14 Years of Knitting: How a Somerset Church Community Gives Back

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — In 2010, a group of four women started a magazine to find ways to help their local parish.

After leafing through the pages, the group agreed to dedicate their time to ministry through needles and balls of yarn. There it was, St. Paul’s Presbyterian had a prayer shawl ministry.

Since its inception, the group of women has met every Tuesday in the church library to knit and socialize. They have created several items, including blankets, scarves, hats, and prayer squares, all for charitable causes.

“We give to individuals for a variety of reasons,” said Janice Forry, one of the four founders of St. Paul’s Prayer Shawl Ministry. “Illnesses, bereavements, weddings, graduations. We’ve made shawls for confirmation.”

The ministry has made over 500 prayer shawls and 1,000 prayer squares in 14 years. Some of these creations have brought comfort to people in times of need.

“This child was one that was taken from her home because of a drug situation,” Forry said. “We were happy to give her a shawl as a gift. Her reaction was she always takes it to bed with her, and it’s a comfort to her. And that’s a joy, you know, when we realize that we can help someone experience that.”

Over the years, members have come and gone through the halls of the parish, and with each transition, one person has the opportunity to make a difference.

“It’s fun to say, ‘This is for you,’ and say, ‘We were just thinking of you and praying for you,’ and then say a prayer with them like you’re in pain,” said Vicky Weimer, a member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. “I like it when they do it with me, so why wouldn’t people like it when I do it for them?”

With each shawl, a photo is taken and placed in a scrapbook. Looking back at all the crafts the group has made, Forry reflected on how she served through ministry and hoped she has fulfilled the promise she made in 2010.

From a magazine more than 14 years ago, the art of knitting and crocheting has created a close bond of women both inside and outside the church. “We go out to dinner every week, and it’s nice to have some fun,” Weimer said. “It’s nice to have people to talk to.”