This is how we survive -- by helping each other in small, creative ways.
Rev. Evelyn Rainey, STM - Educator, Author, Publisher, Minister, and Crochet Master
(as well as Cat Wrangler)
AS of easter 2025
Masters in Sacred Theology
Earning my master's has been one of my major life goals. I began this part of the journey while taking care of my mother. I only had the thesis left to do when I put it aside, overwhelmed by my caregiving responsibilities. I considered following the United Methodist path to ministry, but they would only accept 2 of my classes although I had a 3.4 GPA. So again, I waited. But I was waiting on God to lead me. This year, God led me to the EITS, who accepted my transcript and waited patiently while I wrote my thesis. I thank God for this journey and accomplishment. (And now, on to my doctorate!)
Called by God to Serve
I have been called to preach, sing, pray, officiate religious ceremonies, and faithfully serve the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.
An Interfaith Church is neither Catholic nor Protestant, but a respectful and sacred blend of both.
My Latest crochet Book
Caring for Children through Crochet; A Prayer Shawl Ministry Handbook
Caring for Children Through Crochet is a pastoral resource for those who facilitate a Prayer Shawl Ministry or who just love to crochet. The focus of this book is ministering to children. It includes reflections on children and parenting skills based on Scripture, crochet patterns for children's items (caps and other clothing, toys, finger puppets, blankets, and dragon capes), and articles by experts in the fields on how best to minister to children from specific groups (adopted, Gifted, Special Needs, survivors of abuse and violence, as well as members of a religious group, grandparents, and setting boundaries).
This book will help you feed His sheep.
Evelyn Rainey is an American educator, author, and publisher. She has crocheted since before Mankind landed on the moon. She facilitates a Prayer Shawl Ministry and is available to assist groups and individuals minister to others through crochet.
Whether you crochet at a beginner or master level, you can use this book individually for weekly devotions, or to form, facilitate and support your own Prayer Shawl Ministry. Bulk copies (orders of 12 or more) are available through the publisher at a discounted price to help encourage the establishment of prayer shawl ministries in churches. The book is sufficient to start and maintain a prayer shawl ministry, but Rev. Rainey is available for assistance via email and zoom. Contact her through this website.
United Methodist Temple PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Prayer Shawl Ministry meets at United Methodist Temple
We meet every other Thursday from 10:00 to noon in the church office at 2700 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803. Scripture, prayers, and patterns will be used to make things for those in need: preemie and baby items, children's bully caps and other items, modesty nursing blankets for nursing mothers, and caps, gloves, and slippers for invalids, not to mention afghans of all sizes and, of course, prayer shawls. Instructions and lessons are provided free to all participants. Bring your own yarn and needles or hooks, and a friend or two!
Meeting Dates are on the website listed below.