Since the fall of 1973, Good Shepherd parishioners, both men and women, have been creating lovely needlepoint kneelers and cushions for use in the church. Members have executed original designs based upon traditional religious symbols, Bible stories, animals, birds, butterflies, Native American designs and symbols of New Hampshire including the Old Man of the Mountain.

The Needlers were organized by Jane Hamilton and Peg Wehner who were soon joined by Bertha Davis and Tina Chandler in providing leadership and teaching the skill of needlepoint.

All the kneelers and cushions have been given in memory of or in thanksgiving for relatives and friends. Several Books of Remembrance have been created and include photographs of most of the kneelers along with names of the donors and the persons being honored. They are on display in a special glass top cabinet at the front of the church.

The chancel kneelers have been completed for use by clergy, lay ministers and acolytes. The communion rail kneelers are almost finished and 156 congregational kneelers are in use. A specially designed wedding kneeler for use by the bridal couple and a cushion and kneeler for the Bishop of New Hampshire have also been completed. The next project will be to create needlepoint tops for the remaining wooden kneelers, using the Parables as inspiration for the designs.

The Needlers invite anyone interested in designing or working on a kneeler to join this group. Most work is done at home and meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month September to June. For more information, please contact Judy Mishkin or call the Church Office.