Prayer Shawl Ministry or Knit 1, Pray 2
In America, there is a tradition of knitting prayer shawls for loved ones who are ill, a shawl or blanket that is knitted or crocheted with love and prayer for someone who is ill or is in need of prayer. A shawl or hat a blanket is a wonderful and tangible reminder of the love and prayer that goes into its making.
It seems a lifetime ago, well, pre-covid when I discovered that there were knitting and prayer groups, and never quite got round to doing anything about it. There is a Catholic parish in Chicago which has runs a prayer shawl ministry. They meet once a month to knit together and pray for the recipients of their shawls and blankets which are blessed before they are sent to those in need.
This is a link to their group: http://www.stgilesparish.org/pastoral-care/prayer-shawl-ministry/
Now as Chicago is quite a long way from here, I wondered if we could set up a similar group in St Erconwald's. Is anyone interested in joining?
How would it work?
There are three parts to this:
If you can knit or crochet, you could either knit/crochet 6in (15cm) squares which could be assembled into lap blankets or shawls. Other small items can be produced, hats, scarves, gloves, fingerless mittens.
If you are interested, please let me know. Tuition can be provided. And donations of yarn (preferably moth free) and needles would be appreciated.
Margaret Hawkes
margothawkes@gmail.com
In America, there is a tradition of knitting prayer shawls for loved ones who are ill, a shawl or blanket that is knitted or crocheted with love and prayer for someone who is ill or is in need of prayer. A shawl or hat a blanket is a wonderful and tangible reminder of the love and prayer that goes into its making.
It seems a lifetime ago, well, pre-covid when I discovered that there were knitting and prayer groups, and never quite got round to doing anything about it. There is a Catholic parish in Chicago which has runs a prayer shawl ministry. They meet once a month to knit together and pray for the recipients of their shawls and blankets which are blessed before they are sent to those in need.
This is a link to their group: http://www.stgilesparish.org/pastoral-care/prayer-shawl-ministry/
Now as Chicago is quite a long way from here, I wondered if we could set up a similar group in St Erconwald's. Is anyone interested in joining?
How would it work?
There are three parts to this:
- Production of knitted/crochet items at home.
- Assembly of blankets from knitted/crochet squares, this will involve getting together for a couple of hours once a month to work together and chat and pray over tea and cake.
- Distribution to those in need of prayer, companionship or just keeping warm (remember this winter, many people were very cold, next winter may not be much different)
If you can knit or crochet, you could either knit/crochet 6in (15cm) squares which could be assembled into lap blankets or shawls. Other small items can be produced, hats, scarves, gloves, fingerless mittens.
If you are interested, please let me know. Tuition can be provided. And donations of yarn (preferably moth free) and needles would be appreciated.
Margaret Hawkes
margothawkes@gmail.com