Why is your favorite stole meaningful?

We reached out to Luther Seminary alumni online to gather stories about favorite stoles. Here are some of their photos and responses.

Of all my stoles, this one has to be my favorite. My mom crocheted for me stoles in different colors and with different images. She even crocheted for me my ordination stole. But my favorite is the white one. But with any of the ones she made me, I just feel so loved.

– Marie Kane ’21 M.Div.

This stole is made from pieces of fabric sent by members of the four congregations I served in faith formation before becoming ordained. Each time I wear it, I think of them and feel connected to the great cloud of witnesses. It was made by a lady in my internship congregation. The design is based on Psalm 1 and a banner she had made for a Lenten theme while I served that congregation.

– Emily Dalen ’22 M.Div.

I just made this stole with the help of my aunt and cousin. We were together to remember my grandmother, and it was good to make something together celebrating our hope for life for the season of Lent. It is made from Batik fabric, as was my ordination stole, with ribbon embroidery of the cross and the bird. My cousin Anna Hagen is a harpist, and she embroidered the bird, representing the Spirit. I embroidered the cross, with the shape reflecting Celtic tradition as well as echoes of the nails and crown of thorns.

– Karis Hagen ’14 M.Div.

My favorite part of this stole is the bright beautiful colors. I can wear this for any liturgical season. Mostly though, this stole is an outward expression that I am an ally to *all* of God’s beloved children. I have a lot more growth and learning to do in this area, and I am grateful that this stole helps me to have the courage to start somewhere. Visual representation matters. Wearing this rainbow stole has led to many faithful, deep, and healing conversations. I purchased this stole from the amazing Pastor Melinda Halom at Quilted with Prayer. The stoles from QwP are theological works of art, and I love wearing them.

– Rebecca Holland ’20 M.Div.

My ordination stole, first placed on my shoulders on October 22, 2021, was created by the Luther Seminary grad, pastor, and artist Anna Gordy ’16 M.Div. Underneath it are signatures and blessings of so many who have nurtured my faith and unwaveringly believed in my call.

The colors represent not only the Holy Spirit and the liturgical colors of the church, but also the birthstone colors of my immediate family. It’s a loving and powerful reminder of the unending love and faithfulness of God and those whom God has placed in my life.

– Shari Howell ’20 M.Div.

I was ordained on February 11, 2023. My stole was chosen by me but was given to me by my chaplain residency cohort (Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 2021–22 cohort). They also participated in my ordination (Baptist ministers and a Buddhist). My stole was made by Laura at LHfabricArtist. I also asked folks to sign my stole during the reception.

– Denise Henry ’21 M.Div.

Story Magazine

Read more from Summer 2023