PSM update 5-31-11

Where did this month go?  Wasn’t it just Christmas and here we are living in the heat of a Southern summer.  Wow.  I have a great idea.  Come on inside and crochet or knit!  We need you, and especially right now.  So, with that introduction…

Beginning Tuesday June 14^th, we will be starting a new daytime version of the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Meetings will be in the same room  (311) from 1030am to 1230pm.  If folks want to do lunch afterwards, we will make that happen.  For those who cannot come on Wednesday eves, or are teachers and cannot come during the school year, this is your opportunity to get started.  Please join us even if you never have crocheted or knitted before, and bring friends.  I am hoping to expand our ministry to handle the increasing demands for completed items.  There seems not only to be an increase in need, but an increase in awareness of our ministry.  That is great news.  God has provided us with so much and now I ask Him for more workers.  We are happy to teach so please send folks to us.  Additionally, I sense God telling me that it is time we take our show “on the road” so to speak.  I will be lining up PSM sessions at local restaurants, coffee shops, book stores, etc. for the summer.  I will of course check with the store prior to invading with all of us, but it is time the outside world sees what we do.  I feel that God is calling others not in our church to come be a part of our amazing group.

Speaking of new members, we want to welcome Vanessa M to our group.  Vanessa joined us last week and is excited to be with us as we are to have her.  Also, Martha W. joined us last week to learn to crochet.  She has been a member for a while, but has not been on the “production” side of things.  Welcome Martha.  And, if you come visit me at home, I put you to work.  This is how we have Anita S. in our group now.  She spent an evening at my house and left with crochet hook and yarn.  Welcome to all of you from all of us!  Anyone who visits is up for recruitment.  We are grateful to have our new folks and grateful for all those who are faithfully stitching away.  For those who have not been in a while, we will offer refresher classes anytime you need them. 

Our next communion Sunday has been changed to June 26^th.  This gives us a little time to get our inventory back up.  We can use shawls, cloths, caps, and about any color and size are needed.  As we just sent 160 prayer cloths to Joplin, MO., we are short on those.  That is not as much of a commitment as a whole shawl would be. 

I will send out a prayer update after our Wednesday eve class.  Until then, keep praying for those already on the list as well as for God to expand our ministry in both group members and vision.  He is a most awesome and worthy God and we love to watch His work and His workers in action.  God bless all of you and all the folks this ministry touches. 

Will write more again very soon. 

Blessings,

Dana

PSM update 5-23-11

Hello precious ladies.  I wanted to let you know how yesterday went.  Did you know that yarn, once spun into shawls, caps, and squares have wings?  Well, I have proof for you.  we placed 75 shawls, 8 chemo caps, and many square cloths on the altar….and they flew away like birds being chased by a cat!  Every single shawl was claimed.  God is amazing.  We did not have one leftover request which means….God knew the exact number we would need to have on hand and we get yet another example of trusting God for His provisions and for His timing.  Isn’t God amazing!!!

We have around 96 items donated to Costa Rica so far with a minimum number of 110 needed by end of June.  They are hoping for 150, and I can promise you that if they are praying about this and have even whispered it into God’s ears, He will arrange for us to come up with those as well. 

I mention all of this to give God the glory for all He has done and for all He will do.  Speaking of which, I am putting you on high alert…. I am praying that God bring us new sources of shawls, be they knit or crochet.  I am praying for new members to our ministry and for those who have not been active for some time to return to us so we can continue to grow and serve God’s children here and over in foreign lands.  It is not yet summer, technically, and I am thinking about what we will need in October through December already.  OK, so I cannot even plan dinner for tonight, but I am thinking way advance for this ministry as we need to stay that far ahead of our requests.  If you cannot do a full shawl and only want to tread a toe or two into the ocean of commitment, will you please consider making some prayer cloths to replenish our rapidly dwindling stock?  I am attaching a few patterns for you.  As much as possible, I would like to have cloths with crosses on them.  The pattern with the open cross is the ideal for crocheters, but if it is too difficult, please don’t give up.  you can make simple patterns and we can always embellish them with a cross.  We need many so any you make will be valued and appreciated.  Forget how to crochet or knit….no problem!  We will be happy to give you tutoring in person.  Just let me know.  You can always go on You Tube and find the series of video clips called “Crochet by Teresa”.  She is an excellent teacher. 

I thank all those who helped place shawls on the altar or gather names for our book.  Your small investment of time makes a huge impact for the Kingdom.  God multiplies those kindnesses in the lives of all who are touched by this ministry in any way whether it is actively making products, delivering items, praying for requests, donating funds or materials, or receiving love through receiving an item made with God’s love, mercy, and healing touch.

I love you all for who you are and for whose you are.

In His name and for His sake,

Dana

a thank you note

Wanted to share this with you.  sometimes we get simple notes, and other times, long epistles.  This one was special and I wanted to share it with you.  we received it on 5-15-11.  It states:

Prayer shawl ministry,

The “Bridges Class” today were sharing stories about how prayer blankets and prayer shawls have been such a blessing to family members and friends.  The blankets mean so much to the individual who is sick and the family members.  The individual acts of kindness by you is incredible.  The love and praises of God is flowing out of your ministry!

God bless you!

Here is another one:

I am the recipient of one of your beautiful prayer shawls.  As I ws recuperating from recent surgery, the shawl was a visual conveyance of your love, care and concern.  As I face the fight ahead, I continue to be uplifted by your act of kindness.  Thank you for reaching out to others during their times of need.  Sincerely,  Geneva

And another:

Words can’t express how much the prayer shawls meant to my husband and myself.  Thank you for your time and prayers.  They are working!  He still will need a lot of prayers and healing in the months ahead, so thank you in advance.  I hope in time we can visit you to say thank you in person.  You make such an amazing difference in peoples lives.  Blessings, Ken and Mary

And another:

Thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl.  Every time I put it around me, I know I’m surrounded by God’s love and the love of others.  Thank you so much for thinking of me and providing me with the prayer shawl.  I will be wrapped in love and prayer every time I have it on.   God bless you all, June

And another…..

Thanks so much for the beautiful pink shawl that you made for my mother.  Though she never got to use it, it would have meant so much to her and now means so much to me.  I will think of her and remember your kindness each time I use it.  In His love, Susie

I get many of these cards each week.  if you want to see others, there is a shoebox collection of them.  Just let me know.  I wanted you to know how much your time and talent means to so very many people.  God is blessing the many from work from this ministry.  From humble beginnings, to His glory, we keep on working and keep on blessing.

Love to all of you,

Dana

PSM update 5-18-11

Greeting to all!  We had another incredible evening for the ministry.  Barb Conner came by with several triangular shawls for Costa Rica.  Nancy dropped several off, but left after.  We hope you feel better soon Nancy!  Dorothy made a “bikini” shawl.  Don’t let the name fool you, it is totally appropriate to wear – just made from a mix of colors with that name.  it is awesome!  Zena, Beverly, Loretta and myself all worked on some items for this weekend as well as Costa Rica.  Mills stopped by with shawls from Martha and Carolyn.  Let me just say…the crocheted shawl that Martha made did not make it 5 minutes before it was taken for someone in need.  Good work Martha!  See crochet isn’t so bad after all.  We even had a special guest, Sarah Solty, come pray with us.  We are honored to have new guests, even for one evening.  If you were not there, you were truly missed.  We notice when you are gone and pray for you to return to us.  It was wonderful to have Lenore stop in for a visit.

This summer, I would like to make an informal offer to have a daytime prayer shawl ministry meeting.  I am taking suggestions on days of the week and will come up with a majority decision, so send that info in to me.  This would be a great time to invite someone who cannot drive at night or may be a school teacher and cannot make it during the school year.  We will not have childcare, but we welcome children.  Please respond within a week.  We will continue our evening meetings but will adjust the schedule some.  We will take the week of camp meeting off (third week of July)  If other changes are made, you will get plenty of notice. 

Barry will be counting the Costa Rica shawls tomorrow and give us a firm count on them.  We believe we are over half way on this project.  Great work everyone and thank you so much for all the extra effort.  God will be glorified and many people blessed through this amazing project. Keep them coming.

Attached is a crochet pattern for one skein triangular shawl made with simply soft.  I might have to try it out this week since it looks so good, and fast.  Do the knitters need easy patterns?  Let me know and I will be looking for good new ones.

Another thing to think about… I would love to have a one day crochet workshop on a Saturday.  We can meet at the church if I can get permission, or we can meet out in the community or in someone’s home.  I am happy to offer mine unless you are allergic to cats.  We have 3 indoor cats.  I would love to pull down some of the unfinished projects from the back of the closet and get those taken care of.  We can use folks to come and just edge off projects, or tuck in loose pieces, or join squares, etc.  We can all have lunch together and just enjoy the day.  Anyone up for that?  if so, please let me know if you would be able to attend on a Saturday and which one might be better for you in June or July.  If we don’t plan it now, it won’t happen.

Communion is Sunday and I still need some volunteers to give 15 minutes of time before or after services.  Truly it is not that time consuming, but many hands make it less stressful on everyone.  I have had two folks volunteer to help.  Are there any others please?  I will be there around 730am to sort out and set out the shawls.  We will then reposition them at 910 for the next service, add on at 1040 for the last service and clean up at noonish.  Any help we can get is welcome. 

No new names were added to our prayer list, but if you have one, send it to me and I will get it recorded.  I will be delivering one to my friend Cheryl Hood who just lost her father to cancer.  Loretta took one for someone in her church.  Send me details as I forgot to get them from you. 

Have a great week and please respond to any suggestions made in this email. 

You are a wonderful part of this ministry.  God bless you,

Dana

PSM Update 5-13-11

Happy Friday the 13^th to all.  As I don’t believe in superstition, it is going to be another fantastic day here in the Kingdom.  One reason to celebrate is that God has sent us a new member!  Sheree has joined our group and wait until you meet her – she is amazing!  She is in the process of making a beautiful shawl out of some new yarn recently purchased with donation funds.  I hope you will welcome her into our group when you see her.  I hope you all will also keep praying for God to send more workers into our ministry.  We could definitely use some more as we have room for many more and need for even more than that.  God please expand our ministry with workers, with donations, and with desire to serve those who are in need.  What a blessing this is!  No matter if you crochet, knit, buy yarn, deliver items, or join us in prayer, we treasure your participation in this ministry. 

We had a pile to pray over again this week.  God has been very good to grant us so many blessings.  We are pretty much approaching our minimum and beyond for our Costa Rica mission and still have many to place on the altar rails next Sunday.  With 9 days to go we can even add on more than that.  Yes! The Costa Rica items will be packed up by late June for the initial shipment and if we need to send others, they will be shipped the following month.  Try to make them light weight, open weave patterns to make it easier and less costly to ship as well as to accommodate the warmer weather there.  I am doing most of mine in V stitch, 2 foot wide by 5 foot long rectangles. 

Well, I must run off to high school where I feel like I am going through a second teenager experience.  It was hard enough to be a teenager the first time, but when you live at high school at age 55, it can be pretty ugly…and exhausting.  High school is definitely not for the faint of heart or body!  If you get bored, or need a change of pace, come see the Collins Hill HS Chorus show in the HS theatre at 7pm, tonight and Saturday eve.  You won’t be disappointed! 

Love to all, even when I am overly busy and way too distracted,

Dana

PSM update 5-10-11

Hello to all my favorite people!  I hope this finds you well and happy.  It has been a while since my last email and I ask your forgiveness in the delay.  I have had to attend to many things in the past few weeks which has distracted me from the weekly updates, and I apologize for not getting any information out to you.  My youngest daughter, Sarah, is involved in Chorus at Collins Hill HS and the annual chorus show is this coming weekend.  I put together their program, which is a huge undertaking.  I also do road signs as well as 500 little details along the way!  If you are in need of some very good, very inexpensive fun this week, come see the show on Thurs, Fri or Sat May 12 – 14 at 7PM at the HS auditorium.  Sarah has a group act each night, but a solo on Saturday.  Proud mama will be so happy that night! 
Unfortunately, I have also had to deal with the loss of our cat Kevin.  She was the sweetest little girl and loved to be with you at all times.  She adored crochet activities from winding yarn to sitting on the project as I was creating it.  she was always so supportive of my work in the ministry!  She died suddenly last week of seizures, and I am not over that yet.  She was the cat we got from my father-in-law when he remarried.  Kevin was very special and dear to all of us, and I know she can never be replaced.  Just know that I cry easily these days so if you ask a question, I may answer it with tears in my eyes and shakiness in my voice.
The PSM is going nuts for Costa Rica!  We have finished about 60ish items towards our initial goal of 80.  I hope you can help out with either making an item or donating some yarn for others to create shawls with.  I have gotten many donations of yarn, so feel free to come by and join the fun.  if you need to work at home, I can help get you yarn and patterns (after this weekend is over though).   I make most of mine as 20-24 inch wide and 4.5 to 5.0 feet long rectangles in either V stitch or another open weave such as dc, ch1, dc repeats.  We have a deadline of 5 weeks max from now, so keep on keeping on!  It may take a village to raise a child, but it also takes an entire church to send off a mission team.  We are going on this mission without even leaving the zip code! 
Not this weekend coming, but the following one, May 22^nd, is communion Sunday again.  Time flies.  We will be putting our items on the altar rail for the congregation to bless through prayer and for them to take for themselves or for others in need.  It is a time that I can use all the help I can get.  It is difficult to put the items out as folks want to talk with you about a special request and others are wanting to get information and still others need their requests placed in the prayer book.  Please consider donating 30 minutes of your day to help make this offering to God effective in reaching His people.  Let us all chip in a little bit here and there to share the burden of work, but more importantly, to share in the glory God will receive through your love and support.  Even if you have not made any items or have not been active in many months, please consider joining in as we serve our Christian family on that day.  Help will be needed from 740 until 8am, 900 until 930, 1040 to 1100, and then briefly at noon for 15 minutes to gather any remaining items and take any names down for a waiting list (has been happening rather routinely lately!).  The expression made popular by “Field of Dreams” is “If you build it, they will come”.  I prefer to think of this ministry as “if you crochet or knit it, they will come claim it!” Email me with your schedule availability please. 
I will add to the prayer list tomorrow, but wanted to get this part to you right now.  Sorry for the late hour, but sleep has not been my friend lately.  I am sending you the list of prayer requests that came from the pink book.  I am absolutely positive that I am missing some so please let me know if you have one we need to share with the group.  I have listed them from most recent back to the last communion Sunday.  I don’t always get the privilege of knowing each person on this list, or even to deliver to these folks.  If you know any of the names below and can update our information, please do.  For those who are devoted prayer warriors….we need you!  keep praying for these recipients and for our ministry to always be under God’s watchful eye and loving heart. 
Have a great day.  I am finally cutting off for the night.  I doubt I will be at the meeting tonight, but if things go well, I might make it.  Dress rehearsal is after school and I might be one tired little girl by the end of it!
Thanks for all you do for all of God’s children. 
God is good, all the time!
Dana