PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Prayer shawls are made to give to people who hurt -- those who are grieving, lonely, homebound, or in physical need -- within our church congregation and beyond. Anyone may give a prayer shawl. Our shawls are begun, worked, and finished with prayer. Each shawl brings to the recipient the warmth, love and concern that have been absorbed into every stitch, through prayer. Both women and men knit or crochet the shawls at home or at a gathering at church. Each finished shawl is blessed by members and the pastor. The shawl then receives a label indicating that it has come from our church. An added card carries this special message: "This prayer shawl was made especially for you with love and prayers. It is a gift of the First United Methodist Church of Greene, NY. At the last gathering of our ministry, we gathered in a circle to bless this shawl. May you discover comfort and solace as you wear it. May it encircle you with God's love and peace, now and always."