Get Involved:  Prayer Shawl Ministry

Prayer Shawl Ministry

"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles…”

  Written in 1998 by: Janet Bristow © 2007                               

www.shawlministry.com

For detailed information on Prayer Shawl Ministry in general, visit www.shawlministry.com. This site has more information on shawl instructions, prayers, "symbolism" - meanings behind the shawl, downloadable brochure, upcoming events, workshop and retreat information, beginning a shawl program, stories and information, photo gallery, ministry outreach, and shawl links.

St. Stephens Prayer Shawl Ministry

For more information about St. Stephen's Prayer Shawl Ministry, contact Barbara Abbott at 651-457-5019 or bababbott@comcast.net. On weekends or in the evening you may also contact Lael Abbott at 651-488-3892 or dawnshine_2@msn.com. We would love to have more shawl makers! Contributions of shawl materials also are welcome.

The Lenten small Prayer Shawl Group meets at church on Wednesday evenings in the Lounge from 6:00 to 6:50 pm. After Easter we will determine new time and location for meetings.

About the Shawls

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. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl.

Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!

Note: The shawls can also be crocheted, quilted, woven or machine knitted as well!

Shawl Uses

Shawls can be used for: undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress; during bereavement; prayer or meditation; commitment or marriage ceremonies; birthing, nursing a baby; bridal shower or wedding gift; leading ritual; first menses or croning rites of passage; during an illness and recovery; ministering to others; graduation, birthday, anniversary, ordination, holiday gifts; or just socializing...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. A blessing or ritual maybe offered when the gift is presented.

Above: Barbara and Lael Abbott at the St. Stephen's Prayer Shawl Display.  Below: Knitting