Supporting Others

It’s one thing to want to give a prayer shawl or a prayer pocket to someone you know, but special thanks should go to everyone who gives of their time and talents to provide shawls and pockets to those who receive them.  Especially if they don’t even know who receives them or for what reason it is given.  That is truly unconditional love.

Broadway United Methodist Church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry is beginning its second year and I am encouraged by the promise of those who are contributing. This ministry will continue to thrive if the word gets out to everyone with a need or a joy that we can share with them. Won’t you be a part in this rewarding servitude of God’s and reach out to others with your gift or talents?  If you have a need don’t forget to contact the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Where Will Your’s Go???

My friend Stephanie emailed me to say that she had a shawl almost finished except for the edging and would deliver it soon for the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  However, once again God had a direction in mind for the shawl.  That’s what this ministry is all about, providing comfort, love and support for those in need.

The Power of Prayers

Most of the previous prayer shawls have been given to families who have lost loved ones.  One year ago Claire was in ICU and the Prayer Shawl Ministry gave a shawl to her daughter, Sharon, so that Sharon could receive comfort while wearing the shawl and being with her mother, Claire and then, hopefully, Claire would be able to wear the shawl when she was out of ICU and on the mend.  Last week I took this picture of Claire wearing the shawl while attending church.  I know that her doctors provided excellent care, but I would also like to think that the powerful prayers that were knit into the shawl and the hands that were placed on the shawl in prayers before Claire received the shawl played a large part in her recovery.

A New Year

In August of 2009, the BUMC Prayer Shawl Ministry began. Through the generous hearts and hands of several, the ministry was able to distribute 19 shawls and many prayer pockets to individuals who were going through difficult times in their lives.  I am confident that this new year will see even more individuals contributing their time and talents as we continue to provide comfort to hurting individuals and also giving shawls to new mothers and babies and other joyful events. We also will have Prayer Shawl Ministry note cards available to give. Plan now to join this wonderful group.

Bookmark www.heartsandhandsinkc.wordpress.com  and refer to it weekly as new ideas, new projects and always, wonderful testimonies, are provided.

Colors – What’s your favorite

I think mine is lavender, at least for the moment anyway.  I am making a shawl (using size 6 needles) and when I take it with me to work on, I receive comments. Often times on the color, often times on the design which always leads to a conversation about Prayer Shawls. This pattern, is an easy pattern done in Knit, Purl and Yarn Over in an 8 pattern repeat.  (I decided on the size 6 needles so the holes wouldn’t be so large.)

I just saw that Lion Brand, HOMETOWN USA brand easy care yarn has a new color,  Kansas City Wheat (#135-300).  I haven’t seen the tweed color for fall, but I certainly want to get some just because it says Kansas City.

View Video tutorials on www.LionBrand.com  under Learning Center by clicking on the “Video Library” button. You can pause and repeat as often as needed to learn the stitch.

This easy pattern is Knit, Purl, Yarn Over in a 8 row repeat pattern.

Continuing To Reach Out

I am so excited to share with you that the Broadway United Methodist Church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry is expanding, thanks to the wonderful talents of two members of our church.

First, from the beginning, I have kept a journal of shawls given and other related information.  A  friend has volunteered to make a scrapbook of  our pamphlet, pictures of women contributing shawls, thank-you notes, requests from people and whatever else she thinks would be useful to appear in the scrapbook. My intention is for a lasting display to this ministry.

Secondly, another friend has volunteered to design  several  designs to be printed on note cards. These cards will have printed information, or can be personalized, on the inside to be given out to people with needs of comfort or congratulations, or simply, “Thinking of You”  when the Prayer Shawl Ministry can’t supply a shawl.

While you are sitting inside in the a/c, perhaps you could pick up your knitting needles and begin a project

On My Heart

One year ago in August of 2009, a very special young man announced in church that he needed prayers as he had just been diagnosed with cancer.  He happened to be sitting directly behind me and I wrote on the church bulletin if he would be interested in receiving a prayer shawl. He had a beautiful smile as he handed back the bulletin with yes written on it . Thus began the Broadway United Methodist Church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Through the generosity of several members of our church, one knit by his wife, we have been able to give 15 prayer shawls and 10 prayer pockets to hurting individuals.  One prayer shawl and one prayer pocket was given to his parents while they waited in the ICU unit this past week.  Seeing their appreciation was so rewarding. After a courageous struggle, he passed away this past Monday.

A friend just emailed me this message which brought tears rolling down my face as I wept for both the loss of my husband last year to cancer and to this young man to cancer:

He lives in the loving memories of his family and friends and in the loving arms of his savior. The CANCER is dead.

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