting Into the Ministry: A Guide to the Shawl Knitting Ministry
by Susan Izard & Susan Jorgensen

Knitting For Peace - Making the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time
by Betty Christiansen

 

Ways to Participate

  • Pray for both those who make shawls and for the recipients
     
  • Join the Prayer Shawl Ministry as we work together on items of comfort for others
     
  • Donate yarn (three skeins of Lion Brand Homespun yarn make one prayer shawl)
     
  • Donate funds for yarn purchase

Meeting Times

The Prayer Shawl Ministry of Aldersgate meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm in room #208 of the Family Life Center.

Everyone is welcomed and invited to participate. Youth and adults, men and women ... all are welcome in this ministry. If you are new to knitting or crocheting we have experienced teachers willing to share their talents with you.

Prayer Shawl Referrals

If you know someone who could benefit from receiving a prayer shawl please contact one of the Aldersgate Prayer Shawl coordinators or fill out one of the Prayer Shawl referral forms located in the mail slot across from the church office.
     
     
 

"Shawls ... made for centuries, universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles ..."
by Janet Bristow

 

  
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