Shawl Ministry was organized by two women in Connecticut in 1998 and is now nationwide.
The Shawl Ministry at First Congregational Church of River Edge, led by Alice Rushforth, began with the "First Gathering" on January 10, 2004. Since then, more than 300 shawls have been presented to women and men in times of crisis, celebration, bereavement, illness and other occasions. Babies are given special baptismal shawls and young people are also presented with shawls upon their confirmation.
The knitter begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the recipient. On its completion the shawl is blessed with prayer before being presented.
