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UUSB Shawl Ministry Facilitator: Cathy Elliott
This group of handcrafters was inspired by the Shawl Ministry that
was begun in 1998 by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo. Shawls are knit
or crocheted to give to members of our congregation who need support.
Shawls may be given for joyous occasions, in times of sorrow or illness,
to say thank you, or to celebrate a life transition. The shawls are
created with intention and mindfulness, putting love, good wishes, and
healing energy into each stitch, so that the recipient is wrapped in
the arms of our congregation. The pattern is repeats of stitches in
groups of three; a number that is symbolic or sacred in many religions
and cultures. There is also symbolism in the colors of the shawls. With
advice from the Caring Committee, we have presented dozens of shawls
since March 2005.
Our first shawl was
presented in March 2005; as of August 2007 we have presented over 100
shawls to members of our congregation, friends, and family.
Eight shawls have been given to the Cancer Center of Maine –
we are told that those who have received these shawls have felt their
healing energy. There are currently 16 active members of the
Shawl Ministry. We gather on
the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, in the Dorothy Memorial. New members are welcome at any time – if you
don’t know how to knit or crochet we will teach you! And we do have a few folks who knit on their own because they can’t
make it to meetings, so that is another option.
One of us usually knows
when a shawl is needed, but please don’t hesitate to ask for a shawl
to be given to a particular person at any time.
It continues to amaze us that there is almost always a shawl
ready, in just the right color and style, whenever there is a need. We are grateful for the spiritual and financial support of UUSB
– our yarn stash is an inspiration to us all – just ask and we will
show it to you! Donations to
keep us in yarn are welcome anytime.
Blessed Be!
Rebecca Ames, Becky
Anderson, Gail Barrell, Laurie Cartier, Janet Cloutier, Cathy Elliott,
Colleen Fitzgerald, Marsha Jordan, Suzanne Kelly, Linda Koehler, Deb
Leon, Sue Owen, Joan Richert, Jan Silbury, and Cindy Todd |