Shawl MinistryThis program is a ministry of Health Ministry Team of Salem Church, seeking to share Christ’s healing ministry with your. ”You created every part of me, knitting me in my History of Prayer ShawlsIn 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 crochet) have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort. 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. Often participants receiving the shawl gift will continue the kindness by making a shawl themselves and passing it on to someone in need or praying for the ministry. Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a loving God.
Shawl Ministry at Salem Church
The Health Ministry Team offers the Shawl Ministry, a program where shawls are made by those that can knit or crochet (or who would like to learn to knit or crochet) and are given as a special gift from the church to those who are in need of prayer support. Each shawl begins with a prayer and a blessing. As the shawl is made, the creator knits or crochets in prayers and blessings for the person that may receive the shawl. When completed, the shawls are dedicated at a Sunday worship service for the entire congregation to offer their blessings as well.
Want to Be Involved but Don’t Have the Time or Talent Right Now? Consider a donation of yarn!
Most Shawls cam be made with three skeins of yarn of the same color (6 ounces and 185 yards each) Drop off your yarn donation at the church office or at the workshops. Homespun yarn works well.
Who might receive a shawl?
Shawls may be presented to people of any age. Prayers and shawls are given to those undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss or during bereavement; during an illness and recovery; or similar situations that life presents to those needing prayer and comfort. Referrals and requests for a prayer shawl or lap robe may be made to the pastor at Salem Church, Pastor Don Giesmann, at 812-683-2213.
For further information or to obtain a packet of instructions, Please contact Linda Mullen or call the church office at 812-683-2213 or e-mail us at salemhealthministry@insightbb.com
Shawl WorkshopsThe monthly Shawl Workshops are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at
You can become involved in other ways as well:
Contact Nina Sickbert or the Health Ministry Team for details. A Prayer Used in the Shawl Ministry"This shawl was knitted especially for you with love and prayers. May God who formed your being, who knit you together in your mother’s womb, who gave you the breath to life, renew you this day and give you hope. May this prayer shawl be a sign of Christ’s healing presence. May it warm you when you are weary. May God provide you with peach to ease your suffering hope when you feel despair, comfort when you are in pain. Wear this prayer shawl and know you are loved and surrounded by the prayers of others. God be with you. Amen"
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