When I transferred my membership to St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Mount Dora, in June of 2010, I was already knitting prayer shawls—but for another church. My sister’s church in Tennessee had a Prayer Shawl Ministry, and during the weeks we spent there, knitting helped keep my hands busy and my heart centered. It was meaningful work, and I felt called to it.
After joining St. Edward’s, I stopped by the church office and casually asked if we had a Prayer Shawl Ministry here. The answer was no. From his office nearby, Fr. Ed spoke up and said, “But we can start one.”
The very next day, Fr. Ed called and told me I would be heading the new St. Edward’s Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Holy smokes! I had never imagined leading a ministry. But I had been asking God what I should do with the shawls I had made, and in that moment, I knew I had my answer.
We began with just a few faithful needle artists: Chris Swim, Heather Hopcraft, Jackie Castiglioni, Mary Johnson, Emma Laird, Cathy Ettori, and me. Over the years, people have joined and stepped away as life allowed. Chris and I have remained primary contributors throughout the ministry’s life, with others faithfully helping along the way.
For several years, we met every Tuesday from 1–3 p.m., but attendance eventually dwindled. Today, most of us knit or crochet at home and bring the completed shawls to the church or office. I would still love to gather at least monthly if we are able—there is something special about creating together.
In May of 2016, the ministry expanded to include Christening (Baptismal) Blankets, and we have joyfully presented ten so far.
Over the past 15 years, the Prayer Shawl Ministry has:
- Presented 537 prayer shawls
- Currently holds 26 shawls awaiting blessing and presentation
- Donated 144 shawls, when supply allowed, to:
- Eustis Nursing Home
- Harbor House
- Leesburg Women’s Shelter
- AdventHealth Waterman Cancer Center
We do not bless shawls until a specific request is received. Each shawl is accompanied by a personalized gift card, created for the individual recipient, noting whether they are a member of the congregation or a friend of the church. The card explains the mission of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, when and by whom the shawl was blessed, and—now that we offer one online service—includes information for viewing the service in which the blessing took place.
We also keep two photo albums (one in the church office and one in the parish hall) documenting every shawl presented, including the date and recipient’s name. When we are fortunate enough to receive photos of recipients or thank-you notes, those are lovingly included as well.
A small ministry fund supports our supplies and postage. We ask only that yarn used be machine washable and dryable, ensuring ease of care for recipients.
Each shawl and blanket bears a cream-colored label embroidered in gold that reads: “Your Prayer Shawl by St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Mount Dora, Florida.”
Baptismal blankets are labeled: “Your Baptismal Blanket, St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Mount Dora, Florida.”
Today, the ministry is sustained by five active needle artists – three knitters (Alicia Wilbanks, Judy Avant, and Susan Shoemaker) and two crocheters (Ann Brown and Chris Swim). In fifteen years of ministry, we have lost only six unblessed shawls, a small number that speaks to the care taken in this sacred work.
What began with a simple question and a quiet nudge from God has grown into a ministry of prayer, comfort, and presence—one stitch at a time.
If you or anyone you know would like to serve on the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please ask them to contact Ann “Cookie” Brown (352) 255-9593.
By Ann “Cookie” Brown
