Eight years ago I made a paper collage icon of the biblical Martha, using cut-up pieces of old Sunday School lithographs. I modernized her, imagined her as a clergywoman (or my experience as a clergywoman) and so, in addition to wearing her very proper clerical collar, she was also holding a baby in one hand and a toilet plunger in the other. She was surrounded by all the women who encouraged her over the years – and one who was very grumpy about the whole thing and really thought that only men should be pastors. Ask any clergywoman you know, and she will concur with the experience.
And so the Matron Saints (h/t to my friend Michelle Bartel, who came up with the title) were born. I made twelve, and each was a woman in a Bible story whom I admired or thought a lot about and who represented an issue in the world, the nation, or my life. Creating them helped me get through the first Trump administration.
I made notecards and sold some and then let them be. But the time has come for them to be dusted off. So this post is really a bit of a shameless plug, because not only am I selling cards again ($30 for a pack of 12 Matron Saints, or $3 per card, plus shipping if you’re not local) but I also made calendars and they are, much to my surprise, selling like hotcakes ($25, plus shipping.)
If you want to know more about this project, click on the “matron saints” tab above, and on its drop-down menu. If you’d like to order some, reply to this and then I’ll follow up.
In the meantime, be well, and be blessed, and don’t give up hope.
Hold Fast to What Is Good 
Yes, please and so glad the matron saints are back!Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Let me know what you’d like (cards, calendar, quantity) and a good email address. Mine is bethmneel@gmail (you’ll have to add the dot-com!)
This is the best news
Beth: I’d like to buy 4 copies of the Matr
Hi Bethie K! Your message got cut off – 4 copies of…??
Yes 4 copies of the calendar! Please!Sent from my iPhone
Hi Beth,
I love your Matron Saints! I would love to order a box of cards. I live in Canada. What would the total cost be with shipping? How do I pay you? E-transfer? I am purchasing them as a Christmas gift for my best friend who also is clergy. Will they be here in time for Christmas?
Sincerely,
Catherine Ann Dickson
Hi Catherine!
I don’t know what the total cost would be – shipping across the US has been about $8. How about we call it an even ten for shipping and $30 for the cards? You can Venmo me, if that works. Let me know if you’re still interested.
Hi Beth,
I am still interested but I don’t know what venmo is.
Hi Beth,
I just looked up Venmo and it states that the “send and receiver must live in the United States.”
I’m going to propose this: let me gift you this on the condition that you donate $40 to some organization that makes the world a better place!
I absolutely would do that. Lennon House is a Recovery House for men and women. Would a $40 donation to Lennon House in your name. And Thank you. ❤
You are so welcome! Can you give me your mailing address?
Rev. Catherine Ann Dickson
38 Cumberland Road, Cardigan
Prince Edward Island, Canada
C0A 1G0
I need this calendar! How to proceed? Thanks, Leslie D-A, Princeton NJ
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Hi Leslie! Email me at bethmneel@gmail.com and I’ll give you all the details. Thanks!
Hello Beth! An old CPC of Clarend
Dear Beth,
A mutual friend, Paul Gilmore, put me onto your blog and I have enjoyed your writing since 2017. So thank you for your thoughtful reflections.
I am very excited about your Matron Saints and would like to order a calendar for a friend for Christmas. Please let me know what are my next steps.
I look forward to hearing back. Thanks so much.
Peace, Mary Thies
Mary – how wonderful! I will put you down for a calendar. Can you give me your email and mailing address?
Please give Paul my best!
Dear Beth,
Thanks for your speedy response. My email is marythies75@gmail.com and my street address is 194 Big Oak Road, Stamford, CT 06903. Be sure to let me know how to pay you and how much to send.
Peace, Mary
calendar…yes, please!
Great, Susan! Can you send me your mailing address?
Susan, I’m hoping to mail out calendars this week. Could you give me your mailing address? Thanks!
Hi Susan! Your calendar is on its way and your total comes to $33.75. You can Venmo me at beth-neel-4 or send a check to 1906 NE Ridgewood Dr, Portland 97212. Thank you!
What a wonderful project. I’d love a set of cards. hagars@olypres.org
Thank you! I’m just about to get those printed so it will be a few weeks. Let me get back to you when they’re done.