Calgary Community of Christ
  • Welcome
    • Welcoming & Affirming Journey
  • About
    • Give
    • History
    • Programs
    • What to Expect
    • Youth Activities
  • Calendar
  • Blog
  • News
    • Announcements
    • Photo Gallery
    • Building Transition
    • Forms & Documents
  • Contact
    • Get Involved
    • Social

Calgary Spark

It only takes a spark to get a fire going.

Meeting People Where They Are

2/23/2017

2 Comments

 

Author

Marilyn Richea
​Calgary, AB, Canada


​Many groups have an outreach activity that involves making prayer shawls to give to others for various reasons. In the Calgary Community of Christ congregation, this activity was presented to us by Evangelist Ted Navey when he moved to Calgary. Ladies in our group were enthused about this opportunity and many shawls have been lovingly made and given over the years to folks for very different reasons: for folks moving away, for soon-to-be graduates, for folks struggling with health concerns, or even just for those experiencing challenging times. As time has gone on, some of our knitters are not able to knit or crochet anymore. 

​My husband and I live in a condo building. I have come to know a lovely lady who is really a recluse. We were chatting one day when she showed me her efforts to give back to needy folks by knitting beautiful articles (tiny hats for new babies just after they are born, toques, scarves, shawls, or small knee blankets) for folks who may not have family or assistance. There was only one problem: She had no way of distributing these gifts. I was aware of many places that these gifts would be so appreciated, and I knew I could help with this; thus, began our collaborative teamwork. She’d make the articles as she felt comfortable, and I’d help connect her beautiful handiwork with those in need. ​
Click images to enlarge.
Shortly thereafter, she received some devastating news that sent her into a very heartbreaking state, and I did not see her for awhile. Recently, we happened to run into each other (not really, I believe it was a God moment) in the hallway, and she told me she had some things to give away, but no way to share them herself.

Our little Sunday School children’s class had a project during the Christmas season to collect change to give to a city project called CUPS (Calgary Urban Project Society), a great resource for marginalized families and those in need. Our children's class was going to present their monies, and we'd include some of Hannelore’s talent too.

She was thrilled.

We had another project happening as well…to purchase and donate four breast pumps to be available for new mothers in the Calgary area, who otherwise would not be able to afford one, so that they might be successful in breastfeeding their newborn babies. Someone had an idea that prayer shawls could be added to this gift so that these new families would know that they were not alone on this sometimes-challenging new chapter in their lives.
​
Wool has been given to Hannelore so that she can make other shawls as she feels secure in her talent and gifts of sharing. We are delighted to find needed homes for her gifts to others, but more importantly, we feel good knowing that we can connect needs with willing hands, letting folks know they are not alone on their own journey while helping Hannelore spread her desire to do such rewarding endeavors in this chapter of her life.

Below is the Blessing Prayer and symbolism of this ministry that fills all of our knitters and the congregation with purposeful sharing. All are blessed because of it.   

Prayer Shawl Blessing

Dear God,
​
May your grace and blessing be upon this shawl – warming, comforting, enfolding, and embracing. May this mantle be a safe haven – a sacred place of security and well-being, sustaining and embracing in good times as well as difficult ones. May those who use this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace and wrapped in love.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
 
Amen.

 
Symbolism of Colours
 
Red: energy, strength, power, determination, love, courage
Pink: joy, femininity, friendship
Brown: stability, masculinity
Orange: happiness, success, encouragement, endurance
Gold: illumination, wisdom
Yellow: cheerfulness, energy, joy, confidence
Green: healing, harmony, safety, hope, protection, peace
Blue: stability, trust, loyalty, faith, truth, tranquility
Purple: wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery
White: goodness, purity, innocence, faith, safety, light
2 Comments
Anita Colvin
2/24/2017 04:32:17 pm

Reading about this has blessed me, this afternoon. Our tiny fellowship group in Sequim, WA often feels like age and geography limits our wish to be a blessing to others. Your journey and connection within your neighborhood touched my soul, renews my hope of seeing the possibilities all around,
>......
most of all the prayer of blessing for each shawl is a vital part of the gift you share.

Reply
Nancy Panting
2/25/2017 10:13:49 am

There is akways simething one can do.
Knitting/ crocheting items is fun but when one can not get out we need the gift of others.
There is always a way to serve making items or finding a hime for such. All are important and needed gifts.

Blesdings to all

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Authors

    Calgary Spark is a collection of stories told by members and friends of the church alike. Each person's story is helping to shape our community in new ways.

    Back to the blog

    Archives

    January 2021
    June 2020
    April 2020
    October 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016

    Categories

    All
    Abolish Poverty
    Authenticity
    Camp
    Christmas
    Christms
    Community
    Confirmation
    Develop Disciples To Serve
    Education
    End Suffering
    Enduring Principles
    Equality
    Experience
    Experience Congregations In Mission
    Family
    Food
    Generation Now
    Generosity
    Graceland University
    Haiti
    History
    Homeless
    John Hamer
    Latter Day Seekers
    Latter-day Seekers
    LDS
    Leadership
    LGBTQIA+
    Love
    Magic
    Membership
    Millenials
    Mindfulness
    Mission
    Mission Conference
    MOM Project
    Music
    Politics
    Priesthood
    Relocation
    Remembrance Day
    Restoration Movement
    Retreat
    Sacrament
    Sacredness Of Creation
    Sacrifice
    Self Care
    Seminary
    Sermon
    Social Media
    SPECTACULAR
    Temple
    Testimony
    Thanksgiving
    Transformation
    Unity
    Unity In Diversity
    Veterans
    World Conference
    Worth Of All Persons
    Young Adults
    Youth

    RSS Feed

Home
About
Contact

Canada West Mission Centre
World Church
Picture
© 2017-2021 Calgary Community of Christ
Special thanks to Wayne Rowe for his beautiful photography.
  • Welcome
    • Welcoming & Affirming Journey
  • About
    • Give
    • History
    • Programs
    • What to Expect
    • Youth Activities
  • Calendar
  • Blog
  • News
    • Announcements
    • Photo Gallery
    • Building Transition
    • Forms & Documents
  • Contact
    • Get Involved
    • Social