MINNEAPOLIS — Knitting groups around the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area come together for fellowship, understanding and love of neighbor.    

In a number of churches, you are sure to find a group of (mostly) women who gather weekly to knit and talk about life. You might think this is a sweet little group of “little old ladies” who get together for fellowship and coffee and that’s about it.

We’ve probably never wondered for what and whom these folks are knitting. If we did, we would realize they are making a difference in their neighborhood and around the world.

The Presbyterian Women at Westminster Presbyterian in Austin, Minn., organize an annual event that provides hats, dresses, scarves and more to people in Austin and Romania.

Aldrich Avenue Presbyterian in Minneapolis hosts the Knitting Collective, which is part of the Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Ministries. Members from Aldrich Avenue meet with Latino and Somali immigrants for tea, fellowship and the knitting of prayer shawls. The program is designed as a way for the new arrivals to relax and have fun.

MILWAUKEE — The Presbytery of Milwaukee has called the Rev. Craig Howard as its executive director for strategic partnerships. He began the call March 1. Howard most recently served as pastor of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Cottage Grove, Wis.

EAGAN, Minn. —The 2013 Synod of Lakes and Prairies Synod School catalog is now online and registration is open.

Synod School, the synod’s annual midsummer ministry, is July 21-26 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Of course, you can join the increasingly popular Facebook group: Synod School — “Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa!”

MAUMEE, Ohio — The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Covenant will hold their 2013 gathering June 21-22 in Findlay, Ohio.

Designed to empower women to live out their purpose and be living water in our churches and beyond, this year’s gathering focuses on John 7:37-38.

The gathering will feature speakers and workshops on spirituality, Bible study, mission and advocacy while building community in small and large groups.