1000th prayer shawl recorded on 6/16/26
The Maude Harrell Prayer Shawl Ministry at Hampton/Faustina Methodist Churches passed a milestone on June 16, 2026 by recording the completion of their 1000th prayer shawl. A celebration will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at noon in the Fellowship Hall of Hampton Methodist Church. Linda Sanders turned in her blue and gold crocheted prayer shawl at just the right time to be labeled number 1000. Pastor Ann Ferris, Janette Goolsby, Sue Dunn, Adele Green and Molly Campbell were on hand to have their picture made with Linda.
The ministry, which began in February, 2012 by Maude Harrell and Janette Goolsby has met continuously on Tuesdays from 1:00-3:00. Began as Methodist Women outreach project, the goal was to crochet 12 prayer shawls that year and give them out to hurting people in Calhoun County. Maude died on April 29, 2012 crocheting her fourth prayer shawl. With the help of Mabel Reddin, Sandra Sanders, Shelia Thomason, and Jan Strickland (knitting the first baby prayer shawl), Janette was able to complete and deliver 15 prayer shawls. Since then many others have joined the ministry by knitting, crocheting, furnishing yarn, fringing the completed shawl, giving donations, or helping to deliver to those in need. Both Faustina and Hampton congregations bless each prayer shawl before giving out.
Current ministry involves 22 ladies from several denominations. The ministry has expanded into making comfort pillows and crochet/knit/loom hats for Arkansas Children’s hospital, veterans, hospice and cancer patients.
If you would like to join or need more information about the ministry contact Janette Goolsby or Pastor Landon Culpepper. The church is located at 217 West Main Street; Hampton, AR 71744.
