The Uniform

A special part of ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian tradition is wearing a robe and stole.  My robe was a gift from my in-laws upon my graduation from seminary.  Each time I put it on I think of them and their constant support of my call, and of the lessons I’ve learned from my father-in-law, who is ordained in the Methodist church.  The robe is beautifully cut and feminine with embroidered crosses at the hem and sleeves.  Over the years, I’ve gathered quite a collection of stoles to be worn with my robe and each one has a special place in my heart. 

My husband gave me three stoles and I wear them the most often.  They match the robe’s cross pattern and are embroidered and beaded; green for ordinary time, purple for lent and advent, and white for the sacraments.  Years ago, at an outdoor Easter service I somehow got a stain on this white one. I sent it to the cleaners but they couldn’t get it out.  For ten years I kept it in the closet, not able to let it go!  Last year, I handed it over to Valerie and Jane and they fixed it for me with their excellent seamstress skills. What a gift.

My parents gifted me the original stole for my ordination & installation services.  It is red and white with ornate gold stitching and was purchased from Ten Thousand Villages which is a store that supports handcrafted goods from third world countries.  I only get to wear this once a year, at Pentecost, or for the occasional participation in an ordination or installation service. 

I was given an additional white one at my ordination service, handmade by a member of my home church and gifted to me on behalf of that congregation.  It is beautifully crafted with a gold cross surrounded by wheat stalks, perfect for communion. 

My cousins from Texas were also a great support to me in my calling, they gave me my “children of the world stole” which looks much like a tapestry from far away but up close reveals faces of all ethnicities.  Sometimes I wear this for ordinary time, or on a special emphasis Sunday. 

For my first ordained birthday, the congregation of my first call gifted me a Presbyterian stole.  It is white, with the presbyterian seal stitched on in blue, red, and gold.  I love it!

For my installation service at my second call in Roanoke, I was working a lot with the children’s ministry.  I requested that the children put their handprints on a stole for me to wear at my installation.  A special, colorful treasure. 

I was also given a white stole with the presbyterian seal at the bottom of it, embroidered red and gold.  I don’t wear this one too often, it seems too pristine to get dirty!

Finally, I have two stoles from a former colleague who served as an interim minister with me.  He was a wonderful friend and guide when I needed it most.  At the end of his time in the church, it was the season of lent and we had just finished a Maundy Thursday service.  He was wearing a gorgeously patterned piece that was black and white.  I told him how much I liked it and he took it off and gave it to me.  He then gave me the green one to match it.  He was moving into work at the presbytery level and told me he wouldn’t need them anymore. 

So, this is my uniform.  As with most things in my possession, each part of it is special to me, holding great significance of the family and friends who have nurtured me in the faith and lift me in my calling to ministry.  It takes a village to raise pastors too.