PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing,

symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.

They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace,

mother, hug, shelter and beautify.

Those who have received these shawls have been 

uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to 

fly above their troubles…”

  Written in 1998 by: Janet Bristow © 2006

Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., 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.

The goal of our Prayer Shawl Ministry is to offer comfort to those experiencing chemo, radiation, or other treatment for diagnosed cancer as well as those receiving dialysis or in a church home.

Members of the Shaw Ministry knit and crochet the shawls, lap robes, hats and slippers.  By the time a shawl is completed, it is filled with prayers, providing not only physical warmth but also great spiritual comfort and an understanding of another's struggles or grief.  A prayer shawl is worth thousands of words.

Our Hands Are God's Hands
Regardless of religious faith, knitting for others allows members of the Shawl Ministry to shield their minds to daily stresses and open their hearts to the pain of others.  Creating prayer shawls for neighbors, known or unknown, spreads their good thoughts to people across all races, religions or nationalities.  These shawls are among the most personal gifts, because each stitch is knit or purled with a prayer for the recipient.  They are tangible expressions of the knitters' prayers.

When completed, they receive their final blessing and are delivered by the pastors, or one of our visitors, to church members, their families and friends who are in need of them.

If you know of some one who would receive comfort from one of our prayer shawls or lap robes, please call:

Dawson Bechtold  410 647-3436

Evelyn Kemberling  410 647-7097

Dawn Cullis  410 647-1786.

At the present time we are giving shawls to people in the congregation who have been hospitalized and have a long recuperation period facing them. This will be continued as long as we have a large number of shawls on hand.  The prayer shawls are 62 inches long and 30 inches wide. Lap robes are a 45x45 inch square.  The finished articles maybe dropped in the wicker basket which are located in the closet on the left side of the nathrex as you enter the sanctuary.

  Teddy bears are made and given to children who are hospitalized over night. They are also given to infants and preschoolers when they are baptized.  To date we have given out 40 teddy bears.

Since the first blessing of the shawls in May, 2005 through March of 2007, 49 shawls/lap robes have been delivered.  We have also donated 23 shawls/lap robes to the faith based organization Mid-Atlantic Cancer Support.  The shawls/lap robes will go to patients at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center (North Arundel Hospital) and Anne Arundel Medical Center (Annapolis.

If you would like to become part of our mission call
Dawson Bechtold  410-647-3436 or Cindy Rafferty 410-647-8453