Hand Craft Ministry

All Are Welcome

The slogan for the God's Handiwork ministry is "Reaching others with the gifts God has given to us". Do you knit or crochet or sew? Would you enjoy making items to bless others? Then you are invited to find those knitting needles, crochet hooks or thread and join in the fun! If you aren't interested in making items but want to help with purchase of materials, donations to the Church for this ministry are gratefully received. Inquiries -  

January 2012 Update

The month of December always seems to go by so quickly with everyone rushing around to get that perfect gift for each person. Before you know it Christmas is over and we haven't had time to truly think about the meaning of the birth of Jesus. He came into the world in a cold stable but he had Mary and Joseph to provide for him and make sure he was warm. Likewise in the next few months we will be providing warmth to the homeless in Albany by making scarves to give them some reassurance that they are not forgotten during the winter. This past week the first supply of 32 scarves was delivered to Albany for those in need. With the economy as it is there are a lot more people in need especially during the winter months.

As Pastor Glenn said in his sermon last week to rejoice in all situations - eventually. I have a little story about that: As many of you know we have a new chocolate toy poodle puppy named Bear (6 lbs) who is only 7 months old. As my mom and I were trying to see how much yarn I needed to purchase Saturday afternoon I had the bin of yarn out as I had counted the inventory. All the sudden my mom said "oh no look at Bear" - he had helped himself to one of the skeins of yarn used to make scarves and was totally wrapped in the yarn. He had completely taken apart the whole ball of yarn and there were strands of yarn coming down between his eyes around his head just everywhere! As I ran to get the camera....I would say I wasn't rejoicing...but now it is a moment we won't soon forget. When I look at that picture on my desk at work it makes me rejoice at the work we are doing for the homeless and how we are wrapping them with the warmth of our love. It's funny how such a little puppy enjoys the comfort of that yarn just like the people who are going to receive the finished projects.

Anyone who can help with this project is welcomed to put those needles to action. I have knitting needles, yarn and a simple pattern that can be used. Any scarf pattern can be used, I just have a very simple knitting one. The scarves are usually 12 inches by about 58...we make them wide so that they can also use them to wrap around their heads for warmth. We are also in need of bags to present prayer shawls. They can be used but in good condition.

During the months of November and December besides the scarves, we have completed baby blankets, baby hats, prayer shawls, winter hats. We are bringing the hats that come in now to Doors of Hope for those that come in and need them.

Thanks so much for all those who have helped in the past. I couldn't do this without your hard work and God providing talents to each person that produces such beautiful items that go out into the world to spread his love.
Marybeth Wheelock
Inquiries -

Prayer Shawls

In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl.

Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!

(*The shawls can also be crocheted, quilted, woven or machine knitted as well!)

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