December 7, 2022

Beloved in Christ:
The Calvary Prayer Wall was taken down and cleaned and stored in preparation for its return in the spring. Its location on the southeast corner of Calvary’s block is the perfect place to offer prayer opportunities to hundreds of people who walk on our block every day, but it is not a corner well treated by the winds, snows, salt and chemicals of winter! Thanks to so many of you who supplied ribbon for the wall.
Martha Mangan and Robin Caldwell spent time this summer making sure the ribbons for the wall were available, and occasionally removing ribbons to make room for new prayers.  When we took the wall down, they spent many hours carefully, intentionally, and prayerfully removing all of the ribbons, uncovering some surprises and feeling the weight of so many intentions and prayers offered by countless neighbors who come to Rochester for an hour, days or who live here.  They wrote this reflection:

The gift of the fabric of life within Calvary has always been prayer and hospitality.
With an open heart and deep desire, Rev. Beth had a dream and vision of offering a prayer wall to those who pass by the little brick church across from the Mayo Clinic.

With skilled hands, a prayer wall was created Spring 2022:

pine lumber, nails, screws, bolts
chicken wire
a hook and eye closure
and paint
anchored in hope and healing.

Lovingly donated fabric and ribbon representing the tapestry of our blended lives:

cotton, satin, polyester
red; white; red and white; red, white & blue
delicate and sturdy
narrow and wide
dull and bright
plain and patterned
smooth and rough
fresh and weather worn
with bits of nature embedded
face masks, too
attached very simply,
attached with creativity –

slip knots, single knots, double knots, braided, even piggy-backed

Prayer ribbons entrusted to us:

with messages, names, symbols in English and Asian characters
knowing Calvary always prays, deeply cares and listens; and no one is ever alone

Using ordinary tools:

a needle nose pliers
an ice pick
a pair scissors
each precious ribbon was gently removed
all while seeing, touching, feeling and caring,

1319 in all
744 refreshed for reuse
575 retired

Martha Mangan and Robin Caldwell