The Knit and Knatter Group has been gathering for decades in one iteration or another. Originally, the Knox Knit and Knatter Group, would gather in the Church Office at Fernie Knox United Church, a truly tiny space, and knit or crochet prayer shawls. Sometimes they would work on individual projects, sometimes, they would come together, and enjoy a time of conversation and connection.
During COVID this informal gathering went on hiatus. Once it was safe to gather together, the collective moved to meeting in individual homes. One of the members is relatively shut in, so when she’s able to attend, she offers to host.
I have a standing invitation to attend these gatherings. They meet at 2:00 pm on Tuesdays, and for an hour or so they discuss matters of the Church while their nimble fingers work thread, yarn or wool. They check in with each other and offer thoughts and prayers for community members. Their conversations are never gossip, they are genuine people holding one another through difficult times through prayer, good vibes, intentions and general loveliness.
When the prayer shawls are completed, they are brought to the Church and blessed by the congregation. Some of the ladies involved in this ministry do not attend Church, they simply want to create something that will be used and loved. Over the years the Knit and Knatterers have distributed dozens of prayer shawls all over Canada.
Bishop Lynne McNaughton was given one a few years back and it has traveled as far as the Lambeth Conference with her. When my mother was dying I was gifted one to take to Ontario for her. She was wrapped in it when she died and was cremated with it. They are available for distribution to anyone who needs some comfort.
Recently, one of the members of the group asked if they would be interested in knitting twiddle muffs. They are colourful muffs covered with buttons, strings, and various doodads and thingamabobs that residents with dementia can use to help self-soothe. The ladies who crafted these were invited to Fernie Shared Ministry for the feast of the Transfiguration where they were blessed by the congregation.
colourful muffs.
Fernie Shared Ministry is a small parish in a small town. Yet a dedicated group of ladies come together weekly (except in the summer) to knit, crochet and connect with each other. They collectively have sent cards to people to recognise events in their lives.
They are not an “official” prayer circle, yet they bring so much love to everything they do. I’ve learned in my 17 years of ordained ministry that it is often in the least expected places where the most powerful work of the Church is done. This group of ladies have supported each other through the death of spouses, aging, illness, death of beloved pets, birth of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Baptisms, funerals, lamentation and celebration.
I lament that I am not able to join them as often as I’d like. And whenever I do join them I am treated as part of the group, not a blessed guest, which I like a lot. There is always tea, coffee, treats and conversation. And depending on where we gather there may even be a dog or cat to say hello to.
Look in the unexpected places for the blessings of the Church in the world. In the informal and unofficial gatherings where the transformative work of Christ is seen. The world is an often dark and bleak place, yet in the gathering of groups such as the Knit and Knatterers, light and love is being shared in the most profound ways.
And for these moments and this group of women, I am incredibly thankful.
Thanks be to God!
