Do you know someone in need of prayer or comfort?

The purpose of the shawl ministry is primarily to comfort those who are experiencing physical, spiritual or emotional illness; those who are grieving, feeling hopeless or lost.  The shawls are also given with love to celebrate the birth or baptism of a child, or an important milestone.

Since 1998, shawl ministries have spread across the United States and even to several foreign countries.  The wraps have been called prayer, comfort, healing and friendship shawls.

Even those creating the shawls say they draw comfort just by making them, and many pray for the recipient while the needles fly.

    "Truly to wrap yourself up in the shawl is to feel the support and the prayers of everybody."

Would YOU like to knit or crochet a shawl to wrap someone in love and prayer?

The patterns and dimensions can be flexible.  The general size is about 30" x 60" for a shawl - smaller for baby wraps.  There are patterns available, you can choose one you may already have, or you may want to create your own.

                         Pray as you knit or crochet:

:In the name of the Father, the Creator, the Giver of Life; In the name of Jesus, the Savior, the Healer; In the name of the Spirit, the Comforter, I knit/crochet this shawl as a mantle of caring, protection, wholeness, strength, healing, and patience.  I make this mantle to enfold you and empower you.  May this shawl comfort you when you are weak and weary and warm you when you have cause to celebrate.

O Christ, who healed the broken in body and spirit, be with all who suffer today.  Be with the doctors, nurses, technicians, and all that care for the sick.  Be with the families and friends of those who love and comfort the sick.  May your gentle yet strong touch reach out to heal all the broken and hurting people and places in our world.

O Christ, let this shawl bring joy and serve as a reminder to those about to celebrate a special milestone.

O Christ, let this wrap remind parents of the precious gift you have given to them.  Strengthen them in their own Baptism so they may share with their children the salvation you have given them.

Amen

                        Pray when the shawl is finished:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Bless this shawl and the person who receives it.  As they wrap themselves in this shawl, let it be as if your own arms were surrounding them.  Wrap them in your loving care, soothing compassion and healing mercy.

Be with all the medical personnel, caregivers, family and friends as they surround this person with love and prayers.  Help ease the pain and suffering of this special Child of God.

Thank you for the blessings and prayers you send as this person celebrates a special event.  Bless the baptized children as they are marked with the cross of your own dear son, Jesus Christ. 

In His name,

Amen

Please prayerfully consider joining the Shawl Ministry.

You can:

•     Knit or crochet a shawl or white baby wrap.
•     Make a card to accompany the shawl.
•     Donate toward the purchase of necessary supplies.  The approximate cost of yarn for each shawl is $10.00 - $15.00.
•     Joining with others monthly to share ideas and patterns and to suggest recipients.  We meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 2PM in Room J.
•     Call the church office for more information - 440-243-1144.
•     Keep everyone involved in this ministry in your prayers.  It is a blessing for us to be able to have this ministry available to share with others.

Contact information: North East Ohio Synod at www.neos-elca.org/   or The National ELCA at www.elca.org

Send mail to officestaff@stpaulberea.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 03/03/08