Continuing our focus on the history of our prayer shawl ministry, little did Jackie Wild imagine what she started when she brought this significant ministry to First Parish Church in 2004. As she and Jane Primmer inspired other knitters to join them in creating prayer shawls for our members and friends, Jane also started a scrapbook that contains a photo of each person who received a prayer shawl. In addition to the photos from last month that are included in our sanctuary archive display, the photos below of other beloved members will also be displayed through early March.

As Bonnie Connolly takes over the leadership of our Prayer Shawl ministry, she is excited to find other knitters interested in continuing this meaningful ministry.  Above is a prayer of blessing that is often shared when the prayer shawl is presented.  The author of this blessing, Janet Bristow, was one of the co-creators of this ministry in Connecticut.

After the photos of our former members in this article, I have also included copies of our church bulletin from 100 years ago (1924) and 50 years ago (1974).

(Click on the images to see an enlarged version)

Church bulletin from February 3, 1924:

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Church bulletin from February 24, 1974:

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Blessings to you and your family for a lovely February and a meaningful start to your Lenten journey.