The Prayer Shawl Ministry, along with the Prayer Chain, is an important ministry of intercessory prayer at Berwyn United Methodist Church. Prayer shawls are knitted or crocheted by the members of this group, dedicated by group prayer, and given to individuals who need to feel surrounded by a sense of God's love and faithfulness. Those who have received these shawls continue to be uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their cares and concerns. According to this ministry, "When you wear this shawl, believe with all your heart that God is with you every minute of every hour of every day. Jesus loves you and the Holy Spirit rests upon your shoulder." Since the beginning of the BUMC Prayer Shawl Ministry, over 60 prayer shawls have been placed around the shoulders of men, women, and children.

Shawls, which have made for centuries, are symbolic of an inclusive, universal, embracing and unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, comfort, cover, give solace, hug, shelter and beautify.

Like the prayer chain, the prayer shawls carry the message of the importance of intercessory prayer to each of us.

At the meeting on November 20, Pastor Barbara Emery led the group in the dedication and consecration of 8 prayer shawls.

Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles.

How did Shawl Ministry begin?
In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy.

The shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient and the intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl.

Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Thus, the blessing ripples from person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering God!