Prayer Shawl Ministry

Last November I travelled to the United Reformed Church Windermere Centre to find out about a different aspect to ministry, one which I wondered whether we could begin here in Reading. It’s called ‘Prayer Shawl Ministry’. The idea is that a group of interested people meet together on a regular basis to pray for others that they are concerned about (usually people they know personally, but not always), to have a cup of tea and a natter and to make shawls, scarves and lap-rugs by knitting, crocheting, quilting or sewing. Throughout the whole process prayer is incorporated into the item being made. It can then be blessed and is taken to the person that has been prayed for. There are stories of people who have benefitted greatly from receiving a shawl or rug. Some have been filled with a huge sense of peace or of comfort or of joy.

However, it isn’t just the prayer and the giving of the gift which is important, it is the support and care which grows amongst the group which is also very important. I hope that this ministry will, in time, become an integral part of our church organisation, just as the Flower Ministry is. However I cannot do it alone, I need you to join in! This is something you can do at home, on the bus, in your lunch break, whilst watching television and then bring to our meetings which will probably be held once a month.
To begin this project successfully, as well as people, we will need yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks. If you or your friends have any that you no longer want please contact me as soon as possible so that I can arrange collection.
Suzy Weston