Announcing the “Casting On” of a New Creation:   Shawl Ministry at Immanuel

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 crochet) 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 ritual 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, mothering God!

Besides knit and crochet; the shawls can be woven, sewn, quilted, machine knitted, etc.

www.shawlministy.com ©Copyright 2005

If you are interested in participating in the Shawl Ministry, sign up in the Narthex or contact Shirley Faleer at 772-4277 or shfaleer@hotmail.com.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME—BEGINNERS TO EXPERTS!!  We are currently meeting on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Concordia classroom.

For more information and instructions visit www.shawlministry.com.

“You created every part of me,knitting me in myMother’s womb.

For such handiwork, I praise you. Awesome this great wonder!”

Psalm 139:13-14

 S. H. A. W. L.

    Surrounding

         Hearts

               Always /All Ways

                      With

                             Love                                    

"Shawls ... made for centuries

universal and embracing,

symbolic of an inclusive,

unconditionally loving, God.

They wrap, enfold,

comfort, cover, give

solace, mother, hug,

shelter and beautify.

Those who have

received these shawls

have been uplifted and affirmed,

as if given wings to fly above their troubles…”

Janet Bristow -1998

©Copyright 2005