Background : The goal of the Bear and A Prayer program is to provide comfort to a child at a time of crisis. The basic purpose of the Bear Workshop is to engage people in making the teddy bears. The very cuddly and cute bears are then delivered to social service agencies that serve the needs of children in crisis throughout the Twin cities area. This is a fun and engaging workshop. The workshops began in Spring of 2000 by artist Marilyn (Mayr) Boros and continue today by leadership from SS Martha and Mary's Church. In cooperation with Twin Cities United Way and Episcopal Community Services, over 2080 bears have been distributed by this program to local and distant social service agencies. The Bear workshop volunteers may host a teddy bear workshop at your location (within the Twin cities area) or at Ss. Martha and Mary Episcopal Church in Eagan, Mn.  A program coordinator and bear workshop volunteers will lead your workshop participants.  Minimum limit 8 people and maximum group size limit 20 people depending on the level of experience. Age limit is 12 years or older. Tasks for persons who are sewers and non-sewers. For example: cutting, stuffing, attaching eyes and nose, machine sewing and hand stitching. Click here for more information on the Bear program.

To schedule a workshop for your organization:  contact the workshop coordinator, Mary Kay Bumblis by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone 651-683-9737. Or the church office at 651-681-0219. Workshop cost is $10.00 per person for the 2-3 hour session. Check payable to St Martha and Mary Episcopal Church, 4180 Lexington Ave in Eagan, Mn. (Price is negotiable if sponsor is charitable organization). You may find the Bear and a Prayer program on the Twin Cities United Way Volunteer Match website as well.

If you are a interested in participating as a ongoing workshop leader:
contact Mary Kay Bumblis by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone 651-683-9737. A workshop leader is trained to organize, order materials, setup and conduct a bear workshop.The workshop leaders work together in teams when providing a bear workshop to a sponsoring group.