I wanted to make something special for Joann, something that Pastor Jim could hold close to him after the friends went home and he was left alone.  I came up with a casket cover that will double as a prayer shawl for our loving Pastor, who is already the one who blesses the knitted and crocheted prayer shawls that one of our women’s ministry team makes.

Unfortunately, Joann didn’t have a casket, so Pr. Jim asked me to drape the quilted prayer shawl over a table in the narthex of our church, and put Joann’s photos on top of it.  I received a number of compliments from attendees of the funeral, the nicest being one from another of our other Pastor’s, who said he’d take one, too.  I told him I’d like a little more time to prepare for his and he said he’d be happy to take it now – he’d just hang onto it until it was needed when he passed away.  He said he loved that “quilty” look and feel of such a piece, and would treasure it always.  Guess I’d better get one made for him, and quick, since he’s the pastor who’s confirming our daughter at the end of April!