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Foyer Groups -- Want to Join One?

Foyer groups are small groups of church community members who share a simple meal together once a month for four months in order to get to know one another and to strengthen community. If you are interested in either helping to set up these groups, or in becoming a member of a foyer group, please contact Susan Reid after church, or via phone 802 229 1403 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We hope to get enough interested Foyer participants to begin setting up groups after the first of the year. Everyone is welcome.

So, what exactly are Foyer Groups?

Foyers are formed every 4 months, with at least 4 to 5 couples (8 to 10 people) or a mixture of couples and singles Participants change to a different Foyer group every 4 months in order to get to know different parishioners.

Foyers is a French word meaning "hearthside" implying the warmth of a close, small group of friends sharing a common love and concern for each other…in displaying an image of warmth and comfort.

Foyer Groups are a fun and easy way for parishioners to gather together on a regular but informal basis for purely social reasons…to enjoy one another’s company, to strengthen bonds of community, to meet new members and just to get to know other people who share a common interest in the Christ Church community, but with whom we might not otherwise interact. They provide a means to develop new friendships and deepen old ones and are a way to make our parish feel more connected and warmer.

Foyers are pot lucks, held at a group member's home once a month within each group on a rotational basis. Each couple, (or person, if single) gets an opportunity to host the event. Everyone is welcome to participate.

There is no agenda or plan, just casual fellowship and a refreshing meal. Groups are made up of singles, couples, young people, retired people, etc. In other words, Foyers are made up of a cross section of the parish. Out of the meetings, friendships develop among people who might not have any other opportunity to meet and get to know each other. Newcomers are especially invited to join one of the groups at any time.

Each small group of eight to ten people meets once every month for 4 months, in the home of one of the members of the group. Generally, the host provides the main course while the other members fill in the rest of the meal such as appetizers, salad, dessert, etc. Some groups have enjoyed gathering for a picnic lunch during good weather or even meeting at a local restaurant. The main focus is social.

Young Helpers

One of the exciting things happening at Christ Church is the increased involvement of young people in the services. During Advent, our candle-lighting prayers at the start have featured a youngster lighting the candle(s). Zach did it on Advent 1, Aine lit two candles last Sunday, and Charlotte handled three, including the pink candle today.

Candle Lighting

Rev. Paul has started to enlist and train young acolytes. Aine has helped out twice and today she processed, held the Gospel book during the reading, elevated one of the chalices during the invitation, and added a wonderful element of youth participation to the whole service. More young people will be involved during the fourth Sunday of each month and of course, will present the Christmas pageant, next Sunday, Advent 4.

If you have or know of a child who might want to participate, please contact the Priest-in-Partnership.

Knitting Patterns

Christ Church Prayer Shawl Ministry - Patterns

Christ Church Prayer Shawl Ministry - Patterns

For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Easy Crochet Pattern

By: Cynthia Reinauer

This is an easy pattern to use if the crocheter has difficulty with their hands.

Chain 54,57 or 60. Half double in the 3rd chain from hook and half double in each stitch across. Then chain 3 and turn, 3 rows of double crochet, then one row of half double. Repeat pattern until have 24 sets of double crochet. End with a half double row. Fringe in random pattern on each end.

Prayer Shawl (around your shoulders/across your lap size)

Materials:

· 1 pair size 10 1/2 or size 11 straight knitting needles or a circular needle 29" or longer in either size OR any size needle that achieves the gauge below [Crochet hook K-10.5]

· 3 skeins of a washable bulky yarn, such as Lion Brand Homespun@

· 1 medium crochet hook (if you intend to crochet the ends instead of fringing them)

· 10" x 10" cardboard to measure fringe

Gauge:

· Knit: 14 stitches x 20 rows = 4" (10cm) on size 10 (6mm) needles

· Crochet: 10 sc and 10 rows = 4" (10cm) with size K-10.5 (6.5mm) hook

Knitting Directions:

Cast on 63 stitches (or any multiple of 3--more for a wider shawl, less for bigger needles)

On each row, K3, P3 back and forth. You will purl on the knit sts and knit on the purl sts. Note: each row should begin with K3.

[This can also be done in garter stitch, which is all K sts. Just K all the sts on every row.]

When you have used 2 1/2 skeins of the yarn, bind off.

Fringe: Using the final 1/2 skein and the 10" x 10" piece of cardboard, wrap the yarn around the board at least 57 times. Cut the yarn at the top and bottom of the cardboard to produce 114 pieces of yarn. Fold each in half and draw the folded end through a cast-on or bound-off stitch. Pull the ends through the loop and it tie it. This will make for 4-5" fringe. If you want longer fringe, use a bigger cardboard piece and save back more yarn.

Pocket Prayer Shawl

Use the same materials as for the larger prayer shawl and leftover Homespun or other bulky yarn. This is a perfect way to use up the scraps!

Cast on 10 sts on a size 10 1/2 needle.

Knit 10 rows (knit every row)

Bind off.

Attach a double fringe in the center of one of the narrow sides.

Attach a small cross, if desired. These can be found at craft stores.

Baby Blanket

There are many patterns for small baby blankets. Most are for 24 x 36 finished size or larger.

Here is one example (not the one in image):

Lizard Lattice Pattern

Materials:

1 pair size 8 knitting needles or a circular needle size 8 that is at least 29" long

2- 6 oz. skeins of Caron Simply Soft or other yarn to achieve a gauge of 4 1/2 sts/inch.

Gauge:

4.5 sts & 6 rows = 1 inch on US size 8/5mm needles

Directions:

Cast on 129 sts. [This includes 6 sts for a border on each side and 117 sts for the pattern.]

K across all sts for 10 rows. (Garter st end border)

Begin the following pattern:

Row 1: K across entire row

Row 2: K 6, purl all sts until 6 left and K 6 sts

Row 3: K across entire row

Row 4: K 6, purl all sts until 6 left and K 6 sts

Row 5: K 6, (P3,K3 across), K6

Row 6: K6, purl all sts until 6 left and K 6 sts

Row 7-10: Repeat rows 5 & 6 TWICE

Row 11-13: Repeat rows 1 to 3

Row 14: K 6, (P3,K3 across), K6

Row 15: Knit across entire row

Row 16-17: Repeat rows 14-15

Row 18: Repeat Row 14 one more time.

Continue this pattern of rows until you have enough yarn left for the second end border--enough to knit across 10 rows, as you did at the beginning.

K across all sts for 10 rows (Garter st end border)

Bind off.

Tags:

Christ Church's Prayer Shawl Ministry presented a dozen prayer shawls and Baptismal blankets for blessing by the Rev. Paul Habersang and the congregation on Sunday. The shawls were immediately distributed to individuals who are ill, have suffered injuries, who are grieving, going through difficult medical treatments, or for other reasons need the loving comfort a shawl can offer. The PSM is open to anyone who would like to knit or crochet simple shawls.

We welcome suggestions of names for those who would appreciate a shawl and donations to help us pay for the materials. If you wish to play a role in this important sacramental ministry, please let Rilla Murray know. She is at 802-229-0416 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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The Christ Church Prayer Shawl Ministry met last Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service to share their work and make plans. Here are three prayer shawls (left) and three Baptismal blankets (right) all ready to be blessed on Sunday, February 26. More are "in production." If you have a suggestion for someone who would enjoy a prayer shawl as a way of knowing our community is surrounding them in love, please give the name to Rilla Murray ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 229-0416).

Prayer Shawls and blankets

In April we will have a little sale on knitted and crocheted items (not shawls) to raise money to purchase materials. If you would like to support this ministry before then, please make a donation earmarked for the Prayer Shawl Ministry or buy a gift card/certificate at The Knitting Studio in Montpelier, Joanne's at the Berlin Mall, Michael's in Burlington or and AC Moore in Williston.

If news of the Prayer Shawl Ministry is "new" to you and you might be interested in joining us, please contact Rilla. Everyone is welcome. (The patterns are EASY.)

Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting

Montpelier's The Knitting Studio (7 Main Street/229-2444) is offering a 10% discount on specified yarns in support our Christ Church Prayer Shawl Ministry. For the baby blankets, they are making available Berroco Vintage, a washable acrylic and wool blend ($7/skein--need two skeins) and Berroco Weekend, a cotton and acrylic blend ($6.50/skein--need two skeins). For the prayer shawls, Marble Chunky, an all-acrylic bulky yarn, with 341 yards per skein, is $14 and you will need 2 skeins. They also offer Berroco Vintage Chunky, an acrylic and wool blend with 130 yards per skein (need 4-5) for $7 each. Prayer Shawl Ministers can simply identify themselves as members of the group to obtain the discount on these yarns.

Our thanks go to Lee and Leslie and the other owners of The Knitting Studio!!

PSM supporters who want to buy local may consider purchasing a gift certificate for the Prayer Shawl Ministry or simply buying yarns in the amounts noted above from The Knitting Studio. Other stores that carry yarn that works include Joanne's in the Berlin Mall, Michael's in Burlington, and A.C. Moore in Williston. All sell gift cards.
Steamer Walke

To date, baby blankets have been presented to the parents of the two babies baptised last month and prayer shawls for healing/support presented to Mary Mansfield and Steamer Walke. Each shawl is blessed as part of the worship service before presentation.

If you are interested in participating in the Prayer Shawl Ministry or have any questions about it or want to suggest a recipient, please contact Rilla Murray at 229-0416 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The PSM meets the second Sunday of the month after the 10:00 a.m. service in the parish hall. Bring your work with you.

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Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting?*

Call to a new Christ Church Ministry!

Yarn image If you enjoy simple knitting*, please consider participating in a new prayer shawl ministry starting at Christ Church.

The idea behind this new ministry is to offer prayers and blessings to others -- those who may be suffering from ill health or grief, families with new babies, and other who welcome support in meeting the challenges of daily living -- through the knitting of soft blankets. The blankets range in size from shawl (wrap around the shoulders) or lap size to baby blanket size to a pocket-size shawl just big enough to finger and take comfort from when needed throughout the day.

Each item is begun with prayerful intention by saying a prayer for the intended recipient. These prayers and intentions are continued throughout the blanket's creation. When completed, the shawl is offered with a final blessing before being sent on its way.

Note: As of the end of November, two baby blankets were knitted for the baptised babies and a wonderful shawl was presented to Mary Mansfield who broke her collar bone in a fall.

Many congregations integrate prayer shawl ministry into pastoral care and outreach. Knitters can work alone at home or meet from time to time to knit and pray together. The companionship among knitters is a plus for some, but hard to schedule for others. All are welcome. There is no "production quota"--you work at your own pace and as much as you want to.

What you need to participate:

· Ability to knit (purling is good too but not necessary) OR willingness to learn.

· A pair of knitting needles size 10 1/2 or 11 (relatively large) or a 29" or longer circular needle the same size for the shawl and pocket shawl; a pair of needles size 8 or a circular needle of the same size for the baby blanket

· Soft, washable yarn--such as Lion Brand Homespun (see below), which is available at Joanne's and other craft stores--about 3 skeins for the shawl or lap blanket size, scraps for the pocket size; for the baby blanket, about 12 ounces of Baby Caron Simply Soft (see below). Any soft, washable yarn that will produce the intended gauge is fine.

Simply soft

*Note to those who do not knit or who prefer to crochet: You are welcome to participate!! This is a prayer shawl ministry, not a knitting ministry.

Rilla Murray will have some samples and PATTERNS available after the 10:00 a.m. service on October 23 and will be happy to answer questions at any time. If you think you might be interested, please call or email Rilla at 229-0416 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Soft, Silky & Beautiful! A uniquely textured yarn that works up quickly and easily. From shawls to sweaters to afghans, this yarn can't be beat for softness and sheer touch-ability.
98% acrylic, 2% polyester. 6 oz./170gm (185yd) pull skeins. Machine wash and dry.

6.00 oz./170 g (185 yd/169 m) 98% acrylic, 2% polyester
Gauge:
Knit: 14 stitches x 20 rows = 4" (10cm) on size 10 (6mm) needles
Crochet: 10 sc and 10 rows = 4" (10cm) with size K-10.5 (6.5mm) hook

Here are some patterns to consider

Prayer Chain

Any Christ Church parishioner who needs prayers, or has relatives or friends -- anyone - who needs prayers, can contact the Christ Church prayer team. There is an active telephone network of members who pray for those on the prayer list so to get a name on the list, call Pat Carruth at 802-223-7050. You can also ask to be added to the Prayers of the People. Pat stresses that this is open to anyone so please feel free to call her for the support of this wonderful ministry.

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