Shawl Ministry Report

Shawl Ministry

Four meetings were held during the year in February, April, September and November.   22 shawls were presented this year with prayers and best wishes for healing and peace, thanks and celebration.    The knitters who made this possible are:  Anne Atkinson, Arletta Currie, Judy Blackmer, Deborah Edson, Marilyn Faulkner, Barbara Hadden, Abbie Hatton, Jan Keep, Wendy VanOrden.   Abbie will step down as convenor of meetings and Anne Atkinson and Barbara Hadden have agreed to share the duties in 2009.  This quiet ministry is a blessing in many ways.  Each knitter agrees that her own heart is warmed as she thinks of the person for whom she knits the shawl, and her knees are warmed as the shawl she knits grows longer.   Knitting baby blankets is special and being present for the baptism of the children is a joy.  Anyone is invited to join in this ministry.  Call Anne or Barbara for information about pattern and yarn.  The book, Knitting into the Mystery, by Susan S. Izard and Susan S. Jorgensen is available in the church library.  These two women authored the prayer:

Our Prayer for You

May God touch our hands with love

May God guide your needles with compassion

May God fill your yarn with Spirit.

May your knitting be blessed.

May God touch your heart with peace

May God guide your soul to freedom

May God fill your mind with silence.

May God touch your shawls with warmth

May God guide your community with joy

May God fill our world with hope.