Colorful Collection Connects Past, Present & Future
Inside Pastor Jeff’s office is a pop of color that’s hard to miss. A vibrant collection of 50 clergy stoles in varied shades and patterns hangs along one wall, each one bearing witness to a legacy of service to the United Methodist Church.
A clergy stole is a long, narrow piece of fabric that is worn around the neck and draped over the shoulders. Throughout history, it has been a symbol of ordination and authority.
“Ordained clergy would wear a stole as a symbol of ordination, sometimes thought to signify the yoke of Christ, while also representing the sheepdog role of the minister,” Pastor Jeff explained.
In the United Methodist Church, only ordained clergy wear stoles. New clergy typically receive their first stole as an Ordination Day gift from their church or family members. As they continue in ministry, they might obtain a few additional stoles to be worn for certain occasions.
“This is unusual,” Pastor Jeff says, indicating the assemblage on the wall. “Most clergy have an ordination stole and one for each season. Some are even reversible.”
Much of his unique assortment was handed down by his in-laws, Rev. Phyllis Earley and the late Rev. Dr. Jim Earley. Together, they represent a combined total of more than 65 years of service to the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The purple stole decorated with green palm fronds is worn during Lent. The simple white stole with the United Methodist cross and flame is appropriate for Lent, Advent, Pentecost, and sacraments such as communion and baptism. The stoles with colorful woven patterns were gifts from congregations in Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Argentina.
For funeral services, Pastor Jeff wears one of two stoles embroidered with butterflies, evoking 2 Corinthians 5:17 “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away.” His ordination stole remains his favorite. It has a striking red flame pattern, with a mustard seed sewn inside.
Whether old or new, each stole represents a story and a significant moment in ministry. One of the funeral stoles has a pin from the City of Poquoson, the last place Pastor Jeff’s father-in-law served.
“I’m carrying on that legacy,” he said.
