Healing Stitches
WHAT WE DO AND WHY
The most important thing you can do for someone is to love them and pray for them.
Healing ministry has been an important part of our church, not only through the laying on of hands, but through another ministry: the prayer shawl ministry.
Prayer shawls are are crocheted or knitted wraps that are given to those who are ill or have other needs. These are not ordinary shawls, however. Prayer for God's healing love is woven into each and every stitch, so that when the recipient wears it, he or she is literally wrapped in healing prayer.
Although we could make blankets, sweaters, mittens, etc. for the needy, making a shawl is more than keeping a body warm. It is a symbol that we are sending out our love. Wrapping a shawl around you is like a hug: an embrace to let someone know they are loved, thought of and in our prayers.
Knitting or crocheting a prayer shawl is a spiritual undertaking. Before a shawl is begun, prayer is offered. Then, with each stitch, the prayer and good intentions for the recipient are continued, until the shawl is complete. Before it is given out, each shawl is blessed by our priests, deacons and parishioners.
Receiving a prayer shawl is very powerful. When the shawl is wrapped around, the wearer feels uplifted, loved, hugged, protected and comforted. They are in God's hands, and healing surrounds them.
WHO ARE PRAYER SHAWLS FOR?
We have several dedicated individuals who have made and distributed dozens of prayer shawls, and the ministry is growing...Members of the parish gather monthly to knit and crochet prayer shawls for the sick, lonely, and those in distress.
This ministry reaches out to many who are not in our parish. Instructions in knitting and crochet are available to beginners and others interested in developing their skills. Quilted prayer shawls are a new interest in the group, so there will be assistance with this technique, as well.
Please join us! We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7 PM in the lounge.
If you are interested in joining this ministry, or for more information, contact Alice Mose or the church office.
The Story of Tabitha:
- Peter Raises Tabitha. Tabitha was loved by many because she lovingly made clothes for those who needed them.
Acts 9:36-42 (The Message): Down the road a way in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, "Gazelle" in our language. She was well-known for doing good and helping out. During the time Peter was in the area she became sick and died. Her friends prepared her body for burial and put her in a cool room.
Some of the disciples had heard that Peter was visiting in nearby Lydda and sent two men to ask if he would be so kind as to come over. Peter got right up and went with them. They took him into the room where Tabitha's body was laid out. Her old friends, most of them widows, were in the room mourning. They showed Peter pieces of clothing the Gazelle had made while she was with them. Peter put the widows all out of the room. He knelt and prayed. Then he spoke directly to the body: "Tabitha, get up."
She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up. He took her hand and helped her up. Then he called in the believers and widows, and presented her to them alive.
When this became known all over Joppa, many put their trust in [God].
