St. John’s UCC Praying Hands Stitchers
This is a new name for the former Prayer Shawl ministry group, which is expanding it’s projects and outreach in the months ahead. Anyone is welcome to join us in any of our four ministries to serve the community. We will meet one Sunday a month, from 9:00 – 10:00 am in the church library. (Summers, June – September, we meet at 8:15 am when the service starts at 9:30 am.) Come to chat, get supplies, learn how to make your project, get guidance from experienced stitchers! Questions welcomed, supplies and help available! Knitters and crocheters of all levels are welcome. You do not have to attend the meetings regularly to be part of the group – you may work on your projects at home at your own pace and leisure.
Our Projects & Outreaches:
1. Knit or crochet a Prayer Shawl to be given out at St. John’s UCC by pastors and on designated Sundays. See Susan Hendricks (email Susan at jshendricks@comcast.net) for yarn, size 13 knitting needles, and/or directions. Susan will add a silver “praying hands” charm, and a letter about the history and care of the Prayer Shawls. Susan will put the prayer shawls out for members of our congregation to take on designated “Prayer Shawl Sundays.” Pastors Addie and Dale have access to prayer shawls whenever the need should arise.
Prayer Shawl Instructions for Knitting or Crocheting: follow this link: https://www.shawlministry.com/instructions.html
We give away our Prayer Shawls in church, four Sundays a year. Pastors Dale and Addie have access to Prayer Shawls if one is needed in-between our Prayer Shawl Sundays. They are for anyone who needs some comfort and love.
2. Knit or crochet a “watch cap” OR a scarf for homeless men sleeping in the “Code Blue” shelter in Lansdale. The men prefer soft, not scratchy yarn, in solid dark colors like black, gray, brown, or navy. See Amy Ryan Faga (email faga@gmail.com) for yarn or directions. Amy will deliver the hats and/or scarves in a special bin designated for the homeless men who sleep at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale.
3. Knit or crochet a cozy hat or scarf for families and children who eat in the FEAST program every Monday night, 5-6pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church. These warm offerings may be in ANY color! Amy will take them to Trinity Lutheran Church so they may be distributed. Amy’s contact: Vicky Seal 215-368-1710 (vseal@trinitylansdale.com)
4. Knit a pair of “Love Squares” for a newborn baby and his/her mother. Please use cotton yarn; we have some to give you. All colors are welcome. See Sally Atkiss (email Sally at basketsal@yahoo.com) for yarn, size 5 knitting needles, or directions. Sally will make sure the “Love Squares” are washed, placed in a zip-lock bag, and delivered to the NICU at Children’s Hospital.
This ministry is open to anyone with an interest in knitting or crocheting useful items. We meet at church once a month, except in July or August. All materials will be provided for you if you need them. Instructions to learn can also be given. We are a friendly group who have been knitting Prayer Shawls for about 16 years! We began making the Love Squares in the summer of 2016. All who knit or crochet, or want to learn, are welcome – we are always happy to welcome new members!
Meetings Scheduled for Winter, Spring 2024:
We will meet from 9:00-10:00 am in the church library on:
Sunday, Apr. 7
Sunday, May 5
Sunday, June 2
*If something comes up, and we are not meeting, one of the leaders will contact you the night before.