Local Teen Knits Prayer Shawls for Village Lutheran Church

Local Teen Knits Prayer Shawls for Village Lutheran Church

Bronxville, NY- Village Lutheran Church recently received a donation of five hand knitted prayer shawls from local teen Kate Hoestery. Prayer shawls are distributed by the church to members who are grieving, ill or need comfort in some way. They wrap, cover and give solace to those who have received them. According to senior Pastor Robert Hartwell, “the ministry began several years ago as a project of the congregation’s women’s ministry.” But Hartwell noted, the opportunity to create prayer shawls “as a tangible means of care crosses all ages and genders. We are so thankful to Kate and all who contribute for sharing love and goodwill during difficult times.”

Kate began knitting two years ago when she was fourteen years old, after an injury kept her from playing sports. She learned to knit after taking an introductory class at a store in Tarrytown. “ We left an hour later with a beautiful ball of blue yarn and needles. I have been knitting ever since with the help of Youtube tutorials when I need to refresh my memory,” she stated.

She often relaxes in her bed knitting. “It's also satisfying because you feel like you are doing something that has a purpose and you can see the results.” Some projects take her longer than others depending on what she has going on, other times it may take her longer to finish if she has to figure out how to correct a mistake. “There are times when I am so busy with school and sports that I don't have more than a few minutes to spare but that's the great part about knitting! I can spend a few minutes and knit one row or knit for an hour.” Knitting is a hobby she can do on her own time.

Kate’s first project was a scarf that she gave to her grandma for her birthday. After that, she decided to make prayer shawls. She had searched for an in-person community service opportunity for about a year, but they never worked with her schedule. She decided to create her own opportunity to give back - “if I couldn't go to the hospital, I would find a way to bring the hospital work to me.” She knew Village Lutheran Church was collecting prayer shawls because her sister received one when she was recovering from knee surgery. Prayer shawls are mailed to people who are sick or recovering. The idea is that the person who wears the shawl knows that someone was thinking about them and praying for their speedy recovery. “I believe that everyone should try to put some good out in the world in whatever way they can.” This is her way. Since a shawl is worn over your shoulders, the person who is sick can get a virtual "hug" from Kate. It is her hope that every shawl will encourage the person wearing it to fight hard to recover, feel a bit happier, and take comfort in knowing that they are not alone.

Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville. For more information about Village Lutheran Church its programs, call 914-337-3202 or visit www.vlc-ny.org

Photos:
Prayer Shawls with a note from Kate ready to be delivered.
Kate knitting a prayer shawl