PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
This is a group who has been meeting for over 15 years! It started when two avid knitters in our parish had the idea to invite others to join them for a morning of fellowship and honing their craft. The idea grew to sharing their talents with anyone who needed something tangible to offer comfort in difficult times. The group has since grown to include at least fifteen members including those from the wider community. All shawls, quilts, and other items are blessed and prayed over by Fr David.
Participants meet weekly on Wednesdays from 10am to noon in our parish hall. Crocheting, knitting, and even quilting is all part of the gathering, with one or another fellow knitter helping others learn a new skill or improve an existing one. Our current leader, MaryAnn Berry, is the third coordinator of the group.
The original goal of providing prayer shawls to ailing friends and parishioners expanded to include those who live in assisted-living facilities and homes for veterans. It has since grown further to making scarves for churches, area food pantries and clinics, including 250 neck warmers.
Among other gifts offered are lap blankets and lap quilts. These creations wrap others in love and provide something to hold onto when everything else appears to be slipping away. In the words of Christian musician, writer, and artist Morgan Harper Nichols, the prayer shawl ministry wants its recipients to feel "wrapped in grace through all life's bends and breaks."
Contact MaryAnn Berry at 240-210-3751 or maberry618@gmail.com for information about joining this ministry or requesting an item.