“There is an ecstasy in the act of creation that matches the intensity of religious rapture; both partake of divinity and are gifts granted by the Great Creative Spirit.” – Susan Gordon Lydon

This ministry was begun by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, graduates of the Women’s Leadership Institute at the Hartford Seminary. They answered the challenge to find a way to reach out to people in need of God’s comfort using their talents and gifts. Their answer came in the form of knitting or crocheting prayer shawls to pass on the blessings which we have received.

Our shawls and lap robes are knitted/crocheted in prayer in a knit three, purl three pattern which signifies the virtues of faith, hope and love, the stages of life : birth, life, death, and our human “being”: body, mind, and spirit. It is an outreach of love and compassion. Our knitting provides us an antidote to the chaos of modern life and helps us slow down. Our mantles are given for many reasons: illness, grief, a sick child, comfort and times of transition. They wrap, cover, and give solace and shelter. Shawls are a tangible way of feeling God’s embrace. The person needing a shawl does not need to be a parishioner and can be of any denomination, church goer or not.

Our meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month in the Jerusalem Room from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. as we enjoy each others company. A folder is given which includes instructions, different patterns, prayers and our yearly calendar. If you knit or crochet you are welcome to join us.