First, welcome to our newest member, Emilia, who joined us on Wednesday. We hope you will join us every week as we continue to serve God and hug the world one shawl at a time! There have been several newer folks recently and we thank God for sending us more workers for the fields. Please remember, whether you are a new member, a veteran who has been away a while, or a “regular attender” (sounds like Davis speaking) we love having you any time, and all the time. If you forgot how to do what you are doing, please come by and let us refresh your knowledge and refresh your spirit as well. You are always welcome. Just click your heels together and say, “there’s no place like Prayer Shawl Ministry” three times and you will be transported back into our colorful, soft, cuddly world!!
Do you believe in miracles? Really, ask yourself…do I truly believe God can do miracles? Well, here is proof. We have just delivered 110 prayer shawls to the Costa Rica mission team!!! YEA COSTA RICA AND PRAYER SHAWL TEAMS! These shawls will be used to comfort women who have been victims of domestic violence for the most part, and others who are potentially at risk for the same. It is a vision given to the Barry B. by God and we have been part of making that sign of healing and comfort come to the people of Costa Rica. Thank you to all those who have crocheted their fingers off. The commissioning of the Costa Rica teams will take place on Sunday June 26th at 930 and 1100 in the main sanctuary, and the blessing of the shawls will take place that same day at 1100 in the youth Warehouse. I would love to invite as many of you as possible to be there for that special occasion.
That being said, I have taken a great leap of faith by giving Barry all those items from our closet. Communion is in 16 days and we are very short on those items. I have total faith that God wanted us to proceed in this direction, and so He will provide what we need for the time we need it. He always does. So, if you are still working on fast, open weave items, keep them coming. Atlanta is hot in the summer and we could use more for our own folks here at the end of June. God has certainly looked out for us in that we have not had to deliver a prayer shawl to anyone within our community in almost 2 weeks. When we finally sit down to listen to Him, we can get just a glimpse of His Master Plan!!!
Can any of you help me with the shawls on the 26th? I will have just gotten back from seeing my extended family the day before so am beginning to make plans now. I will need to bounce around between all three services upstairs and the youth service downstairs. As many of you as can lend me 15 minutes of your time to help place shawls on the rails and gather names for our book would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know as soon as you can. I will need help at 740am prior to the service, 910am, 1040am and after the last service ends around noon. I don’t expect we will have many to put up after the last service, so this should not take too long.
This Tuesday morning begins our morning PSM meeting. Come and join us in room 311 from 1030 to 1230. Bring a friend or two. I will have some coffee available for this meeting. I will be there early that day to get organized so if you want to be there earlier, just let me know and I will accommodate that request. I am truly hoping to expand this ministry to many other women and men, youth or seniors who want to be a part of this incredible mission. Spread the word like butter on toast and we will cover our community in love.
Keep praying for blessings for the hands that prepare the items, the feet that deliver them, and the words spoken over the items and over the recipients. Keep praying for God to expand the hearts of many to allow us to work greater miracles all for His glory and for His Kingdom. I love you all like sisters that we are in the ministry of the King.
In Christ,
Dana
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 14th, 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 26th. 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
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
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
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
