About The Shawls Some uses for the shawl 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. Undergoing
medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss, during bereavement, prayer
or meditation,
commitment or marriage
ceremonies, birthing, nursing a baby; as a bridal shower gift; leading
ritual; first menses or croning rites of passage,
during an illness and recovery;
ministering to others or just socializing... A blessing or
ritual maybe offered when the gift is presented. For further information About the Nekoosa UCC Prayer Shawl Ministry, Please contact: Donna Grunewald 886-5793
or Lynette Hilgers at 886-4189 or the church website at www.nekoosa-ucc.org Shawl Ministry Website: www.shawlministry.com
There are endless possibilities!
To make a shawl personal, the giver or the recipient may want to adorn the
shawl with beads, shells, feathers and charms.
