Photo by Betty Dahms Ladies of the HANDS Prayer Shawl Ministry Sitting (l-r) Jodi Betts, Sherry Delfs, Karen Ohrt, Marion Schulz, Diane Mussig, Barb Muhs, Linda Randolph, Claire Handorf, and Carolyn Moe. Standing (l-r) Mary Jane Schaeferle, Dorothy Wiese, Kathy Anderson, Lola Dreessen, Marcy Knaack, Rose Russell, Joan Surber, Lucy DeWitt, Deb Osborn, Bonnie Johannsen, and Jean Sievers.

It has been five 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, five years later, the group is 40 members strong, and have made 900 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.

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.