Healing

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

About the Shawls …

“In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women’s Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this programme of applied Feminist Spirituality. Care and the love of knitting have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted into every shawl.

The knitter begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When the shawl is completed it is offered a final ritual before being sent along its way … the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!”
(See: www.shawlministry.com)

Another year has seen a rainbow of 90 beautiful shawls knitted, blessed and given to appreciative recipients. Shawls are given for many reasons, often for consolation in times of illness or loss, sometimes to celebrate life transitions such as a wedding or a new baby.

Several completed and blessed shawls are usually on hand and available for giving, along with pre-printed cards and appropriate prayers. Anyone who is aware of someone who would benefit from the gift of a shawl is encouraged to take one.

A core group of dedicated knitters meet Friday afternoons, in members homes. Newcomers are always welcome, and instruction is available for novice knitters. We look forward to continuing this valuable ministry in the future.

Sue Puchmayr
604-898-9372
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"I was so deeply touched by your most beautiful shawl”

“Thanks….to all the Prayer Shawl Ministry Team, for the warm, loving thoughts and prayers wrapped up in the shawl. When I wear it I feel wrapped in God’s loving care – and yours.”

“I accept your wonderful gift with joy, pleasure and gratitude. I thank each and every one of you for blending your energies and for joyfully together supporting and encouraging me. Love really is the most powerful healing force there is…”

“Thank you for the beautiful shawl….your ‘Shawl Ministry’ must bring comfort to many – it did me.”

“…when I wrap it around me I think of you and of God’s love for me.”

“May God bless your very busy hands. Thanks for thinking of me.”
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The Healing Pathway

A healing ministry for everyone

What is the Healing Pathway?

The basic understanding of energy healing is that our bodies are composed of electromagnetic fields and a state of health is present when all the fields are "in synch" with one another. In other words, when we are in harmony in body, soul and spirit,we are in the state of healthful wholeness that is God's desire for all people. The Healing Pathway offers an energy-based therapy derived from the ancient art of "hands on Healing". It is related to the scriptural mode of healing as portrayed in both the Old Energy Healing and New Testaments.

How Can It Help?

Energy healing is useful in combination with traditional medicine as part of an effective healing programme. In documented double blind testing, it has been proven to be helpful in promoting relaxation, reducing pain and managing stress. It
has also been shown to be effective in speeding tissue and bone healing and strengthening the immune system.

Many people describe an increased sense of well being after receiving energy healing. Among some of it's many uses are:

• To ease childbirth
• To assist in the management of depression
• To help the body recover from the aftermath of anaesthetics and chemotherapy.

Energy healing is not a cure for a particular illness or condition, nor is it a substitute for medical care, although it compliments other health care disciplines. Energy healing influences the body's energy system, which in turn affects your physical, emotional mental and spiritual health and healing. The goal is to restore harmony and balance to help the individual self heal.

How is a Healing Pathway Session Practised?

First you meet with the Healing Pathway practitioners. This is a time for you to explain your health concerns. You remain fully clothed and either sit in a straight-backed chair or lie on a padded table. You will name your wishes for healing and the practitioners will name their role as channels of God's love. The practitioners will move their hands in gentle motions around your body. A light touch may be used if you are comfortable with this. During the session you may simply relax, ask questions or share feelings that you are experiencing. You are "in charge" of the session. At any time you can ask that it be interrupted or stopped. A session usually lasts 30 - 45 minutes. At the end of the session you are free to ask more questions or reflect on your experience. Afterwards, it is a good idea to drink several glasses of water and to rest.

Who Are the Practitioners?

A Practitioner is defined as a person The Healing Pathway who has successfully completed a course on energy healing from a
qualified teacher. Practitioners conduct all healing sessions with respect for the individual's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves. The feelings of others will be received with openness, grace and love. Confidentiality is expected from all
Practitioners will encourage open communication in order to examine experiences, issues and reactions as well as bring closure to each session .

What Will It Cost?

We share these gifts freely. There is no charge. However, if participants wish, they may donate to Squamish
United Church in support ofcontinuing energy healing work.

HEALING PATHWAY

A core group have continued to meet together. The congregation has not appeared to have much interest in or need for the healing touch ministry over the past year, and we are undecided whether to continue this group.

As I have benefited in receiving so much healing and wellness, I would like to continue. There is still a strong connection to the Healing Hands group at Highlands United Church, so practicing and participating there is still available.

Submitted by

Walter Huber

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