“Knitting, like drumming, is a feat of homegrown magic” by Susan Gordon Lydon
Have you heard of a prayer shawl? The shawl-knitting ministry was created by Vicky Galo and Janet Bristow after they completed the Women’s Leadership Institute. When they graduated, they were encouraged to carry on the spirit of the class through some sort of project. During the institute they encountered the empowerment and wisdom of the divine feminine. It was in this spirit that they felt called to knit shawls for new mothers and women with breast cancer. The word spread and other members of the class began knitting. Soon shawls were being knitted for many purposes, including important celebrations.

Let me quote what happened when Susan Izard who wrote “Knitting into the Mystery” with Susan Jorgenson, started a knitting circle at her church for prayer shawls: The quiet room was abuzz with activity and excitement as we helped each other cast on, discussed the variety of colors being knitted and experienced the joy of being together. Our opening prayer wrapped us in the compassion and love of the Holy One and grounded us in the purpose of our work-to knit God’s love, care, and warmth into shawls for those who needed them.”The Outreach Commission has indicated a desire to begin a prayer shawl ministry. You may choose to knit on your own, or you may choose to get together with a friend or friends to create shawl(s). A prayer shawl is a special way of embracing someone in need-as you knit you think of that person, known or unknown, and hold him or her in your heart through prayer. If you have any questions or want to be involved in a group knitting circle please contact Jan Tempest (481-5275) or Caryl Felty (496-7007) from the Outreach Commission.