First Presbyterian Church, Cottage Grove (Solidarity Stole)

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Cottage Grove, Oregon

We are two elders at the First Presbyterian Church in Cottage Grove, Oregon.  After the Shower of Stoles Project was displayed at our church, we decided that we wanted to make a stole to honor the men and women in our denomination who are denied ordination because of their sexual orientation.  This includes members of our congregation, members of our families, and many of our friends.  The stole was worn by our minister for a dedication in which our congregation participated.  Many of our signatures appear on the back of the stole.  Thank you for the Shower of Stoles Project.  You are all in our prayers.

– De Martysus and Christine Heritage

DEDICATION OF THE STOLE

To the glory of God and the enrichment of the worshiping community,
We dedicate this stole.

In thankfulness for the love, imagination and hands that created it,
We dedicate this stole.

To the end that we may include all those who are called into ministry,
We dedicate this stole.

To the end that the unity and harmony of the church may better reflect the inclusive and intimate love of God,
We dedicate this stole.

That the holy purposes of God revealed to us in the worship life of the church may draw us into a closer communion and full acceptance of all God’s people.

Amen.

(Note: A signature stole is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization.  These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many".)

First Presbyterian Church of Cottage Grove, OR, is a More Light congregation, working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the life and leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006