Prayer shawls are made by the members of the group, dedicated, and given to individuals who need to feel surrounded by a sense of God's love and faithfulness.
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!