The making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies thoughts and prayers for the receiver. It is a gift freely given with no strings attached. Made in prayer, as prayer, for prayer, the shawls are passed on hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart.

A prayer shawl or blanket embraces the recipient with the unconditional love of the Lord. It is a gift reaching out to those in need of comfort and solace as well as in celebration and joy. Prayer squares are given to those going on mission trips, working for social justice. Many blessings are prayed into every item we make.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Merry Christmas To All!

Have a wonderful holiday! 

Pictures from our celebration on December 5 at Glasshalfull will be posted as soon as they are available.

Before we left for dinner, Father John blessed a good number of lapghans, shawls, and throws. Noreene, who is with the Ministry of Care, was given several of them to give to the folks she visits and takes the Eucharist to. If you know someone who could benefit from the gift of one of them, please let me or a member of the Ministry of Care know.

I dropped off three bags bursting with handmade hats and scarves to the Activity Center at Newman yesterday afternoon, which the youth group will send along with many other "Share the Warmth" donations to St. Julia's in Siler City for Christmas this year. That means we will need to work on more of the same for the youth group's trip to Appalachia in 2014. I know you all are busy right now preparing your Christmas gifts for friends and family, but, as soon as you are finished, there is no need to wonder what to do next ... the high school youth's mission trip to Appalachia, prayer squares for the students' alternative spring break trip, baby blankets, booties, hats, etc. for the Pregnancy Support Services baby shower, another prayer shawl or lapghan. I could go on and on. Remember to check our "bargain bin" in the library if you run short of yarn or contact me if you can't find what you are looking for.

One more thing ...

I watch a lot of Netflix while I knit in the evenings. I happened to be watching the final episode of the last season (Season 3) of "Call the Midwives" last night. What a testament to the power of a prayer shawl! If you aren't a follower of the series, I would encourage you all to watch the episode. It was "unbelievable" (as Father John would say). This BBC series takes place in East London in the late 1950's. It centers around a group of Episcopalian nuns and young women who live with them in the convent and serve as midwives and nurses to the community around them.

Again I want to wish you all the merriest of Christmases and all my best in the coming year.
Posted by Christine at 2:27 PM

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