Blanket ministry catching on

Parishioners at the Emporium First United Methodist Church are involved in a "blanket ministry."

Since April, they've been blessing and delivering prayer blankets to destinations all over the world.

"Everyone needs prayer," said chairperson Mary Grace Olay. "It has just been wonderful. It has touched so many lives."

Church member Ken Ostrum brought the idea back from a Seymour, Ind., church and asked that it be adopted locally.

When someone buys a blanket, members of a Tuesday morning prayer group meet to pray over it for two weeks. Then it is delivered to the buyer. The blankets, which cost $9.00, are available in navy blue, burgundy, charcoal gray, hunter green and purple. "Prayer Blanket" is imprinted in gold stitching.

Rev. Gary Atkinson, pastor of First United Methodist Church, is pleased with the results. "It's probably one most vibrant ministries we have going on," he said.

After the next blanket order is filled, the group will pass the 150 milestone.