Minister's Stole owned by Nanette Mathe

This stole is an incredible gift of love, given by 10 of the most phenomenal stitchers/friends I have ever had: Dolores Andrew, Beverly Booker, Connie Lynn Borserine, Susan Dawson, Carlene Harwick, Peg Laflam, Sharon Schuber, Gail Carolyn Sirna, Debbie Stiehler, Caela Conn Tyler. Each person designed her area; each is full of symbolism, spirituality, and personality reflecting who she is and who we are in relationship. My love and thanks to each and every stitcher!

The Apostles’ Shield – designed and stitched by Connie Lynn Borserine. I knew from day one when the project was first conceived, that I wanted to do a design incorporating grapes and vines. The final shape was in the form of a shield comprised of 12 bunches of grapes to symbolize the 12 Apostles. The Shield is to guard and guide you in your ecclesiastical journey.

Lamb - designed and stitched by Peg Laflam. After struggling with the fabric that was in a diagonal grid, I went to church. As I read the Bible verse for the day from the Psalms, I had a great epiphany . . . “My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord, I know them and they follow me.” I knew immediately that the design across the back was to be the Lamb of God.

Many Hands - designed and stitched by Susan Dawson. I was impressed with the many interpretations of open hands both ecclesiastical and secular and decided that the ambiguity or complexity added interest. Whether it is the hand of God or the hand of friendship on your shoulders it should be subtle but ever-present. Open hands offer welcome, aide, hospitality, friendship or humility. They accept events as they occur: the guidance of God or that of a muse. The bird could be the humble of God’s creatures or the Holy Spirit; to care for or to be cared by. The butterfly, in ecclesiastical context, is Christ resurrected. In the secular world, it is creativity or inspiration.

Cross – designed and stitched by Gail Sirna. This cross is modeled after a Crux Gemmata with 13 stones to represent Jesus and the 12 Apostles. The cross I designed for Nanette’s stole also has 13 “stones”, each stone represents the people working on the stole, plus some of her dear stitching friends, using their birthstones. The heart-shaped sapphire is Nanette. The garnet represents January: Beverly, Connie Lynn and Peg. The diamonds for Gail and beve; April, a pearl for Carlene, June; an oval peridot for Jean, August; aqua marine for Caela, March; amethyst for Debbie, February; and rubies for Sharon and Dolores, July. Finally the emerald is for Susan, May. When Nanette wears this stole she can know that we are always close to her heart, cheering her on, and wishing her godspeed.

Rose of Sharon – designed and stitched by Beverly Booker. The Plain of Sharon is a coastal plain which runs from near modern Tel Aviv to just south of Mount Carmen. The area had abundant marshes, forests and sand dunes, but few settlements during biblical days. Because of its fertility and low risk of flooding, the plain was known for the blossoming wild flowers in each rainy season. The biblical “rose” is difficult to identify The “Rose of Sharon” has been equated with anemone, rockrose, narcissus, tulip and crocus. Obviously, I chose a modern day rose for the stole.

Band of Monograms - designed and stitched by Caela Conn Tyler. On the right side are three monograms: the Chi Rho, a monogram of Christ; the Alpha and Omega signifying that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things.; the Iota, Eta, Sigma, an old form of the monogram of Jesus. On the left side is the symbol and monogram of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior. As for the fish?? Gail’s cross is bedecked with our birthstones – I’m the Pisces of the group!

Little Town – designed and stitched by Dolores Andrew. My favorite time of the year is always Christmas. I love the decorating and cookie baking and especially seeing our granddaughters in their pageant every year. The Christmas story never bores me. This led me to think about one of my favorite carols: “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

Crosses – designed and stitched by Sharon Schuber. I thought this pattern created a rich tapestry look and reminded me of all the threads of friendship Nanette has. We are all part of this tapestry, the tapestry of her life.

Faith, Hope, Love – designed and stitched by Debbie Stiehler. I designed this band around my favorite verse in the Bible: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13. “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrong, but rejoices in right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things . . .

Dove – designed and stitched by Carlene Harwick: The usual symbol of the Holy Spirit is the dove descending, always with the three-rayed nimbus which indicates divinity. In a more general sense the dove indicates the power of God at work in human beings. The Dove has been surrounded with hearts symbolizing that God is present with us and brings us “love” so that we might share it with others.

Water – designed and stitched by Peg Laflam: Water is used in Baptism. Jesus washed the Disciples’ feet with water. Jesus changed the water to wine. Jesus walked on water and Peter tried to follow. Then there is Noah and the flood, and Jonah and the whale, and I am sure there are more referenced.