OUMC Prayer Shawl Ministry

K1, P2
To an experienced knitter, the above abbreviations signify knitting directions of “knit one stitch, purl two stitches.” But for those at Orange Church who are interested in a new ministry being formed to provide encouragement, care, and prayer support for people who are ill or in a time of crisis, those abbreviations will now mean “Knit One, and Pray Too.”

We are being introduced to a program called Shawl Ministry which was conceived by two ministers in Connecticut. Caring people meet together to knit or crochet a shawl for a person in need. As they knit this shawl, they pray for the person who will be the recipient of the gift. When the shawl is given, it is a tangible reminder of the prayers which have been offered up in intercession for the recipient.

The first OUMC prayer shawl to be knitted by K1, P2 was done by for Jonathan, a young man from Jacksonville, NC who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. After finishing the shawl, we took it to a meeting of the Hutchins-Hogan Circle so the members of that group could also pray for Jonathan. Circle members held the shawl, touched it, and prayed for Jonathan. They did not know that during their meeting that evening, Jonathan was leaving this life for his eternal home. What a blessing it was for them to later learn that they were praying for his peace and healing at the time he was going home. The shawl was given to his mother in the hope that it would be a comfort to her and a reminder that prayers will continue in her behalf.

If you are interested in being a part of K1, P2 contact prayershawls . We want to “inventory” who is able to knit or crochet independently and who is interested in learning these skills. Perhaps you know of someone who would be interested in knitting or crocheting even though they might not be able to attend the group meetings. You are also encouraged to join the group as a prayer supporter even if you do not choose to make the shawls. Please contact us if you have someone you believe would be blessed by receiving one of the completed shawls and please be in prayer for the ministry.