"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." (Galatians 6:10 - NIV)

Born of the desire to have a warm, comforting, practical, and timely gift for persons in need who live among us, St. George’s Prayer Shawl Ministry began in the spring of 2017. We base our ministry on the principles outlined by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, who formed the first modern prayer shawl ministry in Connecticut in 1998 - see the website www.shawlministry.com.

Each shawl or lap robe is knit, crocheted, quilted, sewn, or woven with prayer by parishioners or friends. Loving thoughts of healing and comfort radiate through the crafter towards the recipient throughout the process. Our crafters feel blessed to be able to share their skills in this tangible way; their intentions for healing and comfort imbue their work. Completed shawls are blessed at the 10 a.m. Eucharist on the last Thursday of each month from September to June. Then each unique shawl is lovingly gift wrapped, with a prayer card added. Shawls are personally distributed to persons in need - to anyone who is sick, suffering, bereaved, facing life challenges, lonely, shut-in, etc.). We trust that the shawl will provide ongoing warmth and encouragement, helping the recipient feel encircled by God’s love and strengthened by continuing prayers from the people of St. George’s.

A prayer shawl is a free gift, given unconditionally. Anyone in need is an eligible recipient. Requests can be made by contacting the church office or Deborah Zimmerman.

Our group has also taken on the joyful responsibility of providing handmade baby blankets for baptisms in the church.

Our prayer shawl group meets monthly, following the shawl blessing service. New members are always welcome. Although much of the crafting is done at home, we enjoy this time of fellowship and prayer together, and we share patterns. Yarn is always available for crafters; however, most of our members donate their materials, as well as their time and skills.

Our prayer shawl ministry is teaching us the meaning of stewardship in action: as God provides us with skills and resources, we lovingly prepare shawls to share with others, and the blessings of God’s love radiate outwards to the needy. As others are blessed by the gift of a shawl, this ministry continues to grow beyond our human expectations; it is truly a ministry that enhances God’s kingdom.

We gratefully accept gifts of yarn or other supplies. Financial donations may be made to St. George’s Memorial Anglican Church, designated for the Prayer Shawl Ministry; income tax receipts are issued for amounts of $20. or more.)

We value the prayer support of parishioners and friends as we work to continue and expand this joyful ministry.

To read Deborah Zimmermans reflections on the prayer shawl ministry, given to the gathered parish on 27 May 2018, please click here.

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