PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

THE HISTORY

In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Care and the love of knitting (and crocheting) have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted into every shawl. The knitter begins each shawl with prayers for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When the shawl is completed it is offered a final prayer before being sent along its way. As this gift has been sent along, some recipients have continued the kindness by making one themselves and passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, ever-loving God!

TO REQUEST A SHAWL

Prayer shawls can be requested for various reasons including as a comfort after a loss, undergoing medical procedures, during bereavement, prayer or meditation, commitment or marriage ceremonies, birthing, nursing a baby, as a bridal shower gift, first menses, during an illness and recovery, ministering to others, just socializing and so many more! To request a shawl through the Trinity Episcopal Church ministry please contact Shawn Woolworth, Prayer Shawl Ministry Coordinator, (702) 204-8072 or email the parish administrator.