Over the centuries, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace and spiritual sustenance. Since the modern day inception of the Prayer Shawl Ministry in the late 20th century, the term “prayer shawl” usually brings one image to mind: a shawl that is lovingly crocheted or hand-knit of a soft, comforting yarn, blessed by the one who has made it, and wrapped around the shoulders of someone who needs the sort of comfort and love that only a shawl can provide.
No one seems to know for sure where and when crochet and knit work first appeared. While some point to its origins before Christ, another theory includes origins in Arabia that spread to Mediterranean countries along trade routes. Crochet-like thread work has been found in Egyptian tombs.
The concept of the prayer shawl ministry is simple. With its roots based in love, prayer shawl making combines the ancient method of needlework and prayer into a tangible, unconditional symbol of care, concern, and celebration.
These gifts of love have soothed recipients undergoing surgery and medical treatments, wrapping them all in a warm hug, giving them a sacred space in their turbulent lives. The shawls have been given in times of celebration, as well: for births, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, ordinations, graduation, and other important life passages.
Transfiguration’s Prayer Shawl Ministry began in the spring of this year when members of Deacon Liz O’Donnell’s Tuesday Morning Book Study began to meet to discuss the possibility of a shawl ministry at the Fig. What began small, has grown to over 45 parishioners interested in knitting or crocheting prayer shawls, meeting once a month in the evening on the third Monday in the Library at the Parish.
In addition to enjoying the fellowship of new and old friends, participants, whether beginning or experienced knitters or crocheters, help and teach each other with new patterns and techniques. Each shawl session begins and ends with prayers, and we all “lay hands on” and bless each shawl being created and the recipients who are to receive them.
Initially, shawls were given to parishioners who were on the visitation and hospital lists. However, we have expanded our recipient list to include friends, family, and community loved ones who just “need a little extra love”.
The beauty of this ministry is that is embraces everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religion. Placing a beautiful, warm wrap around someone’s shoulders in a hug of empathy and support is transcendent. For the giver and the receiver, God’s presence is felt. The recipient realizes that she or he is not alone, but is enfolded in the prayers and love of the giver. And the giver and each member of the new, wonderful ministry is blessed by each shawl given away!
The ministry’s message of caring is simple, universal, and enduring. And we have seen again and again that the creation and presentation of a prayer shawl, like all acts of generosity, enriches the giver as well as the recipient.
article by Sally Manning
Thank you notes to Transfiguration Prayer Shawl Ministry As of 10/14/14
Sheri Channels (8/21/14)
Card: “Thank you to wonderful, thoughtful, caring, kind…all of you!!!”
Ladies of the Prayer Shawl Ministry,
I can’t begin to tell you how overwhelmed I was when I received my prayer shawl. What an honor to be given the first shawls made. I was truly overcome. It made me cry and the blessings were felt immediately. I use it every time I pray or need comfort and I feel the peace of the Lord! Praise to be God! Thank you to each and very one of you. You will never know how much this means to me!
Love and thanks!
Sheri Channels
Marilyn Rollins (8/21/14)
Card: “Nothing inspires gratitude like kind deeds. It was so generous, so thoughtful, so you. Thanks”
Ladies of the Prayer Shawl Ministry,
I want to thank you so much for your generous time you spent knitting my prayer shawl. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!
Thank you so much,
Marilyn Rollins
Ellen Dingwall (9/22/14)
Dear Members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry,
I am overwhelmed at the love and support of my Transfiguration family. When I wrap myself in my gorgeous prayer shawl I know I am wrapped in your love.
Thank from the bottom of my heart.
Ellen
Mae Buswell (9/22/14)
Thank you to the Ladies of the Prayer Shawl Ministry for the beautiful shawl that you made for me. I will cherish your gift and enjoy the warmth and colors that are just perfect. I will look forward to the day that I will be back to see you all and thank you in person.
Sincerely, Mae Buswell
Mary Ellen and Alan Horan (9/17/14)
Gratitude is the memory of the heart and I am so grateful to you for all the thoughtfulness you have shown Alan and me. I love my prayer shawl.
Thank you, Mary Ellen and Alan Horan