Week 25 = Knitting for a Cause
Day 5 = June 22, 2014
Imagine my surprise when scouring the internet for Knitting Charities and one of the top ones listed is based in my old stomping ground of Hartford, Connecticut. As many of you, know I was born and raised in Connecticut and have been in South Carolina just over 10 years. When I lived in Connecticut I had not yet picked up knitting again. It's nice to know there is such a wonderful cause based in my home state. The 2 founders have even gone so far as to publish several Prayer Shawl pattern books and created a listing of other prayer shawl groups from other states. Check out this link to see the list of pattern books. The following information is all from the Shawl Ministry website.
Photo By: Shana Sureck - The Hartford Courant August 7, 2002
"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 Severi Bristow Copyright ©2014
About the Shawls...
In 1998, Janet Severi 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 stitch.
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!
Some uses for the shawl...
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.
Knitting question of the day
Have you knit a prayer shawl?
~~~
Don't forget about the June Giveaway. For all the information on the giveaway check out Wednesday's blog.
Knitting Prayers,
Victoria
Thus far I've knit 4 prayer shawls - all received with gratitude, appreciation and prayerful thanks. As the knitter, I feel I get as much out of knitting these special shawls as do those who receive them, so I know I'll continue knitting these for years to come.
ReplyDelete