With Love, From The Holy Stitchers
WRITTEN BY COVENANT PARTNER, CINDY CHAMBERS
It has been twenty years since the start of our prayer shawl ministry, Holy Stitches. The idea came about in the summer of 2006 as a result of learning about how many other churches in this country had similar ministries. With much prayer and consult with First Pres leadership, we this ministry with a few ideas in mind.
Several ladies in the church had the talent of knitting and crocheting, creating items for family and friends, and were interested in how they could continue to use their talent in meaningful ways. This mindset — along with the desire to serve God — allowed Holy Stitches to grow and became even more impactful. Since the summer of 2006, we have given away more than 2000 shawls!
Holy Stitches primarily focuses on people in our church who have been diagnosed with a serious illness, a death in the family, or another situation where prayer is needed. Holy Stitches and First Pres staff identify those who could use a pick-me-up with a reminder that their Church Family cares deeply for them.
Once a month, before the shawls are distributed, our group gathers for a time to dedicate the shawls, where members of Holy Stitches lay hands on each shawl and pray for every recipient. We want the recipients to be reminded that each shawl has the church’s love, and more importantly, God's love for them, "stitched" into each shawl.
Through the delivery of these shawls, we have had the wonderful experience of meeting many people we may not have known otherwise. The deliveries are always filled with God's presence as we say a prayer for the family, and typically end with a tear or two, as well as big hugs all around. The recipients feel "wrapped in prayer" from their Church Family!
There have been so many wonderful ladies who have taken part in Holy Stitches over these 20 years. Many who are still making shawls with us today, and some others have gone on to be with our Lord. Each one has meant so very much to this ministry as they have all had a part in stitching God's comfort, healing, and peace into the very fabric of this Church Family and beyond!
If you love to knit or crochet, we would love to have you join our group. We meet two Fridays each month (except for the summer and holidays) from 11am to 12:30pm in the Clayton Life Center on the second floor. It is always fun getting together with other ladies who enjoy making shawls, spending time visiting, and making new friends. If you would like further information about Holy Stitches, please contact Cindy Chambers at 407-740-7675.
We hope and pray that our Holy Stitches ministry, together with the shawls, will continue for many years to come and to be of comfort to all recipients who might need a reminder that God loves us and joins with us through any and all circumstances.
Holy Stitches Schedule
Friday, October 23, 2026
Friday, November 6, 2026
Friday, November 20, 2026
Christmas Party - TBD
Friday, January 8, 2027
Friday, January 22, 2027
Friday, February 12, 2027
Friday, February 26, 2027
Friday, March 5, 2027
Friday, March 12, 2027
Friday, April 9, 2027
Friday, April 23, 2027
Friday, May 14, 2027
Friday, May 28, 2027
In Christ’s Love,
Cindy Chambers, Holy Stitches Leader
You’ll also love THIS HOLY STITCHES STORY about sending shawls overseas to our Ukrainian friends in need.
Learn more about Holy Stitches and get involved: