Grace United Church congregation blesses handmade prayer shawls

Members of Grace United Church display handmade prayer shawls that will be distributed to those in need locally and in northern Ontario. Front row kneeling, from left: Carol Young and Anne Gregory. Second row: Mary Boland, Jean Lowe, Allison Cross, Mary Alice Roth, Marjorie Wisby, Shirley Weicker, Bev Vandervliet and Shirley Binkle. Back row: Joan Bartlett, Gail Woolcott and service leader Teresa Coulthard. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Members of Grace United Church in Tavistock gathered Sunday morning for a special service celebrating a ministry that has quietly stitched comfort and care into the community for years.

Throughout the year, a dedicated group of women from the congregation – with men in the area also invited to take part – meet every two weeks with knitting and crochet needles in hand. Together, they create handmade Afghans and prayer shawls for those in need of warmth and encouragement.

Over the course of several months, the group carefully pieces together each blanket and shawl, knowing the finished items will be delivered to individuals and families who can use a little extra comfort. Many are distributed locally through area shelters in surrounding towns and villages, while others are sent to communities in northern Ontario.

During Sunday’s service, congregational leaders Carol Young and Teresa Coulthard offered a blessing over the completed works.

They prayed that the recipients “may feel the warm breath of the Holy Spirit as they warm themselves with it,” and that they would take comfort in knowing someone prayed for them while each piece was lovingly stitched together.

The prayer continued, expressing hope that those who receive the shawls and blankets will feel touched by the congregation’s love, strengthened by faith and supported by the caring hands that created them.