Castine Prayer Shawl Ministry
We are a group of women on a very special mission. We are as diversified in our faith backgrounds as we are in the colors and texture of the yarns we use. Our shawls are based on a book entitled Knitting into the Mystery by Susan S. Jorgensen and Susan S. Izard. Our group feels very connected to women throughout all history who have made shawls in times of joy and sorrow.
This Castine ecumenical shawl knitting ministry began in February 2004. We knit and crochet shawls for people we know, and those we will never meet. They have been given to people in many places. Our group makes shawls for women, men, babies and children when the need arises. These shawls not only bring comfort and blessings to the sick, but also for shut-ins, those who are lonely, new mothers, nursing home residents, cancer patients, hurricane victims, the widower, widow and for a new mother to wrap around her baby and herself.
This Castine ecumenical shawl knitting ministry began in February 2004. We knit and crochet shawls for people we know, and those we will never meet. They have been given to people in many places. Our group makes shawls for women, men, babies and children when the need arises. These shawls not only bring comfort and blessings to the sick, but also for shut-ins, those who are lonely, new mothers, nursing home residents, cancer patients, hurricane victims, the widower, widow and for a new mother to wrap around her baby and herself.
Blessings for All
Each shawl is blessed by the group as each of us places our hands on it. The prayer may be chosen from Knitting into the Mystery, the Shawl Ministry homepage or perhaps a special prayer from the knitter/crocheter to the recipient.
We each sign the blessing card, which is attached to the finished shawl. Many prayers are said into the shawl as it is made for whatever the need, healing, love, comfort, hope, peace, security and warmth.
It is a good feeling to think we might be making a positive difference in the life of someone else. In fact, it would be difficult to decide who receives more benefit from this work, the recipient or the crafter. Our hand knit/crocheted shawls brighten the lives of those who receive them. At times we have all received thank you notes from the recipient, or a family member, attesting to the fact that the shawl has done its work. The recipient has felt the prayers, blessings, warmth and security that we have tucked into each knit 3, purl 3, or set of three stitches in a variety of crochet patterns, three having spiritual significance in many religions and in other aspects of life as well. The Chinese believe three is a perfect number for instance. Our shawls bring comfort to those who receive them, and, we in return, feel joy in the gifts we give to others.
Join Us
We meet in the vestry of the Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, from 1 - 3 pm.
You may visit the website of the Shawl Knitting Ministry here. If you would like more information about how it all began, the pattern, the blessings, and much more.
If you would like more information about the Castine Shawl Knitting Ministry, please call the church office.
May the Lord continue to bless this ministry and everyone who is involved.