Prayer Shawl Ministry: A Brief History
- Vashti Franklin
- Apr 8, 2009
- Series: Newsletter Vol. 2 Num. 1
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Fr. Terry Sweeney and Bishop John Rabb bless a batch of prayer shawls during the Bishop's visit on March 29. The Bishop was given a shawl for his wife during the visit. Photo by Dona Peters.
Over the centuries, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace, and spiritual sustenance. Since the inception of the Prayer Shawl Ministry in 1998, this organization has donated its time and talent by creating hand-knitted and hand-crocheted shawls for those in need.
In February 2009, with Fr. Sweeney's blessing, St. Timothy's Prayer Shawl Ministry started with two people that crocheted. We now have six knitters and crocheters who come together and make prayer shawls and lap throws. We have also begun to make baby blankets and hats to add to the chest of drawers whose contents go to the Pregnancy Center West.
Twenty-seven prayer shawls and lap throws have been given to church members, both sick and shut-in, who are in need of friendship, healing and prayer.
Before a prayer shawl is given to anyone, a prayer is said over it. The making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver. It is a gift freely given with no strings attached, made in prayer.
Putting a price on a shawl would defeat the purpose of this ministry.
Although the shawls are not for sale, donations to the ministry are gratefully accepted for the purchase of yarn. The Prayer Shawl Ministry thanks everyone that has given to our ministry.
Vashti, Dorothy, Dona, Olivia, Sandy, & Rebecca.
Fred and Patricia Williams gratefully receive a prayer shawl during the Prayer Shawl ministry's visit to the rehabilitation center at Future Care of Irvington. Photo by Dona Peters.
