Prayer Shawl Ministry

Let’s Knit Together!

The Prayer Shawl Ministry at United Church, begun as a Lenten project in 2003, has become an important part of our church life. Since that time, more than 250 shawls have been knit and given away, helping to wrap recipients in the warmth of prayer and God’s love. These mantles of comfort and healing and hope are available for anyone in need.
  

History of Prayer Shawl Ministry

Prayer shawls have provided comfort and a sense of the presence of God to wearers for many centuries and across many faith traditions.  Today’s Prayer Shawl Ministry was begun in 1998 by Janet Bristow and Victoria Gallo, two graduates of the Women’s Leadership Institute in Hartford Connecticut.  This vibrant ministry has rapidly grown to include a great many churches in countries all around the world.  See the web site, www.shawlministry.com, for more information.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle

The Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle at United Church is an ecumenical group which meets every Thursday morning, 10 to 11:30 AM, in our church parlor. The circle begins with prayer, concludes with a blessing of shawls in progress.  Completed shawls are placed in the sanctuary for God’s blessing during Sunday worship, then in Prayer Shawl Cabinet.
Everyone is welcome to join in the work of the knitting circle: knitters, crocheters, beginners or experts.  Experienced knitters are available and happy to teach a new skill, share new patterns, or even to help find dropped stitches. A good assortment of yarn is always available.  Knitters are asked to bring their own size 11 or 13 needles.
Our knitters have found the weekly knitting circle to be a wonderful place for gathering together, engaging in contemplation, prayer, and friendly conversation.
 

You are Invited to Take a Prayer Shawl

Our prayer shawl ministry reaches out to those in need of comfort or solace.   Prayer Shawls have been given to people during illness, at times of loss or transition, some in times of celebration and joy.   Friends and family often sense when a birth, death, marriage, divorce, moving to a nursing home or a new community or college, hospitalization or convalescence  or other occasion creates the need/desire for assurance of God’s loving presence.  If you know of someone with such a need, you are welcome to take a shawl at no charge.  Ask at the church office for location of the Prayer Shawl Cabinet or call 508-668-0551 for more information.

Prayer of Blessing

This prayer, written by Janet Bristow,
 accompanies each of our shawls

May God’s grace be upon this shawl….warming, comforting, enfolding and embracing.
May this mantle be a safe haven….a sacred place of security and well-being….
May the one who receives this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy,
graced with peace, and wrapped in love.
Blessed Be!