A group of 10 women gather once a month at the First United Methodist Church in Boothbay Harbor to work on spreading warmth and kindness throughout the world.

For the past two years, women of the Prayer Shawl Ministry have used their hands to construct over 150 shawls for people who may need comfort in a dire situation.

"We've sent out or handed out the shawls to people everywhere," said Tammy Judkins, a member of the group. "One of our latest projects was sending shawls to Charleston, South Carolina, after the mass murders there." Some shawls have also been sent to other countries.

The group meets the third Friday of each month at 2 p.m. Members work around a table in a room off the nave of the church for a couple of hours constructing the shawls. On the day we visited, they also enjoyed iced tea and some baked goods brought in by the members.

"When we hear of a need, we supply the shawls," said Judkins. "It's part of the church's mission."

Accompanying each shawl is a prayer card, which reads: "This Prayer Shawl has been created with love and prayer and blessed in worship. May it wrap you in the warmth and comfort of God's never-ending love and care for you." The card also includes a prayer: "Holy and Precious God, Comfort me with your presence. Wrap me in the warmth of your peace and enfold me in the arms of never-ending Love and Grace. Guide my prayers. Give me wisdom to know the way to serve you in my weakness and fulfill your kingdom this day. Amen."

Judkins has learned of other similar ministries through the Internet.

"It has really taken off," said Judkins. "We also welcome anyone who wants to join our group."

Anyone interested in receiving a shawl or to recommend someone who may need one, call Judkins at 207-563-5787.