Elgin District

Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church

Prayer Shawl Ministries

Prayer Shawl Ministries abound in the Elgin District. Whether they are called "Prayers Shawls", "Comfort Shawls", "Peace Shawls", or "Mantles", shawls have been made for centuries. They are universal and embracing. They comfort and enfold. They wrap, warm, shelter and hug. Those who knit and crochet, and those who receive shawls are loved and blessed.

At the request of the Wesley Foundation of Northern Illinois University, Prayer Shawl ministry groups and individuals throughout the Northern Illinois Conference got yarn, needles and put their hands, hearts and prayers to work! Tragedy befell NIU on February 14, 2008, when a campus shooting ended the lives of six young people. As part of the commemoration of the one year anniversary, a special Peace room has been established. The Peace Room provides a place where NIU students, faculty, staff, and the community can go to remember, reflect, and pray. As a sign of Northern Illinois Conference's support, love, and hope for the NIU community, prayer shawls have been provided for this special room. In addition,100 prayer shawls will be given to the campus community.

On January 31, 2009, sixty shawls were brought to the Elgin District Leadership Development Event and the District UMW Sharing Day. District Superintendent, the Reverend Oscar Carrasco blessed the shawls and District UMW President Ruth Wiese delivered them to NIU. A myriad of colors and prayers flowed through every stitch.

Here is a look of some of our District Prayer Shawl Ministry groups;

Antioch United Methodist Church

Faith Evangelical United Methodist Church

Libertyville United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church of Des Plaines

Cary United Methodist Church

North Prairie United Methodist Church

Cornerstone United Methodist Church

If you would like to have your Prayer Shawl Ministry highlighted, please send information to Joyce Carrasco at sheliajoycecarrasco@gmail.com.

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