One of the nicest opportunities as we visit churches is to be able to hear and learn about local ministries that serve within that church and their local community at large. No ministry thus far has a mirror image elsewhere. While each one may vary depending on the need of the community, the availability of servants to serve, or resources to do so, this one hails from Immanuel Lutheran Church of Crystal Lake, IL.
Started over eight years ago, this mighty band of committed women have come together to create a Prayer Shawl Ministry. Thru this group they tend to the varied needs of both the congregation and community. Shawls are started, worked on, and finished with prayer. Every shawl given to someone offers warmth, love and concern that has been absorbed in every stitch through prayer. I understand to date that over 1,000 shawls have been given to those in need during those eight years.
In addition, these clicking gals also make lap and baby blankets to serve other needs in the community. Each precious baby baptized receives a blanket on their special day.
As I’ve been hearing, anyone can become a part of this ministry by knitting or crocheting for a loved one or friend who will be blessed by receiving a shawl or a blanket.
This is the enclosed message on each shawl shared out of this ministry:
“When you wrap yourself in this shawl, bless yourself in the name of the Father who loves you, and the Son who is your brother and friend, and the Holy Spirit that guides your every step.
When this shawl was crafter, we prayed many prayers into every stitch, that this shawl would keep you warm, make you feel strong, help you feel better.
May this shawl calm you when you are upset, remind you that God loves you, and help you remember that your guardian angel is always watching over you.
When you wear this shawl, believe with all your heart that God is with you every minute of every hour of every day, Jesus loves you no matter what, and the Holy Spirit rests upon your shoulder, especially when you are are sad or lonely. May this shawl bring you sweet dreams in restful sleep. Amen”
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