News Prayer Shawl Ministry keeps growing in members, mission

     Every Tuesday morning they meet at the Vinton library. They bring their needles and their yarn. Some knit. Some crochet. They catch up on the latest news. They find out which of their friends is in the hospital. 

     They knit some more. They crochet some more. They talk about their projects, their families, their churches. 

    They come from churches in Vinton, Brandon and Garrison. Their group continues to grow. 

     Meet the ladies of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Yes, of course: They do make prayer shawls, the triangle shaped items. They give them as gifts of love to people who are suffering the loss of a loved one, as well as for happy occasions such as the birth of a baby. 

    But they make so much more than prayer shawls. 

     "We make toys, we make afghans, we make many mittens and hats for the Benton County Volunteer Program and for the schools," says Trudy Evans, one of the four members of the group who met at the library Tuesday morning. 

     The ladies brought some of their favorite items to the library to show Vinton Today readers: Crocheted stuffed animals, ice cream cones and hot dogs. Baby blankets and prayer shawls are also among the favorite things with which the ladies covered a table at the library. 

   Anyone who likes to knit or crochet is welcome to join. The ladies hope to expand their group, to share their knowledge of their hobby, and to learn more from others. 

   Those interested can simply visit the library at 10 a.m. any Tuesday morning, or email Trudy Evans at rrtjevans@aol.com. Joining Trudy on Tuesday were Polly Williams, Jeanette Henry and Sandy Driscoll. Rose Rouse and Peg Stott normally participate, but were absent Tuesday.