Over 100 brightly colored ribbons hang from a chain link fence at Mills River Presbyterian Church. When there’s a breeze, says church elder Kathy Ziprik, the ribbons stir, and the installation looks “absolutely lovely. It flutters.”
But the ribbons aren’t just for decoration. Each streamer bears an individual prayer sent by congregants, neighbors and strangers alike.
“It’s a way for people — even though we are physically separated because of COVID — to be able to put their prayers out there,” says Ziprik, who launched the congregation’s prayer fence project in mid-August
New prayers continue to her inbox. From personal matters (including one young congregant worried about her stuffed animal’s recently lost eye) to national and global concerns. Though the majority of participants are local, the church elder says she has also received emails from California, Ohio and Florida residents who learned about the project through social media platforms.
“It’s very moving and emotional and gratifying when people send me their prayers,” Ziprik continues. “I always write them back and tell them how honored we are to help bring those prayers out.”
Ziprik notes that anyone interested in participating can send their messages directly to ZiprikPR@gmail.com. “I have six different spools of colorful ribbon here right now,” she says. The prayer fence project will conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 30. All prayers are anonymous.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.