In recent years, the shawl ministry has blossomed. Groups of people, often within congregations, gather together to create various items for those in need. Some groups knit shawls or caps for cancer patients who have lost their hair, while others piece quilts. As they knit or sew, they keep prayers for the intended recipient in mind.

Developing a shawl or quilt ministry is simple. Most congregations have plenty of knitters and quilters, and all an organizer has to do is put out an announcement and set a time to gather. Consider opening and closing your time together with prayer as a way of focusing on the sacred nature of the task.

Part of the fun of creating a quilt, cap, or shawl is creating one that will be meaningful to the recipient. If you know that the recipient of this shawl has a special fondness for the ocean, for example, you might use blue fabrics or yarns as a reminder of a place that brings pleasant memories. My own shawl is a sparkly off–white that reminds me of the light of God when I wrap it around my shoulders.

When someone in the group finishes a shawl, invite her to tell the group about the recipient. With the recipient in mind, invite everyone in the group to hold the shawl or touch the quilt for a moment and pray for the person who will receive it. Some groups make quilts for hospitals or other organizations to give away to anyone who needs one and the recipient isn’t known to the maker, but the group can still pray over each quilt, shawl, or cap and ask for God’s loving presence to sustain whoever will receive the gift.

Part of the joy of creating the gifts is in the giving, so whenever you can, take the shawl, quilt, or cap to the recipient yourself. Think about writing a short note about the item, and the hopes and prayers it conveys. Teresa of Avila, a holy woman who lived in the 16th century, once said: "Christ has no hands but yours to do his work today." In this ministry you are truly serving as God’s hands.

Resources
Check out these two books for help in developing a ministry, creating patterns, and for prayers and other suggestions:

Knitting into the Mystery: A Guide to the Shawl Knitting Ministry by Susan Jorgensen and Susan Izard (Morehouse, 2003).

Fabric of Faith: A Guide to the Prayer Quilt Ministry (See "We Recommend" on opposite page.)

Debra Farrington has written eight books of Christian spirituality. Her Web site is www.debrafarrington.com

This article is published in the March 2007 issue of Lutheran Woman Today.