Mission First

I originally wrote this article back in March for our church newsletter.  I wanted to share it again as a reminder of someone who has made giving a spiritual discipline.

In the my last column, I asked people who are passionate about mission to share your ideas with me. Around the same time, longtime member Dorothy Stegner came forward and shared what she has been doing to be church outside the walls of First Christian: making prayer shawls for homebound members of our community. She notes that she is committed to this ministry. Dorothy recently gave a prayer shawl to a new member.

When I came over recently to take a picture of Dorothy with some her shawls, she noted that there were some flaws. “On those days,” she said, “I was the one who needed prayer.”

Recently, Dorothy shared in an email that others are working with her in making prayer shawls and that two reciprients were especially grateful for these handmade gifts of love.

This is the sort of “spiritual entrepenuership” that is needed in the ongoing transformation of First Christian. We need others who feel called to use their talents and skills to be the church throughout the week to be able to freely heed the call and be supported with our thoughts and prayers. The pastoral staff is working with the Elders and the Deacons to make sure the shawls get to homebound members. Dorothy is looking for others of all ages who might be interested in joining her in this ministry. If interested, please contact Associate Pastor Dennis Sanders at associatepastor@fccminneapolis.org or call the church.

Praise God for Dorothy and her effort to be church!

The Handcrafters (the group Dorothy is a part of) meets every Thursday about 9 am to 12 noon for a time of fellow-ship and handwork. We are now knitting prayer shawls to give to members of our congregations who are homebound, perhaps ill or whatever the need might be. Oh yes, we are not forgetting the new babies. Anyone who can knit is invited to join the group. If you don’t knit we will teach you. (Men are also welcome.) Bring a bag lunch; the coffee pot is perking all morning!