The Blessing of Knitting

This morning Jaci, Jessaka and I met once again with ten children who are in the process of learning to knit. What fun to weave into their lives a creative experience that connects them with a traditon of learning and sharing handiwork. This is a wonderful extension of something that has become very meaningful to me during the past year, Knit One - Pray One, a knitting ministry.

Through the ages repetition of action, such as saying the rosary or walking a labryinth, has been a most important part of prayerful meditation for many persons. This manner of living out a spiritual life has provided a way to enter into a sense of closeness to God. It has allowed the heart to hear what God is saying. In recent years, many women have discovered that the rhythm of knitting can give and offer similar comfort, peace and solace. I have found a sacred space in my day as I enter into a time of knit 3, purl 3 - God the Creator, God the Sustainer, God the Redeemer.

Groups of knitters have organized to express the loving care of God who works through them as they pray and create simple prayer shawls. At First UMC, these shawls are given to new mothers, persons recovering from illness or knowing grief or persons coping with difficult times. These gifts of love become on-going reminders of God's abiding presence in our lives. Wonderful moments of grace, epiphanies and revelation become the stories of those who share in this ministry.

I have found that knitting prayer shawls brings a special peace to my soul and allows me to offer God's blessing to those who need comfort and peace in a tangible way. I give thanks for a mother who taught me knit many years ago, to Shelby who directed me to help create this group, and to those who journey with me as we continue to Knit One - Pray One.

For additional information about prayer shawl ministry you may wish to read Knitting into the Mystery by Susan S. Jorgensen and Susan S. Izard. A copy of this is in the First UMC library. Using a search engine, one can find a number of sites that discuss prayer shawl ministry. One very helpful one is http://shawlministry.com/.

New Life

Just returned from visiting our newest little Methodist, Samantha Hayes. As a mother and grandmother, I remember the joys, anxieties, frustrations, and the heartfelt love that a new life can evoke. However, as years go by, the sense of God's abiding presence in all of this is richer and fuller. For this I give thanks. Now how can I help this and other young families place God at the center of their lives?

God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at my end, and in my departing.
-Sarum Primer, fifteenth century

About Me

Jean O. Osborne

I have served First UMC as Minister of Education since April, 2001. As an advocate for children and their families, I have helped First become designated as “A Church for All Children.” in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference. Primarily, my responsibilities are the teaching/learning ministries for all ages. I especially enjoy leading DISCIPLE Bible Studies and coordinating the confirmation experience for sixth graders.

I am a graduate of Ohio State University and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. As an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, I seek to empower laity to be the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in the community.

Born in Ohio, I am married, the mother of two grown sons and have recently welcomed four grandchildren into my life.