Community Outreach
Despite the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the work of the Prayer Shawl Ministry ladies continued. Perhaps because the sort of respite many seek in the busyness of the season is putting hands and hearts on a quiet activity, such as knitting and crocheting.
For those who are are discouraged, in pain, grieving or have faced misfortune having a tangible reminder that others care is important. Unfortunately, the reality is difficult times do not take a break over the holidays. Volunteers who are drawn to “soul work” understand that and also know by lifting someone else’s burden, one’s own is lifted.
The Upper Chesapeake Hospital and The Bob Hooper Hospice House, both in Bel Air, MD reassure the volunteers regularly that their handiwork is greatly appreciated. Validation also comes from notes and letters from the recipients of the prayer shawls, comfort blankets and prayer squares.
The pictured items were made over the holidays and over 300 are made throughout the year and given to others regardless of whether there is church affiliation or not. Many churches have prayer shawl ministries so the impact is even greater.
Our local group welcomes anyone with basic knitting and crocheting skills who want to support the mission. Interested? Contact the Bel Air United Methodist Church, and they will steer you to the right person. Many of the volunteers can not make the meetings but they knit and crochet from home making valuable contribution to the mission.
“… when women come together with a collective intention, magic happens.”―
