Anonymous (Tabernacle United Church, Philadelphia PA)

Perhaps you will hear if I speak…
If we listen we will learn.

…Perhaps you will hear
If I speak in the language of love
If I do not speak to you
But speak to your soul
With questions…
questions that may not have answers
We can hear with our ears
But ring loudly in our hearts

Will you understand if I tell you I have seen God in you? 

…If we listen we will learn
Of our gifts which we must share
In the pulpit, in our lives
We will leave here, graced by card
Disciples, all disciples
We were here 

This stole honoring an anonymous minister is one of twelve stoles given to the Shower of Stoles collection by Tabernacle United Church in Philadelphia.  All twelve stoles are similar in size and style.  The three signature stoles are white and the nine individual stoles are purple; most have matching pastel flannel binding on the ends of the panels. 

Tabernacle United Church, United Church of Christ and Presbyterian union church located adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania campus, has a long history of activism, from its community organizing and support of a school for Black children in the mid-1800's to its more recent history of sanctuary in support of Central American refugees, peace activism, and outspoken advocacy on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.  Tabernacle is both a More Light and Open and Affirming congregation, working for the full inclusion of LGBT people in the life and leadership of the church.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006