First Reformed UCC Prayer Shawl Ministry
Over the centuries, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace, and spiritual sustenance. Today, knitters and crocheters of all faiths are creating handmade shawls for people in need, as gifts of comfort, hope, and peace. “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 Severt Bristow.
This all began when the love of knitting/crocheting combined with a compassion to reach out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy as blessings are prayed into every stitch. At the completion of the shawl, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way, uniting an unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God for both the giver and receiver.
And so began the Prayer Shawl Ministry of First Reformed United Church of Christ in the fall of 2010. Over this twelve-year span, a total of 559 shawls and 73 blankets have been created for this ministry, 22 blessings, and over 500 of these have been given to people in need of comfort and love who are undergoing medical procedures, after a loss or in times of stress; during bereavement; prayer or meditation; commitment or marriage ceremonies; births; rites of baptism; during an illness and recovery; and the celebration of graduations, and retirements.
Each shawl sends this message:” When you wear your shawl, you are connected with many people throughout the world. May you be blessed by the shawl you receive, and may you extend that blessing to those you love.” May you feel wrapped in God’s love and care giving you comfort and hope and strength to face each day.”
This ministry is rewarded with so many thankful letters for each stitch of love and prayers that have been shared.
Harriette Murphy
Prayer Shawl Coordinator
