A prayer in thread

By Karen Brooks, contributing writer  

Every weekend, pastors lead worship in front of the congregation, but behind the scenes many hands help make St. Paul a warm and welcoming place. Some volunteers sharpen pew pencils. Others collect the recycling. A few embroider baptismal napkins, a meaningful gift given to families after their child is baptized.

St. Paul member Audrey Keeney, one of those needleworkers, has spent much of her life with a needle and thread in hand. Audrey’s mother taught her the skill, and she has added new techniques along the way. She has embroidered wall hangings, pillows, and clothing. Giving from her heart is natural for Audrey; her children and grandchildren have received special gifts for graduations and holidays over the years.

When a recent call for helpers went out, Audrey thought, “I can do that at home.”

Audrey is a recent addition to this impactful ministry, creating these napkins for about a month now. She uses a light box to trace the pattern on the cloth, and then meticulously follows the outline with her needle and thread.
“It feels devotional when I’m doing it,” Audrey said.

She’s not alone in this quiet ministry. Other volunteers also embroider the napkins, working with the same spirit of generosity and humility. As Audrey puts it, “It doesn’t make any difference who does it. We don’t need recognition.” Their stitching is a prayer in thread—a labor of love for each child and family.

The program began with Sara Olson-Smith, who wanted to provide families with a keepsake marking the sacred occasion. Each napkin features a delicate dove, embroidered in blue or white thread on silky, cream-colored fabric.

Audrey often imagines one of the napkins being rediscovered many years from now.

“Maybe someone 50 years down the road will find it in a box of treasures,” she said, “and remember their faith journey that started with their parents and their time at St. Paul.”

Those who feel called to be part of this meaningful ministry are invited to join in two ways. Volunteers are welcome to help embroider the baptismal napkins and donations of fabric are also appreciated. To learn more or get involved, contact Sara Olson-Smith.