H.A.N.D.S. Prayer Shawl Ministry ladies at Serendipity by deb (in front) (l-r) Mary Jane Schaeferle and Carolyn Moe. In back (l-r) Rose Russell, Bonnie Johannsen, Claire Handorf, and Deb Osborn.

“Shawls.made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles.”

Written in 1998 by Janet Bristow.

It has been three years since the start of the H.A.N.D.S. Prayer Shawl Ministry here in Gladbrook, the combined ideas of Rose Russell, Carolyn Moe, and Rev. Robert Doner began the ministry back in November of 2011.

The group, then 23 people strong, began meeting on Tuesday afternoons at Gifts of Grace in Gladbrook. Now, three years later, the group is 40 members strong, some are knitters, some crochet, and some are card makers and have made 766 prayer shawls. The group still meets on Tuesdays at Serendipity by deb, some come early and enjoy a cup of coffee before working on the shawls, but at 2:00 p.m., the group settles into quiet time for devotions and prayer and sometimes the only sound you hear is the clicking of the needles as each person quietly prays while knitting or crocheting. Approximately eight ladies meet each Tuesday.

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 blessings are passed from person-to-person, with the both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God.

The ladies make prayer shawls of all colors and patterns. They also make shawls of blessing for weddings and baptisms. The group works with local clergy to get the shawls delivered as quickly as they can.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the prayer shawl ministry, come to Serendipity by deb on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m., devotions begin at 2:00 p.m. The group has patterns for you, whether you like to knit or crochet, Most shawls are 21′ X 72″. If you can’t knit or crochet, you can donate yarn (3-5 skeins of the same color), Lion Brand Homespun is recommended, but others will work; make prayer cards that go with the shawl; or work with clergy on the process of delivering the prayer shawls to those in need.

Rose Russell, one of the founders of the prayer shawl group, commented that “this as been a wonderful addition of our community.” “We would like to thank everyone for their support and a big thank you to Deb Osborn, owner of Serendipity by deb, for letting the group meet there and to all of her help in organizing a place for them to keep their supplies.”