March Joyline Article

Prayer Shawl Circle

I want to thank everyone who has joined in with the creation of prayer shawls or come forward with offers of support. I've heard story after story, both from our members and others in the community, about how much such shawls have meant to them during times of trial or blessing. Each stitch is an act of prayerful thoughtfulness and an affirmation of caring for the one who will receive the shawl. This is beautifully illustrated in the following prayer:

Starting Prayer - © 2006 All rights reserved
by Darcy Horon -Siepman

Dear Lord, Bless these needles that they stay strong and light so they don't tire the hands that wield them;
Bless this yarn with strength and softness that it will form a cloth of warmth and comfort;
Bless these hands with strength and skill so they may make well crafted gifts;
Bless this heart with strength and perseverance so I will see this work through to bring comfort to those in need;
But most of all dear Lord, Bless the wearer of this cloth with strength and comfort that their burdens may be lightened and their hearts gladdened with the realization that they are loved.

As you go through your daily routine, please keep the following shawl recipients in your heart, and let your prayers enfold them like a warm embrace.

Isaac Michael Falk, son of Jennifer & Michael Falk, baptized on Jan. 21, 2007
Dayton Miller, son of Angela & Adam Miller, baptized on Jan. 28, 2007
Jim Stahlman, held up for prayers of health and healing on February 11, 2007
Shar Karnitz, held up for prayers of health and healing on February 11, 2007
Michelle Paul, held up for prayers of health and healing on February 11, 2007

Psalm 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands.

Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It

Thank you. Thank you for having the faith to vote me in as Ministry Area Coordinator for Missions for the upcoming year. I really appreciate your confidence, and I'll do my best not to screw it up. Now I just have to figure out exactly what I'm in for.

One thing I wanted to do immediately is to establish this blog. I hope to make this a repository for Mission reports, project updates, and links to related websites. If there is other information which you think should be posted here, please feel free to let me know. I may be the current MAC, but this is your mission. Let this blog be a clearinghouse for suggestions, feedback, and bright ideas from all members. Digital photographs are also welcome. Just e-mail your submission to me at jascott@excel.net and I'll take care of the rest.

Mari Falk has suggested that we focus on a particular mission for a couple of months at a time, so projects doesn't get lost in the crowd. I guess we're already in that mode with the creation of the Prayer Shawl Circle in January. And again, I have to say thank you. We already have five shawls either presented or completed and due to be presented shortly. The definitive book, The Prayer Shawl Ministry: Reaching Those In Need, by Leisure Arts, has been donated and is available in the Fireside Room. If you need yarn, please let me know; we have a stash of donated materials that I'm happy to pass on. If you need patterns, see me on any Sunday or check out the resources listed here. If there is someone you believe would benefit from receiving a shawl, contact me, or Reverend Bill, or anyone on council.

Now, what shall we tackle next?