OUR PRAYER SHAWL & LAP ROBE MINISTRY
Recently, I was reminded of the powerful experience generated by presenting a prayer shawl or lap robe to a person who is homebound or recovering from a serious illness or injury. One of our members brought me three quilts donated as her handiwork to benefit our members or neighbors during a difficult time. I though many of us might like to know more about this project so I am attaching an article on this ministry at Lakeview.
Prayer Shawls and Lap Robes have been made for centuries:
They are universal and embracing. They comfort and enfold; wrap and warm; mother and hug; shelter and embrace. People knit and crochet shawls and quilt lap robes for many reasons. Most prayer shawl ministries create prayer shawls and lap robes to console those who are grieving, comfort those who are ill, and bring hope to those in distress. They may also be made to celebrate life and its milestones. The reasons to knit or crochet a shawl or lap robe are as numerous as the people who make them. Often, members of the ministry create chemo and infant caps, as well, especially during the warm summer months.
When our prayer shawl ministry meets, work begins with a prayer said at the start of the meeting to bless projects underway. Time passes quickly with the clicking of needles and the delight of lifting the spirits of others while engaged in a warm fellowship. The items produced are made for general distribution, and once completed, they are delivered to hospitals and hospice units as well as to LUMC members, friends and neighbors. At the end of each meeting, a final prayer is offered for those still working. Once completed the prayer shawls and lap robes are blessedt. A prayer is attached at one corner and three beads, reminding us of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are sewn into the finished project as a source of comfort and peace for the recipient.
Lakeview’s prayer shawl ministry meets September through May from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on the first Tuesday of the month in Fellowship Hall, a wing of the Administrative Building. Patterns are available for knitting and crocheting. Help in both needle arts is available to less experienced persons, even novices who would like to join the ministry. If you would like to join us or know of a person who is homebound or recovering, please contact us.
