Our Shawl Ministry program provides a way to express our gratitude for each other and offer comfort to one another. Members of the Shawl Ministry knit or crochet shawls that are given to individuals as a tangible expression of shared joy or concern.
Meetings are held every other Friday afternoon, September through June, in the Meeting House A chalice lighting is followed by silent knitting with music. A reading then transitions us into sharing uplifting conversation as we continue with our knitting. The closing of each session includes a group blessing of shawls being worked on.
The Shawl Ministry at The Unitarian Church in Westport started in 2006 and we have presented 300 shawls since then. We are committed to empowering and supporting women and children in a variety of ways, including ongoing microloans made through The Kiva Organization and donations to a variety of causes including The Hamlin Fistula Foundation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Beardsley School in Bridgeport, Connecticut and The Religious Institute in Westport, Connecticut.
We are open to anyone with a basic knowledge of knitting or crocheting. If you would like to participate but are unable to attend our meetings, we welcome donations of handmade shawls.
“I was moved to tears when I received the beautiful shawl. At once I knew
I was not alone and was being cradled with love and peace”. Laura
“Your knitted shawl has been giving me warm hugs every day. This comes
at a time in my life when comforting warmth is most appreciated”. Doris
“Being sick so suddenly was very scary, and you will never know how many times
I cozied up to my shawl and was comforted by its warmth and love”. Barbara
“My deepest thanks and appreciation for enveloping me
in the ministry of your concern, care and love”. David
“I am so moved by the reminder that we are so knitted into
each other’s lives in such a caring way; so simple, so profound”. Marion
“You have blessed me with the warm handsome blanket in which you
wove the warmth of love with ‘hands and hearts’. I feel ‘cradled in hope,
graced with peace and wrapped in love’.” Frank
“We were promised we would not be left comfortless
and your ministry is seeing to that”. Suzi
“My shawl is beautiful – I wrapped myself in it Sunday and slept with it.
If ever I needed a hug it was now”. Lynda
The Shawl Blessing
May divine grace 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 the one who receives this shawl
be cradled in hope, kept in joy,
graced with peace, and wrapped in love.
– Janet Bristow (adapted)
CLICK HERE for the Shawl Ministry’s charter.