Prayer Shawls
This Ministry was started here at Divinity about 8 years ago and since then we have given away over 600 shawls. They can never be purchased but are gifts of love from our church Family to whoever is in need. It is supported by donations only. In the past year about $1,300 was spent for yarn. When someone says "Prayer Shawl" we might be tempted to think of the Jewish heritage of wrapping ourselves in a shawl when we pray. That is of course, an excellent idea, and one some may choose to do, but there is even more to our Prayer Shawl Ministry. The old expression "Our hands are God's hands" has taken on new life through this ministry which combines knitting or crocheting with prayer to create beautiful shawls for those in need. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl.
This ministry is an intentional devotion to prayer, and the people who create these lovely shawls, visible signs of God's love for others, pray while they create them. Although they do not know who will receive any particular shawl they pray asking God to answer whatever needs the recipient may have, asking Him to bless them and surround them with His love. The softness of the shawl reminds them of His love, as they surround themselves with it, share it with loved ones, or cuddle with others with it.
There is a pattern for the shawls, but they come back with the creativeness of the person who made them. The yarn is available in the church at no charge to the creator and there is no time line for completing them. Prayer is the important part of the shawl and suggested prayers come with the pattern.
They (shawls) are ideal for those undergoing medical procedures, as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress, during bereavement, prayer or meditation, during an illness and recovery and ministering to others. The shawls are accompanied by lovely hand made cards that are suitable for framing.
If you think this is a ministry you might be interested in, please call Loretta Cross at (440) 845-2060 ext.18.
Baptismal Boxes
On the day of your child's baptism, you will receive a wooden, hand-crafted "Baptismal Box" built by men in the congregation to store your child's church "things" inside. The baptismal shell, cloth, candle, blanket and certificate can be stored in the box. As the child grows, the box can also be used to store special items from Sunday School, First Communion and Confirmation.
Ladies of the Yarn
We meet monthly from January through November, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month, in the Choir Room. Everyone is welcome. We have patterns, yarn, and members willing to offer help and instructions for knitting and crochet.
Once each year in November we sort and distribute our handmade hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, and other knitted and crocheted items to the following charities:
- Redeemer Crisis Center
- Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries
- Parma Park School Battered Women's Shelter
In 2018, several of our members began making baptismal blankets. Carol Fugo and Sharon Wohl have made a total of 10 blankets for our newest little ones.
Our record keeping began in 2006 and as of November 2018, we have donated 3,967 items to these agencies.
A BIG THANK YOU to all of the folks who donate NEW yarn to our group. We couldn't do this without you!
If you have questions, contact Joan Huetter.