"...the warm embrace of the prayer shawls that were given to us by people all around the church are essentially reminders to us that we are not operating in a vacuum but rather as a part of a deeply connected network of believers who are part of the body of Christ and I believe the prayers represented by those shawls were part of what made the great difference that made this an exceptionally charitable and fruitful meeting."
-The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudson
September 25, 2007 House of Bishops closing news conference

At the Annual Retreat for NEHM's Board Members and Regional Representatives, there was a discussion about prayer shawls and how much they meant to those who were receiving them. Who could really benefit from a prayer shawl project at this time? Those present agreed that the House of Bishops would be an ideal group to receive these symbols of healing. The word went out through the NEHM network, and the Episcopal community provided an overwhelming response. Over 350 prayer shawls were collected for the bishops and their spouses, with the remaining prayer shawls going to a Louisana ministry devoted to those recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

NEHM is so grateful to all of those who participated in this wonderful project. Below are some links to coverage of the prayer shawls at the House of Bishops.

A very special thank you goes to Becky Williams of St. Luke's in Baton Rouge for coordinating this special project and to The Rt. Rev. John Rabb of the Diocese of Maryland for the presentation of the shawls.

Pictures of Shawl Collection

Episcopal Life Online: Shawls will enfold bishops in Episcopal Church's prayers

Closing News Conference (See The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen's comments around the 6:00 mark)

"This Shawl has been made for you as a sign of God's love. May it be for you a safe haven, a sacred place of security and well-being, sustaining and comforting you in good times as well as difficult ones. It was made with blessings, love and prayers by those throughout the United States who are affiliated with National Episcopal Health Ministries."