To know Christ, grow in Christ, and share Christ's love.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Wednesday Mornings
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM in Room B14
What better way to feel loved and comforted when suffering from an illness then to be wrapped in prayer. That is exactly what the Prayer Shawl Ministry is all about. Started at St. Matthew's by Ernestlea Williams, this ministry knits shawls while praying for the future recipients. Participants meet each Wednesday morning at 9:30 and knit until 11:00 in room B-14. There are two people who can help beginners and can help with knitting problems. Some choose to crochet their shawls. As we grow we will meet on other days according to the need. Come join us while we do something special for someone who is gravely ill. ALL ARE WELCOME. For more information contact
Valorie Bray, 794-9753,
or vsb_1@msn.com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Update
When Ernestlea Williams agreed to be the first Speaker for the Women's Story Circle in May of 2004, she spoke about launching the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Matthew's. Several of us decided that knitting was something we wanted to do immediately. We first met on a Wednesday morning in early May. There was not a large group, about seven knitters and one expert knitter, Barbara Borden. Barbara has been a mainstay in helping, counseling, and keeping us knitting.
We now have both knitters and crocheters among our membership of 32 ladies.
We welcome requests for shawls for those who need to be "wrapped in prayer."
As of January 2005, 112 prayer shawls have been mailed or delivered.
From our records I found the majority of shawls have gone to people in Austin as well as several in other Texas cities. The other states to which we have mailed shawls are: Michigan, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Arizona, California, Tennessee, and Georgia.
God touched Ernestlea with the desire and we have joined together to make sure it goes smoothly for the knitters.
General Instructions for the Prayer Shawl (More Info on the Prayer Shawl Ministry can be found on the Prayer Shawl website at http://www.ShawlMinistry.com/)
Needle Size #15 or #17 ( your preference) or l #15 circular needle, 29 " long
Requires between 2 & 3 skeins of yarn. Most have chosen Lion Brand Yarn Co, "Homespun"- any color- but be sure you match the numbers on the wrapper so they are all the same dye lot.
For average size shawl - cast on 52 stitches and make length about 5' or from wrist to wrist.
For small size - cast on 48 stitches
For large man size - as many as 66 stitches
For a child - cast on 30 stitches and make about 3' long
Each shawl is different, but a general pattern is a border at each end of about 16 rows of garter stitch. The body of the shawl is in stockinette (knit the rows on the front and purl the rows on the back). More accomplished knitters can do fancier patterns.
The shawl can have fringe or not.
The Lion brand yarn is carried by Hobby Lobby, JoAnns, and Michaels. To knit an average shawl with Homespun and needles, cost approx, $25.00. The needles are under $8.00 and three skeins of yarn @ $4.75 each. This provides enough for fringe.
