Shepherd of the Prairie's Prayer Shawl Ministry gives comfort

Sowing the seeds of faith and comfort to others gives joy to the members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley.

Over one dozen members of the ministry personally create crocheted or knitted prayer shawls all year long.

"Some of our members work on the prayer shawls at their homes," said Jeanne Henley, coordinator of the prayer shawl ministry along with Alice Hallett, who has been a part of the shawl ministry for 20 years.

"Our prayer shawl ministry is a total team effort," notes Henley. "Other congregation members work on their prayer shawls in Michigan and the Ozarks, which then get delivered back to us in Huntley. We also have a group of Arizona and Florida snowbirds that work on them in the winter months and bring them back here in the spring."

Giving gentle comfort to others in need, while bonding in prayer and fellowship, is a treasured aspect of the ministry.

"Our group meets once a month to pray over our completed shawls and then attach the prayer to each one," adds Henley.

Recently, the Prayer Shawl Ministry was recognized at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church during all of the weekend services as all 147 prayer shawls were on display.

"Pastor Ryan did a wonderful job of recognizing our ministry," Henley said. "He had the congregation place their hands on the shawls while he gave the blessing. It was so heartfelt."

The prayer shawls are given to members of the congregation who are ill or in the hospital; donated to local hospitals to be given to the sick; and some are also distributed to the sick in Florida as well.

The shawls serve as a virtual, soft gentle hug of comfort during an illness, or at times of stress, while the recipient is in the hospital or at a nursing home.

"I have been involved in this ministry for close to 16 years," adds Henley, "and it has truly been a blessing to give back."

Knowing how to crochet or knit is not a requirement for anyone to join the prayer shawl ministry.

All are welcome to learn and enjoy fellowship together.

The prayer shawl ministry, as well as Shepherd of the Prairie's quilt ministry, are always in need of yarn or fabrics for their projects. Donations can be dropped off at the church, 10805 Main St.

For more information, contact Jeanne Henley of the prayer shawl ministry at cjhenley2003@yahoo.com.

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, under the leadership of senior pastor Mark Boster, has served the Huntley community for over 20 years. The church welcomed a second pastor, Pastor Ryan Mackey, to its staff in August 2022. For information, visit www.shepherdoftheprairie.com or www.facebook.comShepherdofthePrairie.