"So very much going on in my life right now. I have been spraying lavender on the prayer shawl and draping it on me at night. I sleep so sound. I'm tense and overwhelmed and just needed to get through next week." Phyllis
“Courtney, who called herself an atheist, believes in the prayer shawl and believes there are higher powers at work because of little things that have been happening to help her keep her strength…”
“Thanks so very much for the prayer shawl. I wrap myself in the shawl every single day. It not only keeps me warm on the outside, it warms my heart on the inside. I seem to have much peace when I am wrapped in the shawl.” Allen
“The warmth, colors, and comfort of this special prayer shawl have brought me so much joy and happiness…” Carlyle
“From the moment it touched me, I could feel the love, comfort, support, and kindness with all you do!” Donna
“When I came home from giving blood, I was tired, weak and just sick of all this mess! I opened your package and pulled out that beautiful shawl and read your kind words and then read the prayer. I cannot tell you enough to make you understand the feeling that came over me, it was quite a spiritual one. I immediately felt safe from harm, fearless, and most of all positive! This kind act of yours has given me the strength to go forward, and most of all, for the first time since the beginning of this, has made me feel that it will be OK, that nothing bad is going to happen and I will have a good outcome from the surgery!” Karen
This ministry provides warmth, healing, and compassion to those in need of such. Once
a month (generally, the second Sunday afternoon), a dedicated group of
stitchers gathers to knit and crochet prayer shawls, a tangible way to
wrap someone in God’s love. From the shawl ministry’s web site comes
the best definition of what we do: “The
shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. 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. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and
passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from
person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the
unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!" We welcome all who like to help in this endeavor, and yes, we do give lessons in knitting and crocheting! For more information about Holy Trinity’s prayer shawl group, please contact Arleen Dale Kirtland at adkirtland@gmail.com or 240-305-6514. For more information about the ministry in general, please visit www.shawlministry.com |