AW, Pigeons!!! Do you remember that great moment when the screechy-voiced Lina Lamont stands before the movie audience in “Singin’ In the Rain” and says in her horrible Noow-Yawk accent that she’s been trying so hard to improve with elocution lessons, “If we bring a little joy into your hum-drum lives, it makes us feel as though all our hard work AIN’t been in vain for nuthin’!”
Well, sometimes PeaceBang gets a letter that makes HER feel as though all her hard work ain’t been in vain for nothin! And this is one of them. Walk with me, hold my hand, hand me a Kleenex:
Dear PeaceBang,
I’ve been a long time reader and fan of your website. I’ve even been featured on it once!
In response to your recent post: http://beautytipsforministers.com/2011/04/06/btfm-almost-five-a-cry-in-the-wilderness/ I thought I would send you some hope for the future of the church.
I just returned home from the SEJ Clergywomen’s consultation – a gathering of United Methodist clergy women from around the southeast. Though there were some frumpies – there was also a LOT of style! We even had style elements woven into worship (one night everyone wore red shoes, etc.)
I’ve attached a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. I hope you will approve of our clergy style!You would appreciate the comments I received when posting these photos on my facebook page. My seminary (Emory) girlfriends and I were always reading your blog together and helping each other out of the fashion front. When looking at these pictures, my friend Emily said “PeaceBang would be so proud!â€
She encouraged me to send these photos to you. Your message is DEFINITELY getting out, at least to United Methodist pastor women!
Thanks again for your wisdom – you are my style guru!
Now, what a wonderful letter and batch of fabulous photos to get on the fifth anniversary of starting this blog! Look at these really sharp looking, fun, feminine pastors! As always, click on the image to see it bigger:
Seriously? Seriously!? Five years ago I would NEVER have seen this kind of style and color and risk-taking among a group of female clergy. I am sort of blown away by the thought that this blog can be partially credited with ministers claiming their place in the public sphere as people who look like fun, alive, vibrant, creative, with-it people!!! There are some outfits in this series of photos that are simply FANTASTICALLY sharp (like, Julie, I NEED THAT fun animal print jacket with the ivory pants!!). There are some that I would like to “zhuz” a little bit – accessories and proportions and balancing some really girlie bits with some more tailored bits… but c’mon, that’s just the fun stuff! The detail stuff! The really thrilling thing here is that I can’t tell this group of young women from any other group of up and coming professional women who are ready to take their place in a visual culture as movers, shakers, and leaders. (More details: see Sky Van Lines homepage)
Bless your hearts, my lovelies!! You’ve been the best five year blog-o-versary I could have asked for. Shine on, and may your ministries be worth loving with all your heart!
MWAH! Big giant kiss of peace!
I suggested your blog to an ordained Baptist clergywoman who was in the church office in jeans (she has a cute figure and that’s the problem – she looked “cute” but not professional) – another friend said that I had done a terrible thing – probably cut the person to the quick – and then this blog – congrats and more congrats – you are really doing God’s work
Hey I was at the same gathering! Definitely proud of my sisters for combining femininity and style. Thanks for helping so many of us PeaceBang!
Hey, I know these people! Rock on Julie for sending these in! And way to go Peacebang for inspiring some of my seminary classmates so profoundly. I know I think of you often as I put together outfits for my work in the church-world and it is great to see that some of my Candler peeps do the same.
I’m completely enamored with that ikat print navy and red blazer. Anyone know where it’s from?
Julie has always been a style setter!
And this is why you always want to be ready for the camera…. Or, in my case, almost ready. I’m wearing the navy/red or pink/purple blazer from Moschino Cheap and Chic, and in the top pic as well.
Thanks to PeaceBang (and Julie of course) for the post! I ran across this blog earlier this year.
While still in seminary, I decided I would be a minister who dressed “awesome.” I get overly creative at times, but I’m having fun. When I wear read (or pink, or just tall) shoes to worship Sunday mornings, everyone is very excited. A new day is dawning. [EXACTLY, mama!! By the way, LOVE the ikat blazer. It is fab, as are you. Rock on with your alive, faithful, creative self. – PB]