Prayer Shawl Ministry
We welcome all.
Join members of Dearborn First UMC in making knit or crocheted shawls, lap robes, and/or baby blankets.
Following dedication in a Worship Service, the shawls are made available to give to members, family and friends, who need the warmth and comfort of prayer in the form of a shawl or lap robe.
Yarn donations welcome
Available Prayer Shawls can be found near the Welcome Center
How do I request or deliver a prayer shawl to somebody who would appreciate one?
To request a prayer shawl: Contact Jan Houston, Prayer Shawl Ministry coordinator.
To deliver a prayer shawl to somebody in need of comfort:
Prayer shawls are located against the wall behind the Welcome Center in the north transept of the sanctuary. The top shelf contains prayer shawls, and the bottom shelf holds lap robes. Baby blankets are kept in Pastor David’s office.
Shawls are located behind the Welcome Center off the sanctuary
Items are stored in resealable bags, and tagged with a card that reads: “May the Mother of Mercy, the Father of Faithfulness, and the Spirit of Compassion wrap you in their all-encompassing love this day.”
To sign out your item:
Choose any bagged shawl or lap robe.
On the top shelf is a clipboard with a sign-out sheet.
Please write your name and the name of the person receiving the item, which will help prevent too many shawls going to the same person.
Anybody can deliver a shawl to anybody in need of comfort and prayer.
How do I make/donate a prayer shawl, lap robe, or baby blanket?
Items can be knit or crocheted in any color or pattern.
Yarn should be machine-washable, and can be any weight - sport, worsted, or even chunky. The pattern should be warm and cozy - please try to avoid anything too light or lacy.
Prayer shawls made for Dearborn First UMC. (Photo Credit: Kirstin Karoub)
FREE patterns and instructions for making prayer shawls:
You can find free patterns for the original prayer shawl from the founders of the Prayer Shawl Ministry in both knit and crochet here. Sample prayers are also linked here.
PRAYER SHAWLS:
Shape: Triangle or Rectangle is acceptable
Size: big enough to wrap around shoulders and torso, and cross over in the front
Color: Any
Pattern: Not too lacy, with or without fringe
LAP ROBES:
Shape: Rectangle
Size: No larger than 36”W x 48”L to avoid getting caught in wheelchairs
Color: Any
Pattern: Any
BABY BLANKETS:
Shape: Rectangle
Size: Crib-size
Color: White - both to symbolize baptism, but also to remain gender-neutral
Pattern: Any
