Threads of Healing Ministry Creates Prayer Shawls

Residents of Briarwood Health and Rehab with their prayer shawls. Also pictured are facility Administrator Sonia Patel, and Activities Director Michelle DeBona.

Several residents of an Indianapolis nursing home will enjoy the warmth and comfort of prayer shawls made during this summer’s General Assembly.  Briarwood Health and Rehab, located on the near-northeast side of Indianapolis, was the recipient of 26 prayer shawls knitted and crocheted as part of the “Threads of Healing” outreach ministry. 

The “Threads of Healing” ministry, developed by Arlene Pimintel and Carmen Fernández as part of the General Assembly’s overall theme of “For the Healing of the Nations,” was based on the original Prayer Shawl Ministry of Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo.  Bristow wrote in 1998:

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…

More than 26 women and one man participated in making the prayer shawls that were donated to Briarwood Health and Rehab.  “Threads of Healing” was thoroughly enjoyed by those who participated.

Participants expressed interest in expanding the outreach ministry at future assemblies to include teaching the art of knitting, crocheting, and weaving.  Molly Plantz, from the Local Arrangements Mission Committee, offered special thanks to all of those who participated in “Threads of Healing.”

 For more information on the Prayer Shawl Ministry, visit www.shawlministry.com.

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