Published: October 24, 2009 12:28 am      

Spiritual Retreat Stitches 'Threads of Grace'

special to The Star



A spiritual retreat set for Halloween weekend will literally “stitch together” the threads of grace. Sponsored by the CloselyKnit Ministry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the “Threads of Grace” spiritual stitching retreat will bring together participants to share and learn the culture of needlework in a spiritual atmosphere.

Beginning Friday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. and closing Saturday, Oct. 31 with Holy Eucharist at 3 p.m., Threads of Grace will be led by Susan Nix, former owner of a yarn shop in Jackson and knitting instructor at Kanuga and Gray Center; and the Rev. Jennifer Deaton, Chaplain of St. Andrews Episcopal School in Jackson and former Curate of St Paul’s, Meridian. The Rev. Deaton initiated the CloselyKnit prayer shawl ministry at St. Paul’s. Proceeds from the event will benefit renovations of St. Paul’s chapel.

“This is a retreat – not a workshop,” said Lynne Taleff, one of the organizers of the event. “However, we will certainly address techniques, answer questions, share stories, have demonstrations and actually stitch, knit or crochet as we meditate, pray and share holy Eucharist together.”

Registration for the event is $50 and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres Friday night as well as a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The retreat is not limited to knitting or prayer shawl groups and participants will learn the history of the weaving and wearing of shawls in the Christian tradition. The Stitchery will be on hand in St. Paul’s Parish Hall with books, yarns, and other wares for sale, and will donate a percentage of sales to the benefit cause. A silent auction will begin Friday evening and end before the closing Eucharist on Saturday.

CloselyKnit members hope the event will become an annual, or even biannual, retreat that will be open to all interested persons. “Anywhere two needles held by two hands come together, an inexplicable calm descends. It is an experience shared by all, recognized by all, revered by all who do the needlework they’ve come to love,” said the Rev. Deaton. “We feel this meditative quality is a delightful and meaningful — but most of all prayerful — result of the handiwork we do. We know others feel the same, so why not share that joyous calm whenever we can?”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their handiwork (knitting, crochet, quilting or needlework) and make known any requests for particular technique demonstrations, special requirements or needed accommodations.

The Threads of Grace retreat is limited to 100 participants and the registration deadline is October 26. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located in downtown Meridian at 1116 23rd Avenue. You may obtain registration forms online at www.stpaulsmeridian.dioms.org or you can call the church at 601-693-2502 for more information. Special discounts will be given to groups of five or more.