Prayer Shawl ministry
On almost every Saturday morning you’ll find a crafty group from Saint Philip’s gathered for a session of knitting, crocheting, and fellowship. Fingers fly, needles click, and conversations flow as the Prayer Shawl Ministry members apply themselves to the task of creating prayer shawls for parishioners.
All levels of crafters are welcome; seasoned pros are happy to teach newbies.
It’s a labor of love that’s been part of Saint Philip’s for decades. Prayer shawls provide comfort to those who are ill, bereaved, or going through a difficult time generally. Recipients are invited to wrap themselves in the knitter’s prayers. Finished shawls are blessed during healing services and distributed by clergy, as well as parishioners.
Prayer shawls are free. The crafters provide their own materials or use donated yarn. As many years’ worth of thank you notes can attest, prayer shawls are always appreciated. Perhaps even more importantly, they are gifts that benefit everyone involved—creating a shawl is deeply satisfying, giving someone a shawl is rewarding, and receiving a shawl is a blessing.
In recent years, this ministry has expanded its scope by creating hats and scarves for Christmas at Sea, a project sponsored by the Seaman’s Church Institute. A year’s worth of knitting culminates in a lively event where the crafters join with Saint Philip’s youth who create Christmas cards. The hats, scarves, and cards are all gifted to the merchant sailors who participate in Christmas at Sea.
Prayer shawls are available in the church office in the mailbox area. To help volunteers keep track of inventory, please sign for the shawl you take. A clipboard for that purpose is available next to the shawls.
If you’d like to know more about the Saturday morning gatherings (at 10:30am in Room 10 or via Zoom) please contact parishioner Helene Woodhams at helenewoodhams@comcast.net.