53 prayer shawls have been delivered by ministry at First Congregational Church of Meredith since 2004

“It was the most loving act of kindness I have ever had.”

Perhaps this comment from one prayer shawl recipient best expresses the purpose, meaning and success of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at the First Congregational Church of Meredith.

Shawls have been made for centuries and have brought warmth and comfort and have lifted many a spirit. What today is now known as the Prayer Shawl Ministry was begun in 1998 by two graduates of the first Women’s Leadership Institute of Hartford, Connecticut Seminary, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo. One woman had received a handmade shawl as a gift and inspired her friend, and together they began to reach out to women in their times of need.

The program at the local church was initiated by Betty Newell in November of 2004. During a time of personal illness, a friend in Connecticut sent her a prayer shawl. It was such a comforting experience for her that she began making plans to expand the ministry to her church.

Almost five years later there have been 53 shawls delivered. The knitters — or crocheters — usually 8 to 10 meet monthly on the second Thursday of the month. Those who do not knit, often referred to as “fringers”, put the finishing edges on the shawls. The shawls are presented before the congregation and blessed with prayer by Pastor Russell Rowland. The ministry has expanded to include baby blankets presented at the time of baptism and children’s blankets given to Lakes Region General Hospital of Laconia.

Shawls are presented to both men and women at times when comfort, strength and support are needed. Requests are made through any member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, the church or Pastor Rowland.

“As the shawl was wrapped around my shoulders, I could feel a great sense of support and I knew I wasn’t alone,” said one recipient. This is the foundation on which this ministry continues to reach out and touch lives.

For more information, contact the church office at 279-6271.