April 13, 2009 issue
Prayer shawls, hard times
Clinton Frame Menn. Church, Goshen, Ind.
By Karen TroyerOur February worship services focused on the book Just Walk Across the Room, by Bill Hybels. The pastoral team helped us to focus on practical tools and guidance on following the Spirit’s leading in sharing our faith with others. Members signed encouragement cards for prisoners who have started a Bible study course with Gospel Echoes Prison Ministry.
A fellowship meal was held in honor of Marilyn Riegsecker, pastor of Discipling & Christian Education Commission, who resigned.
A “Prayer Shawl” ministry has begun at Clinton Frame. Through this ministry, the care and love of knitting (or crocheting) are combined into a prayer ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Prayer shawls are symbolic of the prayers of the church wrapped up and knit into a shawl.
Members participated in a spiritual life survey, which will help the pastoral team shape decisions on how to create the best possible ministry. Mennonite Women are having a blanket drive to supply new blankets for MCC.
The worship series for March focused on John 17-19, starting with Gethsemane and ending with the resurrection of Jesus. A family night was enjoyed with games, gym activities and short Disney films. This night was set aside to help families who are dealing with economic hard times and to provide a place to come and enjoy a night out at no cost.
Several youth from Clinton Frame participated in the 18th annual Mennonite Youth Choir Festival at Goshen College’s Souder Hall.
Pastor Terry Diener underwent surgery on March 26 for removal of a kidney.
Phillip Gingerich died Feb. 28. Survivors: daughters Joan Morningstar, Susan Shetler and Amy Schrock; sons Paul Gingerich, Stan Gingerich and Mark Gingerich; 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Comments
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Good Evening! While praying for a friend who is undergoing chemo, I crocheted a shawl for him. It was very simple and yet had such symbolism of God's Word. My idea....but not really! I will give Him the credit!
Crochet with Lion Brand "Homespun" Yarn, and size Q or R crochet hook. I used 1 skein and a little of another skein.
Crochet 27 single crochet for row 1. Turn and in 3rd chain stitch from the end yarn over and make first double crochet. When finished with this row there should be 24 "posts" of the double crochet. Chain 3 and turn.
Each row is made from row 3 to 40 in the space between the double crochet "posts". There are 3 loops in that space, crochet under the top two.
After row 40, chain 2 and single crochet with a smaller hook to finish (L or M). Each single crochet goes through the two loops at the top of each double crochet stitch. With one loop on the hook, put the crochet hook through the two loops and draw the yarn through the two loops and the single loop still on the hook. Go to the next two loops and continue and tie off.
This is a very open weave look and is quite warm and comfortable. It can be made in about 3-5 hours.
The 40 rows represent the 40 days of trial we often go through. Each of the 24 posts represents the 24 elder around the thrown of God saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb" and the fact that God never sleeps = 24 hours. Each of the posts have three stitches representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I also placed 4 tassels at the end of each corner as prayer tassels to grab onto when in prayer.
Hope you enjoy my design from above!
Joan Troyer Elkhart, In
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