How a Knitting Group Sparked Connection Across Ecumen Communities

Early in 2024, a group of residents at Chateau Waters, an Ecumen Living Space, began gathering weekly to knit, crochet, and enjoy each other’s company. What began as a simple social gathering quickly evolved into something deeper—an act of service and spiritual connection that reached far beyond the walls of their building.

Among the group was Suann Nichols, a resident who had recently moved into the community. Suann had previously been involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. She posed a thoughtful question to the group: would they be interested in making prayer shawls for the spiritual care ministry at Chateau Waters’ sister community, Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community in St. Cloud?

The answer was a resounding yes.

Using patterns from Suann’s church, with permission, the women began crafting shawls with intention and care, often praying for the future recipients as they worked. Yarn came from personal collections, new purchases, and donations from other residents. A bag of red yarn that had been sitting unused became three beautiful red shawls. Each stitch was filled with purpose.

This knitting group had quietly begun forming months earlier. In November, during the community’s Holiday Bazaar, residents displayed handmade items for sale—embroidered kitchen towels, crocheted potholders, and more. What surprised organizers was how many knitters and crocheters had been working privately in their apartments, stepping out for the first time to share their talents. That realization led to the creation of a regular meet-up, Tuesdays at 2:00. The very first meeting drew 11 residents, all arriving with yarn, needles, and stories to share.

As the prayer shawl project gained momentum, the residents became passionate about finding meaningful homes for their finished items. By March and April, they had completed 17 shawls. On June 20, 2025, the group brought them to Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community for a formal blessing.

They were warmly welcomed by Janelle Sietsema, OSB, Chaplain at Ecumen St. Benedict’s, along with Betsy Horsch, Life Enrichment Supervisor, and several residents. Each shawl was delivered with a note from the maker, including their name and a personal message. The outside of the envelope was left blank so the recipient’s name could be added later. 

The shawls were received with prayer and a blessing with holy water. The ceremony was touching, but it was the gathering afterward—over cookies and lemonade—that truly revealed the heart of the project. What had started as a gift-giving mission had become something even more powerful: a bridge between two communities, built on compassion, shared faith, and the common thread of creativity.

And the work didn’t stop there. 

After the shawl project, the group turned their attention to another need: warm hats and scarves for the Salvation Army. Resident Jean Anderson suggested reaching out, and the organization gratefully accepted the offer, specifically requesting adult items for men. The residents of Chateau Waters are now hard at work building a new inventory for this effort, which will continue through fall. 

After that, they’ll return to creating pieces for the Holiday Bazaar in November, a full circle that ties together purpose, fellowship, and the joy of making something with love. 

This group of knitters and crocheters has done more than craft beautiful items. They’ve created meaningful connections, strengthened community bonds, and demonstrated the incredible impact of small acts of kindness woven together over time.