Commissioned Stoles for Clergy, Pastors and Chaplains
In a span of two days it was wonderful to be able to witness Carrot Top Studio commissioned stoles being presented to clergy. Extra special was the fact that I personally know one of the recipients! Here are the stories behind the stoles —
The Office of the General Assembly of the PUCSA presents each new moderator with a stole marking their moderatorial office which is kept by the moderator as a witness of their ministry after the term is completed.
The prominent feature in the design is the PCUSA seal. It is accented by the barrel vault window at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville. The shape and glass of the window represents new vision. The 225th General Assembly graphic is a reminder of moving from lament to hope as spoken of in Hebrews 11:1. The meandering bits of blue fabric is symbolic of the Ohio River that winds through Louisville, KY. It commemorates the host location of the GA and is symbolic of the path we are journeying on together.
The stole is a visible symbol that the Moderator and the commissioners are the continuing community of the 224nd General Assembly until the 225th assembly convenes.
Faces of joy!
Congratulations to Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace and Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis! May your stoles serve this next chapter of your ministry well.
It was a special joy to worship with and experience the Ordination of a friend. I was honored to create the white stole that was gifted by the congregation. It had symbols of Baptism and Confirmation on it as this pastor had grown up in our faith community. How cool is that?
This Ordination stole (below) was inspired by Psalm 119. The red is for the work of the Holy Spirit and the golds represent the multitude of guidance God gives us to help us follow the right path. Gold is the liturgical color of joy, light, glory and celebration. On the inside of the stole are bits of fabric from his childhood as a reminder of his family’s nurturing and also from his Baptismal outfit to recall the sacrament in which his parents and the church made a covenant to raise him in faith.
Declaration of Ordination
Rev. Fernando Rodriguez presents the Ordination stole with the charge to be faithful and true in ministry so that “your whole life will bear witness to the crucified and risen Christ.”
Amen!
Congratulations Rev. Brinks!
May your stoles be a wonderful visual connection to the Word in worship for your ministry. I’m honored to know you and to have worked with you.
