Women's Ministry

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on Mondays at 4 pm. The members have knitted or crocheted over 150 shawls, afghans, gaiters for Afghanistan, socks and prayer squares. The finished shawls are blessed by the group. Sometimes the person receiving the shawl is undergoing medical procedures, recovering from an illness, or grieving for a lost loved one. The shawls have been given at the birth of a baby, confirmation, a wedding gift, or as a loving gift. Many wonderful stories have been told after a shawl has been given.

A recent letter told of the recipient’s appreciation for a shawl. She had been hospitalized for 41 days after a horrific auto accident. She cherished the shawl as a reminder of God’s love and protection and of our caring. She hopes to start a prayer shawl ministry in her church, an attempt by her to “pay it forward”.

Recently prayer squares have been prayed over by each member of the group and then given to an individual. These squares are about 4 inches square and can be carried in a purse or pocket.

Shawls have been given to persons in Illinois, Indian, Wisconsin, Afghanistan, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina and California.

The members have experimented with several different patterns and many colors of yarn.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets in Betty Jo Cross’s home. New members are always welcome.

What is United Methodist Women?

Our Purpose is "to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons in Jesus Christ."

Learn and support the program of the Women's Division of the General Board of Global Ministries
Set goals to fulfill our Purpose
Plan programs that incorporate the four mission emphasis
Build a budget that reflects our Purpose
Interpret the need for and use of funds for Mission
Develop and train leaders

The emblem of the United Methodist Women, the cross and the flame, symbolizes our organization. The cross and the flame are ancient symbols of the church and appear on the United Methodist Church emblem. Both symbols remind us of the opportunities and obligations of discipleship.

We are a group of Christian women with many gifts, who are unified by one Spirit. We participate in God's mission in all areas of life.

We are always looking for new members into our unit at Polo First United Methodist Church. Our unit currently meets the 3rd Thursday of the month, except there are 2 Saturday's that we meet for a special breakfast meeting. The Thursday meeting time is 9:30 a.m., and the Saturday meeting time is 8:30 a.m. These meetings are held in Kreider Hall at Polo First United Methodist Church. There are 2 months out of the year that we do not meet - July and August.

Who become members of United Methodist Women? Women like you, who want to enjoy time with other Christian women and make a difference for God and the country.