Bright Lights Hats and Mittens Ministry.  Calling all knitters and crocheters! Last December, I heard a woman tell her story on NPR, a woman who had a life on the street. One Christmas Eve she was gifted, a brightly-colored hat and mitten set after a Christmas Eve service and meal. She told how much that meant to her, that she had such a beautiful, special item, hand-made, unlike the typical dull brown and gray items that generally came her way. She felt loved and seen, and warmed. This ministry honors that woman and her story. Our goal is 50 hats (feel free to add mittens, too) by November 1, 2024, which will go to St. Stephen’s. Any pattern you choose is fine, as long as the colors are bright and cheery. Stripes are also great! There is a DioPA posting for this, directing participants to send completed items to my attention, care of St. Paul’s Elkins Park. Additionally, I’ve arranged for Meet-Up sessions at our local yarn shop, Stitch Central, 128 E. Glenside Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038. These will occur every second Wednesday of each month for the rest of this year: August 14th, September 11th, October 9th, November 13th, December 11th. Time: 2pm-3pm. Please join us!  We hope to encourage knitters and crocheters from across DioPA to join as they are able, although you do not have to attend the Meet-Up to participate. All are welcome. Stitch Central has a wonderful space for us to use and I hope it will also encourage and support our local small craft business.