Prayer Shawls for Advocate Bethany Hospital
For many years, the Church of the Brethren has supported an effort to bring health and healing to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago. The ministry started by the Church of the Brethren continues today through Advocate Bethany Hospital. Over the years, many congregations have supported this ministry by donating handmade baby blankets and layettes for the hospital. In 2005, the hospital changed its caregiving focus and babies are not longer born there. As a result, the Association of Brethren Caregivers is asking congregations to change the nature of their donation by making and sending prayer shawls to the patients receiving care there. During the fall of 2005 Advocate Bethany Hospital became the first and only specialty hospital on Chicago’s West Side to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex medical conditions who require an extended hospital stay. Bethany is not a nursing home, skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation facility. As a specialty hospital, Advocate Bethany Hospital provides comprehensive care for patients suffering from complex medical conditions, including heart disease, respiratory conditions, stroke, kidney disease and severe wounds. Patients’ average stays are of at least 25 days, with the ultimate goal of returning home. By providing extensive and individualized care, Advocate Bethany is a vital part of the continuum of care, particularly as society ages and health conditions requiring a longer duration of treatment become more common. To support this important health ministry, the Association of Brethren Caregivers is encouraging congregations and individuals to send prayer shawls to Advocate Bethany Hospital so that the staff can give this gift of care and comfort to all patients. Prayer shawls symbolize shelter, peace and spiritual sustenance. They also can be called comfort shawls or peace shawls. Several ecumenical organizations have donated hand-knitted and crocheted shawls for those in need. The Church of the Brethren’s Prayer Shawl ministry to Advocate Bethany Hospital is a simple, universal and enduring message of caring. The creation and presentation of a prayer shawl, like all acts of generosity, enriches the giver as well as the recipient. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful way of passing on love and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl. Shawls can be used during prayer or meditation; while undergoing medical procedures; during an illness and recovery; while ministering to others; as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress; during bereavement. They also can be used for commitment or marriage ceremonies; birthing, nursing a baby; graduation, birthday, anniversary, ordination, holiday gifts. The making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver. It is a gift freely given with no strings attached. Made in prayer, the shawls are passed on hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart. Some work alone, others work in groups, passing the work in progress around a circle asking each person to add some stitches to the shawl, or to just hold it for a while to add their prayers and good wishes. Before giving it away, the maker says a prayer over the shawl, remembering the one who will receive this gift. It is also good to enclose an explanation and prayer in the package as it is sent to Advocate Bethany Hospital. Where do I send the prayer shawls? What are the dimensions for prayer shawls? More Information About Prayer Shawls |
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