Thursday, April 22, 2010

Liturgy Review: Custom Paraments from a Lutheran House


Gladieux, Carol. Six Ecclesiastical Art Samples: 1) Sample Baptismal Remembrance; 2) Sample Confirmation Remembrance; 3) Baptismal Napkin/handkerchief with baptismal shell; Sample Parament/Vestment Patterns: 4) A "Holy Spirit" on red poly satin; 5) A "VDMA" on purple 100% cotton; 6) A "Ship of Faith" (aka "the Church") on dark green 100% cotton. Churubusco, IN: Shepherds' Threads LLC, 2010. Prices Vary. http://shepherdsthreads.com/  (L)

Over the last four years, we have done "book reviews" for lots of non-book items. Consider the following:

"With extensive backgrounds in design engineering and customer service (Dennis) and sewing/embroidery, technical writing, and customer service (Carol), we are combining our experiences and talents to provide custom embroidery designs at reasonable prices to both the Christian community and to general enterprises. We are Christ-centered and family oriented. We seek to serve our Lord Jesus with distinctive designs and outstanding service by presenting unique, yet affordable, embroidery motifs that are stitched out on custom stoles for pastors or on altar paraments, We also offer personalized baptismal, wedding, and confirmation remembrances or memorials for framing.


"We believe that artistically wrought symbols of our Christian faith have an important place in our lives—in our church facilities, in our homes, or out in the world. They provide visual recognition for many and can serve as “talking points” for witnessing about Christ and our faith. They serve as tangible reminders of our faith, providing comfort and encouragement when needed.

"We will also design and stitch out custom logos for small companies or large corporations. We can help our customer present his or her company, club, team, or special event with a logo that best reflects the mission or culture of the organization or team.

"Whether by providing innovative designs for church staffs, groups, or ministries or for corporations, youth sports teams, or small businesses, we will work with our customer to bring a design concept to reality in thread.

"As a consideration to our customers, our designs and stitch-outs are produced in a smoke-free, pet-free environment" (publisher's website).



We were sent the following samples:


These first three pieces celebrate our baptismal life in Christ. A baptismal shell in muted, tasteful gold is applied on the diagonal on the baptismal napkin. Lace trims the white fabric.



Two frameable 8x10 cloth "certificates" or remembrances can be customized with the confirmand's or baptizand's name, congregation, and special day. The same baptismal shell symbol unifies the baptism set. Pink, blue, or other colors are available as background for girls or boys. I just love the uniquely Lutheran confirmation symbol, with draped resurrection cross, open Bible and Luther Seal!

Other pieces celebrate parts of the Church Year.

VDMA = Verbum Dei Manet in Aeternum = The Word of the Lord Endures Forever
Great for Lent I on Violet.
Put on Red for Augsburg Confession, Reformation Day, or a Lutheran Confirmation.


A classic, yet modern dove symbol for the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Red.


This deep green fabric highlights "the ship of faith" in bold gold.
Perhaps three "green" sets could help highlight different tides of the Trinity/After Pentecost Season.


We were impressed by these samples. Consider Shepherds' Threads as an online Lutheran vendor for custom paraments, vestments, and baptismal life remembrance items. Please note other products here: http://www.shepherdsthreads.com/products.html



The Rev. Paul J Cain is Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming, Headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School, Wyoming District Worship Chairman, and Editor of QBR.