Prayer shawl knitters and crocheters enjoy creating and sharing. Front row, left to right: Sandy Haendel, Genivee Plante, Carol Reynolds, and Ellie Levy. Back row, left to right: Sue Trampel, Judy Jelsema, Jeanne Schimmelpfennig, Cindy Zaklan, and Kathy Cheek.
Jeanne Schimmelpfennig
The Prayer Shawl Ministry started in 2014. After retiring, I was looking for God’s purpose and new direction in this phase of life. As I was doing my devotions one morning, I prayed about finding my purpose. I jotted down prayer shawls as a possibility. Within 30 minutes, a dear friend called and asked me if I could help her finish a prayer shawl for her sister. God’s voice was melodic and I recognized it immediately.
I have always enjoyed knitting, and several ladies in the church were knitters and crocheters. I invited them to come to my home and make prayer shawls. The next question was, “What will we do with these prayer shawls?” My previous husband had been a patient of Hospice of the Valley (HOV) in Peoria, Ariz., as he was dying from cancer. I was impressed with all they did for patients and their families. I emailed HOV and asked if they could use prayer shawls. The morning of the first Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting, I received a response from HOV saying they were very interested. This ministry was born just like that.
We meet on the second Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. in my home. Some meetings have three or four ladies attend. One had 17, and we had to bring in patio chairs so everyone could have a seat! This ministry is open to anyone who would like to participate. It is not limited to members of PebbleCreek Community Church. We meet and have time for cookies. At the close of the meeting, we say a prayer together over the stack of shawls that have been collected that month.
Together, we work on prayer shawls, but more than that, we become good friends. Not only do we share patterns for shawls, but we share pieces of our lives. We laugh a lot. It is a joy that making the shawls gives pleasure to many.
Here is a quick story that people who share the joy of knitting and crocheting will understand. Carol R. told us about the time she was in JoAnn’s (fabrics) buying yarn. A lady she did not know asked her if she was Carol, and she said yes. The other lady said Carol’s husband was in the car waiting for her and he was “aging!”
In addition to donating shawls to Hospice of the Valley, we donate to people who may not be in hospice, but are experiencing challenging health or living situations. If we are aware of the need, the shawls are given with love. Over the years we have created and shared more than 1,200 prayer shawls.
Learn more about PebbleCreek Community Church at www.churchpcc.org.