184 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: 607-321-2633
"You created every part of me, knitting me in my Mother's
womb. For such handiwork, I praise you. Awesome this
great wonder!"
Psalm 139:13-14
About The Shawls
In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the
1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in
Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their
experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under
the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS.
Care and the love of knitting (and crochet) have been combined
into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of
comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted into every
shawl. The knitter begins each shawl with prayers for the
recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the
shawl. When the shawl is completed it is offered a final ritual
before being sent along its way.
As this gift has been sent along, some recipients have continued
the kindness by making one themselves and passing it onto someone
in need.
Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both
the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a
sheltering, mothering God! Besides knit and crochet; the
shawls can be woven, sewn, quilted, machine knitted, etc.
"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…"
Janet Bristow -1998 ©Copyright
2005
Some uses for the shawl
Undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss, during
bereavement, prayer or meditation, commitment or marriage
ceremonies, birthing, nursing a baby; as a bridal shower gift;
leading ritual; first menses or croning rites of passage, during an
illness and recovery; ministering to others or just socializing...
There are endless possibilities!
To make a shawl personal, the giver or the recipient may want to
adorn the shawl with beads, shells, feathers, or charms. A
blessing or ritual maybe offered when the gift is presented.
For further information and to obtain
instructions, please visit the Prayer
Shawl Ministry Web site.
