This ministry began with two women who participated in the first Women’s Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo. One of the members began knitting “healing shawls” for women who were undergoing treatment for breast cancer and other illnesses. Other member soon began to knit shawls for new mothers. More recently, women have knitted shawls for men who are ill-and have received very heartfelt thanks for this gift of healing. These wonder gifts of love can be found all over the country now.

For more information on the history of Prayer Shawls please go to www.shawlministry.com.

The prayer shawl ministry at Pine Island began during the ministry of Rev. Steve Mealor, in 200l. This ministry originated in response to a car accident when a member, Cindy Stewart, was seriously injured. When Steve received word of Cindy's accident, he was at a meeting at the Grand Haven Presbyterian Church. Immediately, one of the members of the Grand Haven Church brought a prayer shawl to Steve, telling him to take it to Cindy, explaining that she would be wrapped in prayer for her recovery. The ladies at the Grand Haven Church had a number of the shawls ready for such emergencies as Cindy's accident.

Cindy's recovery was slow and very long ...Cindy reported that the shawl was with her constantly, throughout many treatments for a number of broken and fractured bones, and was a great comfort to her.

Some of the women at Pine Island decided that it would be a worthwhile project to continue and since then, many shawls have been knitted and distributed. As of 2005, we have a record of 28 prayer shawls that have been given to people in special need...no doubt there are more that have not been recorded.

Shawls continue to be knitted and given to persons who are in need of our prayers and love.

(Pine Island History compiled by Edith Rasmussen)