Prayer shawls for the National Assembly

Is anyone interested in figuring out how to get at least one shawl made to represent Creator? I'm thinking of doing one for the Oregon Synod...perhaps could do a second if I can figure out how to do the first. :-)

*******

More than two thousand rainbow scarves, lovingly created by volunteers, adorned voting members and supporters alike at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly in 2007, demonstrating support for a welcoming church. In August 2009, the ELCA meets for its next assembly. There are several proposals before the Assembly that pertain to the full inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender members and their families in the life of the church. Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA) is supporting proposals addressing these issues, including the Social Statement on Human Sexuality, the rostering of partnered LGBT ministers, and the blessing of same-gender relationships.

These decisions will be taken with much soul-searching and prayer. To that end, LC/NA would like to provide prayer shawls to be used by participants at the assembly. These shawls will be for use in the chapel area and to remind participants to prayerfully consider every issue.

LC/NA is requesting the participation of all RIC organizations and congregations to contribute at least one shawl. The shawls will be tagged with the contributing RIC setting or individual's name and story where that is appropriate, particularly individuals who wish to send a story to be.

The shawls may be quilted, woven, crochet, or knit. The size should be about 72" x 18". The design is left up to the person creating the piece.
They can be as simple or elaborate as desired, with or without fringe, and of any color - the intent is to have a rainbow of individually colored shawls, but none should be rainbow-colored this time.

You can go to www.goodsoil.org/prayershawls.html for project/pattern information.

Should an RIC setting find they are unable to contribute a shawl but would like to participate in the project, they are invited to make a monetary donation and a shawl will be created and tagged for them. RIC settings are asked to have a service of blessing for the shawl(s) before sending them.

The hope is to have every RIC setting represented, as well as those other churches and individuals who wish to participate by producing a shawl. Please let us know at JerryV@lcna.org if you are planning to make one or more so we can estimate participation.

The goal is 500+ prayer shawls.

Completed shawls should be sent or delivered by August 10, 2009 to:

Lutherans Concerned / North America
Attn: Jerry Vagts
100 North Oxford St.
St. Paul, MN 55104

For further information or patterns, please contact:
Glenda Bumpus (gbumpus@stx.rr.com) or Jerry Vagts (JerryV@lcna.org)