by Rev. Jennifer Burns

When Pastor Craig Brown challenged the congregation to “Consider what You can do,” the phrase stuck in Marilyn Widen’s mind and would not let her go. Having received a prayer blanket herself, she thought she could learn to do that. She asked a friend to teach her to knit, invited others to join, and suddenly the ministry of Knit Wits was born. Little did they know in 2011 that in 2025 they would give out their 3,000th shawl!

Shawls are given to those who are sick, grieving, being baptized, as part of missionary service, and for any reason someone feels would be beneficial for prayer. The group has grown and now makes both shawls and prayer squares (each shawl comes with a matching prayer square). The squares are made with crosses or hearts so that both Christians and non-Christians can feel comfortable receiving these prayer squares. Every month, new shawls are placed along the railing in the sanctuary and blessed by the congregation. 

Marilyn is now in an assisted living facility. Her heart was moved again, this time by those who are so lonely and have no one to visit them. With the help of her friend Linda Bender, she has become a bridge for Shepherd of the Hills to begin a small group there called Wisdom Seekers. More than a dozen people responded right away, hungry for fellowship and spiritual conversation. This group of Christians and Jews gather each week to support one another and study the Bible. 

It is to a member of this group, Bobbie, that the 3000th prayer shawl has been given. “Bobbie is such an inspiration to me… She is a constant reminder to me that no matter what you are facing, God is there for you…I am proud to call her my friend.” Bobbie has 24/7 care of her husband who had a stroke. She does this by herself. They do not have a caregiver. 

The passion for the prayer shawl ministry is continually refreshed by moving stories from those who have received them:

• Shawls were sent to all the families of the Sandy Hook victims. Our shawl was spotted on a news interview done with one of those families on the one year anniversary.
• Shawls are sent to bless families receiving a new home during our annual Mexico Mission trip to YUGO. Pastor Angel shared that every morning he and his wife kneel to pray on the shawl they received when we worked on their home eight years ago.
• The Knit Wits set up a prayer station at an AIDS walk for several years, and then again in 2024 for the first ever Pride event in Mission Viejo. People lined up to receive these gifts and tears flowed as individuals were wrapped in the shawl and told that they were embraced by God.

So what can you do? You’re never too old or too young, too unskilled or unqualified. God has called you to love your neighbor. You never know where a simple act of taking the very next faithful step will lead. So…what can You do?