Some people often feel guilty because they’re not as involved in church ministries to help sick and hurting people because of various reasons. For example, perhaps they live too far from church to take part in some of mid-week activities during the week or they’re overly involved in careers.
Yet, some parishioners want to feel like they, too, have a special ministry to hurting people and shuts-ins. There are many ways creative people can share their gifts with those needing encouragement because they’re sick or unable to get out of the house.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
A knitter or crocheter doesn’t have to meet with others to knit or crochet beautiful prayer shawls. All that’s needed is a crochet hook or knitting needles, along with yarn and some extra time.
Patterns can easily be found online for knitting prayer shawls. Besides prayer shawls, lap robes for nursing homes are excellent ways to share a homemade gift with someone who needs encouragement.
Giving Artwork as Ministry
Often artists receive hints from friends and family members indicating they’d like to have artwork as gifts. However, because a piece of artwork can take considerable time to create, it’s not always easy to part with a creation that required expensive supplies and hours of time to create.
That’s why artists usually produce copies of their work. The artwork doesn’t have to be an elaborate large reproduction. Just a small copy enclosed in a small frame is enough to show someone they're special. For less than $3.00 a stand-up colored 5”-by-7” frame can enclose a small photo-copy of artwork.
On the other hand, just a picture is precious enough to give. What’s more, the recipient may want to use her own frame. When printed on glossy photo paper, the artwork stands alone as a fine gift without a frame.
What’s more you don’t have to be an artist. Simply photo copy a beautiful magazine picture or postcard and then frame it.
Copying Options for Artwork
Unless you have an exceptional home printer, it’s best to have artwork copied by a commercial photo copier. Surprisingly, this can be done quite cheaply.
- Wal-Mart Photo Copying - For example, some stores such as Wal-Mart offer copying services for as low as 25 cents for a 4 by 6-inch matte-finish photo. The customer can either scan the photo herself, determining what needs to be adjusted and removed, or a photo clerk can do this for no extra charge.
- UPS – UPS (United Parcel Service) stores offer photo copying.
- Artwork on a CD – For a small extra charge, artwork on a CD makes it easier if you want to do repeated copies of a particular work of art.
Finally, don't forget to pray for the recipient as you create your gift. Even more importantly, be sure to let the person know you're praying by including a letter with the gift, along with pertinent scripture for spiritual encouragement. In fact, the gift will be even more special if it's anonymous one. This way the receiver doesn’t have to worry who sent it, but will focus on God and how He used an unknown crafter to bring joy.
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