St. John’s, Walpole, began a Prayer Shawl Ministry in Fall, 2006. Prayer shawls are made primarily by one person, with all knitters adding the fringe so that everyone has a part in its creation. Prayers are said for the shawl and its intended recipient as the shawl is begun. The shawl is blessed when finished and delivered to the recipient. The first completed prayer shawl was given to a parishioner named Betty. Betty had once been very active at St. John’s, but ill-health had cut her off from the faith community. Two prayer shawl knitters, MaryAnn Longever and Whitney Cadmus, along with the Rector, the Rev. Susan de Puy Kershaw, visited Betty and presented the prayer shawl. A candle was lit, prayers were said, and the prayer shawl was wrapped around Betty’s shoulders. It was a moving and spiritual moment for all. The following Sunday, Betty was able to come to the Eucharist. She sat in the back pew, her prayer shawl keeping her warm and comfortable. Sadly, Betty died this past May. The prayer shawl gave her so much comfort, warmth, love and hope that she was laid to rest on its soft folds.