A new worship tradition began at St. Mark on Palm Sunday. At our worship services, those serving communion will now wear a lay stole. The idea came from Pastor Eric. He enlisted two talented members, Jerry C and Dorothy R, to design and sew the stoles. He then asked Gary D, member and resident wood wizard, to design and build a stand for the stoles. Each is a piece of art. And each a gift from the heart.
The word stole is from the Latin word stola, meaning garment. There are many theories as to the “ancestry” of the stole. Some say it came from the tallit (Jewish prayer mantle), because it is very similar to the present usage (the minister puts it on when he or she leads in prayer). But this theory is no longer regarded much today. More popular is the theory that the stole originated from a kind of liturgical napkin called an orarium. In fact, in many places the stole is called the orarium. Therefore, it is linked to the napkin used by Christ in washing the feet of his disciples, and is a fitting symbol of the yoke of Christ, the yoke of service.
The stole can also symbolize the “bonds and fetters” with which Jesus was bound during the Passion. It often displays a cross, and generally will be in the color assigned by the church for the liturgical season. (Wikipedia)
Thank you Pastor Eric, Jerry, Dorothy and Gary for your beautiful gifts, and for your service hearts!