Mission Outreach at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Knit & Stitch Prayer Ministry
The Knit and Stitch Prayer Shawl ministry meets at the Parish House every Monday afternoon, 2:30-4:30 p.m. and is open to anyone interested in exploring the possibility of being part of this ministry. You may join in at any point – experience is not required. If you want to learn how to knit, crochet, or quilt this is a good way to learn the skill, as well as expand your bonds of friendship.
At each gathering we begin with prayer, tell and listen to Biblical and personal stories, give and receive help as needed, spend time in quiet contemplation as we work, and end in prayer as we are sent forth to pray with our hands for the recipient (whom we may know or not know).
Recipients of our offerings have been shut-in members of the parish; the Elizabeth Freeman Center for Women (Berkshire County shelter for abused women), wounded service men and women at the Walter Reed Health Care Center, The Linus Foundation (which distributes to burn victims, hospital pediatric units, shelters to abused women around the country); and Guide Posts’ mission to provide warm sweaters to young children around the world.
Purpose
Our purpose for forming the Knit & Stitch Prayer Ministry is to build community, share mutual knowledge and resources, and experience the joy of contemplative prayer, both privately and with others, while engaging in the art of needlecraft. Prayer Shawls, along with sweaters, hats, mittens and scarves, are a sign for the recipient of the warm, sheltering, embracing love of God.
We begin our work with prayers and blessings for the recipient. These intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When the prayed over item is completed, our priest blesses what has been made before being sent on its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it onto someone in need, passing the blessing on to another. All we do is for the joy of giving, sharing the healing presence of God with another, and for the blessing of another life.
Shawls can be used for: celebration of Baptism into the family of God; undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress; during bereavement; prayer or meditation; commitment or marriage ceremonies; birthing, nursing a baby; bridal shower or wedding gift; leading ritual; during an illness and recovery; ministering to others; graduation, birthday, anniversary, ordination, holiday gifts; or just socializing...there are endless possibilities! To make a shawl personal, the giver or the recipient may want to adorn the shawl with beads, shells, feathers and charms. A blessing or ritual maybe offered when the gift is presented.
For further information on Shawl Ministry visit the website of Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo creators of www.shawlministry.com