Chapel program receives refugee-made prayer mats
The Middle School and Upper School chapels are now equipped with handmade prayer mats, thanks to Middle School Chaplain Reverend Mary Demmler.
The Middle School and Upper School chapels are now equipped with handmade prayer mats, thanks to Middle School Chaplain Reverend Mary Demmler.
Rev. Demmler had the opportunity to attend General Convention, the triennial meeting of the Episcopal Church, in Austin, TX this summer. While she was there, she happened upon a booth for Thistle Farms and purchased the prayer mats after hearing the compelling mission of the organization and the story of the prayer mats.
Rev. Demmler had the opportunity to attend General Convention, the triennial meeting of the Episcopal Church, in Austin, TX this summer. While she was there, she happened upon a booth for Thistle Farms and purchased the prayer mats after hearing the compelling mission of the organization and the story of the prayer mats.
Thistle Farms is a powerful and significant ministry based out of Nashville, TN. Their mission, as they state on their website, is to “heal, empower, and employ women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction...by providing safe and supportive housing, the opportunity for economic independence, and a strong community of advocates and partners.”
Thistle Farms sent a team of women to Greece to meet with Syrian refugee women.These women worked with the Syrian women to design and make woven mats using materials from the refugee camp, including the old, laundered life vests and blankets the refugee women had received on their rescue vehicles. According to the Thistle Farms website, “This project serves as a symbol of acceptance and solidarity with refugees.” The mats are now for sale online through Thistle Farms, the proceeds of which go back to the women in the refugee camps.
“When I saw these mats and learned their history, I felt we needed some for our international family at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. To me, they represent beautifully our commitment to work, study, worship,” said Rev. Demmler.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
