PRAYING MAKERS GROUP

EVERYONE can be part of 

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Do the words 'prayer shawl' conjure up images of items placed around the shoulders, intended for bodily warmth and comfort, that are often knit or crocheted? Our Praying Makers Group is NOT only about shawls.  It can also be about baby blankets, scarves, hats or even lap robes. The purpose of the ministry is to share with others, the warmth and love from your hands and your heart, no matter the name of the finished item. 

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The PMG (Praying Makers Group) welcomes crafters of all varieties willing to share their talents through gifts of love.  If you're called to make baby blankets; please do.  If you're called to make lap robes; Amen.  If you're called to donate materials for crafters; thank you very much!  Sewers, knitters, crocheters, or weavers, to name a few, you are all welcomed and needed.

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2 Corinthians 9:7  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

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Prayer Shawls are creations of shawls or lap blankets, by means of knitting, crocheting, sewing, weaving, and so on, to be given to people in need or at special times of celebration.  Often, they are given in times of grief or serious illness or other times of loss; the shawls can also be given at times of celebration like adoption, baby birth, significant anniversary, or birthday.

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      EVERYONE will send shawls out with prayer.  Shawls are dedicated during worship service, with the prayers of the entire congregation praying for those who will receive the shawls.

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     EVERYONE needs to be part of identifying those to receive shawls.  No single individual can know the needs of everyone within our congregation or among our community, so the entire congregation is needed to be the eyes and ears that  identify those who would be blessed by receiving a shawl and ongoing prayer.  There is no need to check with a committee; when you know of a need, you may choose a shawl and deliver it.   Any individual may choose a shawl to be given, record the name and need or occasion of sharing in the prayer book, and deliver the prayer shawl on behalf of the congregation. This will ensure there is ongoing prayer. Shawls and the prayer book will be housed in the usher’s closet by the Market St. entrance once work is completed in the sanctuary. 

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    EVERYONE can help to provide materials for the creation of prayer shawls.  At this point, we will primarily be using yarn, but there may be other materials at some point.   

      

    EVERYONE can use skills they already have or learn new skills to create shawls.  The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the Covert Room.

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   EVERYONE can continue to pray for the needs of those who have received shawls. The prayer book will be kept in the Prayer Shawl area for anyone   wanting to pray for the recipients.

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A WORD OF RESPONSE

I was so, so blessed when I opened your package.  The beautiful prayer shawl that was made and consecrated to the Lord truly is a comfort from the Holy Spirit as I wrap it around my shoulders in my ‘prayer chair’.”

 

“Thank you for the lovely prayer shawl you prepared for Marcus.  Thank you for the prayers and love it was made with and for consecrating it to the Lord.  He is often chilly now and being wrapped in the arms of God and comforted by the Holy Spirit will warm body, soul, and mind indeed.”

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AN ACCOUNT OF GIVING

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In 2021 the First Methodist Church began new ministries.  We became an Angel Tree sponsor church and started the Praying Makers Group ministry.  It is always amazing to see God at work in the timing and connectedness of things.  These ministries came together beautifully in December.

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During our initial conversation with families, one grandmother shared her struggle. She shared that she had difficulties at that time.  The ministry  coordinator who spoke with her suggested that she might appreciate receiving a prayer shawl.  She was  very touched and expressed her appreciation for receiving a Prayer Shawl  delivered to her from the church.

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