The Messenger Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church Volume 65, No. 4
April 2019
Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday April 14 Blessing of The Palms and Procession 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Special Children’s Craft (Holy Week Boxes) and All-Ages Palm-Cross Making with GSL Heart and Hands Fellowship (9:30-10:20 a.m.)
Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday April 15-17, Noon
Holy Communion in the Chapel, 30-minute service without music
Holy Wednesday April 17, 6 p.m.
A Community Service of Forgiveness and Healing, 6 p.m., 45-minute liturgy amid an array of candles, will hold sacred space and time for worshippers to receive prayers for healing and the option of anointing with holy oil, meditative music, Holy Communion, and to reflect on God as forgiveness and hope.
Maundy Thursday April 18, 7 p.m.
Maundy Thursday Service with optional Foot-washing, and the Stripping, Washing, and Anointing of the Altar, 7 to 8:30 p.m. followed by an Overnight Prayer Vigil in the Chapel. Sign up in advance or after the liturgy to “watch and pray” for at least one hour. The Reserved Sacrament will be encircled by greenery to signify a garden; meditation books will be available; a host will be at the door to assist watchers arriving and leaving; a priest will end the vigil at 7:30 a.m. with by prayers for Good Friday. Vigil sign-up: www.tinyurl.com/OvernightVigil2019
Good Friday April 19, Noon
Service of Music & Meditations, Noon. One-hour service includes a reading of the Passion, hymns, music for choir and organ, meditations by the Reverends Katherine M. Bush, Meredith Jane Day, Amy M. George, and Ollie V. Rencher, Communion from the Reserved Sacrament, and the Solemn Collects before a clergy-led Stations of the Cross at 1:00 p.m. beginning at the Chancel Steps.
Holy Saturday April 20, 7 p.m.
The Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Baptism, 7 p.m.
The Sunday of the Resurrection Easter Day, April 21
Holy Eucharist, 8 and 10:30 a.m. (No 5:30 p.m. service) Special Children’s Activities: Easter crafts in Trezevant Hall at 8:45-9:30 a.m. with Egg Hunts beginning at 9:30 a.m. More on pages 6-7.
Worship Opportunites
SUNDAY 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist 8:45 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Christian Formation Classes 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist (canceled 4.21) Nursery available 7:30 a.m. 'til end of 10:30 service WEDNESDAY Noon in the Chapel 30-minute service without music
Parish Office Hours
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday (closed 4.22-24)
Clergy on Call for Pastoral & Hospital Emergencies 901-252-6334
Parish Clergy & Staff
www.gracestlukes.org/welcome/clergy-and-staff The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector The Rev. Amy M. George, Associate Rector The Rev. Meredith Jane Day, Curate Christi Authement, Athletics & Fellowship Dir. Addison Combs, Youth Formation Associate Wesley Emerson, Organist/Choirmaster Sharon Campbell, Children's Education Director Connie Johns, Membership & Newcomers Sandra Kendrick, Assistant Sexton Amanda McGriff, Pastoral Care Director Chapman Morrow, Development Officer Lucy Owens, Communications Director Debbie Smith, Music Associate Zeke Smith, Youth Formation Intern Jess Steenbergen, Youth Formation Associate Linda Stine, Parish Administrator Darling "D" Thomas, Sexton
2019 Vestry & Treasurer
Inside This Issue 39ers................................ 4 Altar Gifts.........................11 Athletics............................ 8 Book Group....................... 4 Calendar Highlights............12 Called to Grow................... 4 Christian Formation............ 5 Easter Card Offering........... 7 Easter Egg Hunt................. 7 Easter Flower Deadline.......11 Egg Filling Day................... 7 EYC.................................. 8
Food Pantry Facts............... 9 Holy Baptism....................11 Holy Week & Easter......... 7-8 Looking Towards Sunday....11 Memorials/Honoraria..........11 Message from the Rector..... 3 Outreach Ministry............... 9 Palm Sunday for Children.... 7 Public Theology.................. 4 School News.....................10 Third Thursday................... 4 Welcoming Bishop Phoebe..12
On the cover: Grace-St. Luke's stained glass window, Risen and Victorious Christ, and service schedule for Holy Week and Easter.
The Messenger deadline for May is April 15, 9 a.m. Please send your articles to Lucy at lowens@gracestlukes.org.
Look for GRACESTLUKES in cyberspace. facebook.com/gracestlukes twitter.com/gracestlukes instagram.com/gracestlukes
pinterest.com/gracestlukes flickr.com/gracestlukes youtube.com/gracestlukes
www.gracestlukes.org/vestry Grant Adams (Worship), Jimpsie Ayres (Congregational Development), Wight Boggs (Fellowship), Patrick Burnett (Jr. Warden & Youth Formation), Nina Callan (Pastoral Care), Jim Greer (Worship), Linda Khumalo (Worship), Stinson Liles (Outreach & Justice), Julia McDonald (Clerk & Children’s Formation), Murray McKay (Adult Formation), Kurt Patton (Sr. Warden & Athletics), Charlie Pazar (Outreach & Justice), Tom Stephenson (Stewardship), Bev Trojan (Treasurer), Simon Wadsworth (Stewardship), and Gavin Wigginson (Congregational Development)
Missing your weekly eNews? Check your spam folders! We have switched to an email service, MailChimp, to send out our eblasts. If you are not getting eNews emails, they are most likely going to your spam or junk folder. Be sure to add gsl@gracestlukes.org to your address book. Need help getting them to NOT go in your spam folder? Contact Lucy Owens, 901-272-7425 or lucy@gracestlukes.org.
Support Groups at GSL
GRACESTLUKES Mobile App
AA meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays, 8 p.m. CoDA: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: Thursdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at noon For more info, contact Lucy in the office: lucy@gracestlukes.org or 901-272-7425.
GSL's mobile app is available for download in the Android and Apple Stores. The app is an effective way for the church to communicate with you and for you to stay connected with the church. The app is packed with resources such as Sunday's readings and the daily office, church events and news, the pastoral care request form, links to clergy and staff emails, photo capture tools, and more. Best of all, we can alert you to extra special happenings and cancellations via the app's push notifications system. You can download the app in the following ways: Search for GRACESTLUKES in the iTunes/Google Play stores. Follow this link: www.gracestlukes.org/app.
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GSL eNews
Embodying The Way of Love The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector
Our Presiding Bishop, the Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, has been on a worldwide passionate mission to raise up, call attention to, and boldly celebrate the “way of love” that Jesus modeled and taught those who became his followers. Even those who observed Jesus from afar were intrigued by his radical and life-giving message despite their actions to the contrary, regularly practicing hatred, evil, and violence out of fear, threat, and realization that earthly kingdoms and injustices were not sustainable. The power of the unconditional and transformational love of God, as revealed in the person and commandments of Jesus, would change the world forever. Such is the case today: the way of love changes things. Since Bishop Curry’s installation on November 1, 2015, at Washington National Cathedral as the twenty-seventh presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, evangelism, racial reconciliation, justice, and equity, all rooted in love, have anchored his ministry. Today, he invites Episcopal Christians to grow more deeply with Jesus Christ at the center of our lives: “Today I believe our vocation is to live as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.” The seasons of Lent (March 6–April 13), Holy Week (April 14– 20) and Easter (April 21–June 8) are purposeful times for personal consideration of and response to the call to become more faithful
to the way of love. Members of the Church, the body of Christ, have an ongoing chance and baptismal charge to show the way of love to those who know little about us and what we believe. Our love message is for those who unintentionally or intentionally have distanced themselves from organized religion, possibly using “spiritual” to best describe their position. Our commitments to love may be shown through participation in the outreach and justice initiatives of Grace-St. Luke’s and the host of faith-based ministries focused on healing. The faith within us is rooted in a love that can never separate us from the Creator God who gives us life and whose dream is for the kingdom to come on earth as in heaven. May we strive daily to embody the way of love, employing it in all that we are and offer. To practice the way of love is to be and serve in the light of Jesus, and is bound to bring about a better, just, and reconciled world. Indeed, “practice makes perfect,” which means we are to stay at it. The way of love changes things, including us and all beloved children of God. Godspeed and blessings as we try, –The Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, Rector I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. –Ephesians 3:16-19
Choral Evensong offered at GSL
All parishioners and friends are invited to GSL at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays, March 31 and May 12, to experience one of the richest services of our Anglican/Episcopal heritage: Choral Evensong. Evensong is The Book of Common Prayer’s service of Evening Prayer (from the Daily Office) led by a choir with assistance from other lay ministers and a member of the clergy. The 30 to 45 minute service is an intentional time to come away from the busy-ness of life to meditate on scripture and to spend time in quiet prayer, while listening to and participating in music. The music selected for choir and congregation seeks to bring worshippers into deeper understand of the mysteries of faith. The Grace-St. Luke’s Chancel Choir will
lead evensong on March 31, singing the music of English composers, Richard Ayleward and Thomas Morley. On Sunday, May 5, at 5 p.m. and repeated at Grace-St. Luke’s on Sunday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m., a service of evensong will be presented jointly by the Canterbury Choir of Grace-St. Luke’s and the Boys and Girls Choir of Calvary Episcopal Church at Calvary Episcopal (102 N. Second Street). Eucharist will be included at GSL. If you are an evensong fan, plan to attend, spread the word, and bring others. If evensong will be a new experience, you are in for a treat and might find this article interesting, “The Atheist’s Favorite Service: The Wonder of Choral Evensong.” [www.englandcast.com/2015/10/evensong]
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The Fellowship Team is Looking for Volunteers Are you a Foodie or just like to socialize? The Fellowship Team is look for recruits to help with our quarterly gatherings and receptions. We plan and prepare an event each quarter and sometimes a few things in between. We need cooks, hosts, and helpers for these events. You can join in for all of them or sign up for a few. If you are interested in finding out more, please email Kim Motschman Cribb at kmtschmn at hotmail.com or give a call to Suzanne or Larry Busby at 901-485-2464.
Public Theology April 4 Join us Thursday evening April 4 from 5:30-7 p.m. for our next Public Theology event at Celtic Crossing in the Cooper Young neighborhood. Join Father Ollie V. Rencher, the Rev. Meredith Jane Day, and the Rev. Amy M. George to discuss a very Lenten topic: Sin. What exactly is sin? And why are Episcopalians so often afraid to talk about it? Public Theology is a time of laid-back fellowship and open conversation facilitated at a public restaurant by a member of the clergy. Monthly topics focus on relevant issues of faith, spirituality, and current events. Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic refreshments will be available for purchase. All adults are invited to these drop-in gatherings, so bring a friend! Watch the parish news and notices for upcoming topics on May 2 and June 6. For more information, contact the Rev. Meredith Jane Day: mday@gracestlukes.org.
Called to Grow St. Columba Presentation On April 7 during Coffee Hour (immediately following the 10:30 service), all are invited to the parish hall for refreshments and a 15-minute presentation by St. Columba’s Called to Grow campaign leaders and staff. St. Columba, our diocesan retreat center, is a place that welcomes, refreshes, equips, and transforms over 7,000 guests and campers each year. Grace-St. Luke’s parishioners and others around the diocese and beyond have enjoyed the benefits of this beautiful space for retreats, camps, Happenings, picnics, and more. Through the Called to Grow capital campaign, the facilities will be enhanced and expanded so that for years to come we will be able to continue participating in all that St. Columba has to offer. Please join us in Trezevant Hall to hear more about this exciting time in the life of our diocesan retreat center.
Daytime Book Group April 11 Our next discussion is April 11 with City of Light, City of Poison by Holly Tucker. This is an open group—no invitation or requirements other than a love of reading. We meet in the Red Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a sack lunch. The group is facilitated by Janie Morris (morrishome1 at bellsouth.net) and Carol Ann Mallory (cam2269 at aol.com). A list of books for upcoming months may be found at www.gracestlukes.org/events/daytime-book-group.
Third Thursday Meets April 25 All adults at Grace-St. Luke's are invited to come to the next Third Thursday—cleverly meeting on the Fourth Thursday due to Holy Week—on April 25. Do you attend regularly? Good, come and enjoy a casual evening of social hour, dinner and speaker. Are you new to GSL or have just never attended? You are urged to come and join us. This relaxed evening is full of opportunities to get to know your fellow parishioners. The evening begins at 6 with appetizers and beverages followed by dinner and we'll have you out by 8. All for $15 per person! Our speaker for April is our very own Dan Conaway. Dan is well known in the community as an advertising strategist and writer and well known at GSL for his years of leadership in the Boy Scouts and involvement in about a hundred other ways. Hailed for his creativity, he has owned advertising agencies, two creative boutiques, and someone is bound to have the photos of him playing Ronald McDonald. His book, I Am A Memphian, was published in 2013 and his column "Memphasis" appears each week in The Daily Memphian. Don't miss his sharing some columns and conversation on "The Memphis of Memphis." Reservations are a must for the caterer and the hosts. Please make yours no later than Tuesday morning, April 23. Contact Lucy Owens at 901-272-6333 or lowens@gracestlukes.org or reserve and pay online at www.gracestlukes.org/events/third-thursday. Remember the date change: This month the Third Thursday meets on the fourth Thursday, April 25.
The 39ers will not meet in April. See you in May! 4 | www.gracestlukes.org
Adult Formation
www.gracestlukes.org/adult-formation
April–Sunday Mornings The Parish Hall Forum (PHF), Trezevant Hall—9:30-10:20 a.m. Parents Connect (PC), Lounge or other locations, Once a Month—9:30-10:20 a.m. Contemplative Prayer Group (CPG), Chapel, Last Sunday of the Month—9-9:30 a.m. April 7
PHF: Lenten Art Series: Storytelling, History, & Healing in Memphis with Dr. Tim Huebner. How can confronting the past help to heal the racial divide and build a better community in Memphis? Join Dr. Tim Huebner, Calvary parishioner and Professor of History at Rhodes College, as he reflects on the spiritual importance of storytelling from a historian’s perspective. Prof. Huebner will highlight the collaborative efforts of the Lynching Sites Project, Calvary, Rhodes, and the National Park Service in erecting new historical markers in Memphis over the past few years. PC: Parents Connect with the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher
April 14
PHF: Lenten Art Series: Palm-Cross Making with Heart and Hands Fellowship: This year on Palm Sunday, join the ladies of the GSL Heart and Hands Fellowship for a time of learning about the tradition of Palm Cross Making. The Parish Hall will be set up with work
stations, supplies, and instructors to lead us through this ancient practice. GSL parishioner Charles Chandler will also host an exhibit of intricate Palm Crosses he has created. Folks of all ages, experience, and craft skills are welcome!
April 21
No Formation Classes
April 28
CPG: Contemplative Prayer Group at 9 a.m. in the Chapel PHF: Easter: Surprised by Hope with the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher. The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the manifestation of hope in God. From The Hymnal 1982, the body of Christ sings, “All my hope on God is founded.” The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher will share stories, images, and facilitate a conversation about hope, a foundational aspect of the faith within us, and provide a brief overview of Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, The Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church (N. T. Wright).
Midweek Evenings May 1, 8 & 15—6:30-7:30 p.m.
Book Study: “Surprised by Hope” by N. T. Wright facilitated by the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher Advanced sign-up required; limited to 20 people. Sign-up here: tinyurl.com/SurprisedByHope2019. Books will be provided. In his book, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, The Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, retired Anglican bishop and New Testament scholar N. T. Wright argues that the voice of the early Christians has not been heard in our modern thinking about matters of death and what comes after. Join the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher for a three-week probe and lively conversation about Wright’s discourse concerning the call for modern Christians to place all our hope in Jesus and to engage the kingdom-building work foundational to the Baptismal Covenant.
Children & Youth Formation www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-school
Palm Sunday activities on April 14, see p. 7
Sunday Mornings (9:30 until 10:20 a.m.)
Nursery
Infant Room (Newborn to Walking) Toddler Room (Walking to Potty Training) Little Lambs Room (Potty Trained to Atrium Ready) Location: Downstairs; Nursery Staff
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd—Level I 3-6 yrs. (Pre-K, JK and SK) Sunday mornings at 9:30 Location: Atrium I (Green Room downstairs)
Easter Day activities on April 21, see p. 7
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd—Level II
6-9 yrs. (1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade) Sunday mornings at 9:30 Location: Atrium II (Purple Room downstairs)
Project Purpose
4th–5th Grade; Location: Yellow Room, Youth Space
Rite 13 for Middle School and J2A for High School Location: Red Room, Youth Space
Children’s Activity Table during Coffee Hour in Trezevant Hall following the 10:30 Service
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finding god in the heart of midtown
Observing Holy Week and Easter 2019 at Grace-St. Luke’s An Overview and Schedule of Offerings for the Parish Community & Friends In this week, the holy is redefined and recreated for us. The temple is rebuilt as the body of the crucified Christ, not a place of exclusions, a house of merchandise where we must barter to be allowed in, trading our daily lives, our secular joys and pains for the sacred currency of ritual and acceptable pure gifts that will placate God, but the cross by the roadside, unfenced, unadorned, the public and defenseless place where God gives us room. Holy Week, with all its intensity of ritual and imaginative elaboration, comes paradoxically to break down the walls of self-contained religion and morality and to gather us around the one true holy place of the Christian religion, Jesus himself, displayed to the world as the public language of our God, placarded on the history of human suffering that stretches along the roadside. This is a week for learning – not management, bargaining, and rule-keeping, but naked trust in that naked gift. - Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury What will we do at Grace-St. Luke’s? There are five primary liturgies of Holy Week-Easter. Each is portrayed with different emphases and perspectives in all four Gospels: Palm/Passion Sunday; The Triduum (Maundy Thursday/Good Friday/Easter Vigil), and Easter Day. In each one, we are invited to journey alongside Jesus prayerfully as we participate liturgically in the final days of his life – the days leading up to the great Paschal Mystery celebrated in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Additionally, we will offer other ways to participate: Noon Eucharist on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; A Community Service of Healing and Forgiveness on Wednesday night; and an all-ages appropriate Stations of the Cross immediately after the Good Friday Noon Liturgy. Why do we do this? As baptized Christians, we are adult, youth, and child members of Christ’s body. In some way beyond rational concepts, we experience the death and resurrection of Christ particularly in our baptism but also throughout our Christian life. In our baptismal liturgy we pray, “Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns for ever and ever.” When we welcome a new person into the “household of God” after baptism, we tell them: “We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.”
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Holy Week-Easter is a time to experience in a full way what we proclaim each week when we come together for the Eucharist. We experience the truth of the Christian Way, not only through studying it or hearing about it, but by participating in it. Through this sharing, we are able to live our lives in light of Christ’s resurrection, even as we await “his coming in glory.” We discover our story in God’s story. Further, through Holy Week (Passion Week), we come more than normal to participate in the divine economy of giving/sacrifice as well as receiving/renewal. As Lent comes to an end, we have been working toward removing those obstacles that prohibit us from receiving God’s grace by repenting of our sins, amending our lives, and cultivating our desire for the Holy. In this way, we open ourselves to “putting on Christ” (Galatians 3:27) and living the “life that is really life.” (1 Timothy 6:19). What is the origin of these rituals? In addition to being rooted in the Gospel narratives, the idea of “walking the way of Christ” emerged among the first disciples of Jesus. Some scholars speculate that the Gospel of Mark, and particularly Mark’s Passion, emerged from the prayerful and devotional practice of walking around Jerusalem and pausing at different places of significance to pray and connect Hebrew Scriptures with Jesus’ last days. Different parts of our liturgies allow us to focus, generate, and conclude spiritual meaning from specific incidents and geographical locations in the Passion narratives.
Palm/Passion Sunday recreates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Maundy Thursday liturgy with Foot-washing invites us to consider the “Last Supper” in the upper room when Jesus commands us to love one another and when Judas leaves to betray Jesus. On Good Friday, we commemorate Jesus’ last hours – the fixed “trial” before Jewish and Roman authorities, his being mocked, his compassion on the crowd and the criminals who died alongside him, and the intense of bystanders, soldiers and a few women followers who witness Jesus’ suffering either right under the cross or at a distance. Meditations by the clergy, music (hymns, choir, organ), silence, and Solemn Collects will enhance our experience. The Great Vigil of Easter actually is the culmination of Lent through Holy Week and the initiation of Eastertide. Beginning with the lighting of the first fire of Easter, this liturgy unites many op-
posites and binaries that inform daily life: the struggle between dark and light; the old person (Adam) and new person (Jesus); cross and resurrection; death and eternal life; beginnings and endings. It helps us grasp God as a liberator and savior: for the people of Israel with the Exodus; for Jesus through resurrection; and for ourselves as we are united with Christ and adopted as God’s sons and daughters in baptism. In the early Church, new Christians were baptized at this service and permitted to participate in the Eucharist for the first time. It is the high point in our liturgical year when our salvation history comes alive through ritual, scripture, and sacrament. The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day continues the festival when the “Alleluias” returned, the sacrament of Holy Baptism was administered, and the people of God were reminded that death is not the final answer. Life is the final answer, and Jesus is our Hope.
Egg Filling Fun For Everybunny! Saturday, April 13, 9-11 AM in Trezevant Hall Easter Day will be here soon, and if you have an Easter Egg hunter in your life, we’d love to have your help filling the eggs for this year’s festivities! Parents and children should report to Trezevant Hall on Saturday, April 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. for fun and fellowship as we join together to prepare the eggs for our annual Easter Day egg hunts. We’ll have all the eggs and goodies to keep your paws busy, all we need is YOU! Hope to see you there!
Palm Sunday Children’s Make & Take Holy Week Boxes Sunday, April 14, 10-10:30 AM in Trezevant Hall Our Palm Sunday children’s tradition continues this year with a special Make & Take craft to enrich your family’s observance of Holy Week. Before the 10:30 service, we hope you’ll stop by the Children’s Table in Trezevant Hall and put together a Holy Week Box with your child, or make one for a cherished grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor. (If you have a box from three years back, feel free to make another for a friend or replace missing parts if needed.) Once assembled, the Holy Week Box will contain all the objects a child needs to recreate and ponder the events leading up to Jesus’ death and the celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Nursery and Catechesis Parents: Your children are encouraged to attend the Parish Hall Forum with you to make Palm Crosses and Holy Week Boxes. Nursery children should be picked up by parents and returned when finished. Atrium children should start out with parents in PHF, and then taken downstairs to the Catechists and signed into the Atrium.
Easter Day Children’s Celebration in Trezevant Hall
Children’s Craft Tables, 8:45 AM Egg Hunts for Toddlers – 5th graders, 9:30 AM
Easter Card Offering April 7 Stop by the Pastoral Care table Sunday, April 7, before and after each service, and choose an Easter card to send to one of our parishioners or their loved ones who will not be able to attend an Easter service. There will be a list of names and many lovely cards to choose from. All you have to do is inscribe, stamp and mail. An easy way to be an Easter blessing!
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EYC News and Events
Church Athletics
April
GSL CHURCH BASEBALL, SOFTBALL & T-BALL WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2019 TOP 10 CHECK LIST
Youth Formation www.gracestlukes.org/youth-formation Middle and High School Calendar www.gracestlukes.org/youth-formation/monthly-calendar
Sundays, April 7 & 28 9:30 a.m. J2A in the Red Room Sundays, April 14 & 21 Intergenerational Activities in Trezevant Hall at 9:30 a.m. Sunday April 7 Redbirds Game, 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday April 14 12–1 p.m. Brunch and Bible (HS) in the Red Room Sunday April 14 Special Friends Easter, 5 p.m. Sunday April 28 12–1 p.m. Brunch and Bible (HS) in the Red Room
1) TEAM ASSIGNMENTS are made according to each individual’s grade and ability, with an effort to make the teams as even as possible. 2) By tradition, recreational league coaches are VOLUNTEER PARENT COACHES. If needed, we make every effort to equip coaches with knowledge and assistance in order to provide quality coaching. 3) PRACTICES may begin the 1st week in April and are most often held at the GSL and Memphis Catholic fields. Coaches will contact players at the end of March for season information. Coaches generally have one/two pre-season weekly practices and typically drop practices once the season begins. Please contact Christi Authement at 901-825-7353 if you have not heard from your coach by April 1. 4) COACHES' EXPECTATIONS: As part of the commitment to play, coaches expect players to make practices and games a priority and be on time for both. Playing for a team is not only an individual commitment but also a team commitment. Coaches may have a “Parent Meeting” at the beginning of the season to discuss the expectations of coaches and parents and to review team rules, etc. *IMPORTANT: Parents, please advise your coaches about your summer vacation plans. This will effect team planning. 5) The SEASON is April 29–end of May. There are two games per week (Mon/Thur OR Tue/Fri) at 5:15/30 pm or 6:15/30/45 pm. Game schedules will be ready at the end of April. GSL home games are at the GSL field (2233 Harbert). 6) TEAM PHOTOS are scheduled for May 5 at the GSL field. Times TBA. Rain-out location is in the GSL gym. Photos will be distributed by the coaches at the end of the season. 7) UNIFORMS are provided by GSL and will be distributed by the coaches to the players a week before the season begins. Uniforms MUST be returned to the coaches at the end of the season.. 8) GSL RECYCLES UNIFORMS each year to keep the uniform replacement costs low. We ask that players return the baseball/ softball pants, jerseys, and belts (players may keep their socks and hats/visors). Coaches will collect uniforms at the end of the season. 9) TROPHIES are provided by GSL. Coaches will distribute the trophies at the end of the season. 10) Many teams have an END OF THE YEAR PARTY, which is organized by the parents. This is a great opportunity for coaches to distribute photos, trophies, and collect all uniforms!
For more information about the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) and special events for children, youth, and parents contact the staff or explore www.gracestlukes.org.
*Please look at our GSL athletics website (under youth and sports) for current information at www.gracestlukes.org or contact Christi at 901-825-7353 if you have any questions.
Registration Forms www.gracestlukes.org/youth-formation/registration-forms Diocesan Events www.gracestlukes.org/youth-group/diocesan-events
Middle School Sundays, April 7 & 28 9:30 a.m. Rite13 in the Red Room Sundays, April 14 & 21 Intergenerational Activities in Trezevant Hall at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday April 3 6:45 a.m. Biscuits and Bible in the Red Room Sunday April 7 Redbirds Game, 2-4:30 p.m. Wednesday April 10 6:45 a.m. Biscuits and Bible in the Red Room Sunday April 14 Special Friends Easter, 5 p.m. Wednesday April 17 6:45 a.m. Biscuits and Bible in the Red Room Sunday April 21 No EYC Wednesday April 24 6:45 a.m. Biscuits and Bible in the Red Room Sunday April 28 3 p.m. Jumping World
High School
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Outreach Ministry A Step Ahead Foundation
Community Table Garden
A Step Ahead Foundation, a GSL Outreach Grantee, strives to improve educational, economic, and health outcomes for Shelby County women by providing access to the most effective reversible methods of birth control so they can plan their futures and achieve their full potential. Their call center connects women seeking appointments with medical providers, including the Health Department and Christ Community Clinics. Over 45 supervisors at SRVS, and 25 staff members at Kindred Place have participated in their Partners in Prevention training to learn how to start the contraception discussion with their clients. Girls at DuBois Academy, the Hickory Hill Community Center, and the Bernal Smith Boys and Girls Club learn about hygiene, the reproductive system, and self-esteem. Volunteers have assisted the staff in creating Valentines to send to donors and have created booklets for use during Partners in Prevention trainings. For more info, please visit www.astepaheadfoundation.org. GSL parishioners can find out more about ASAF at their April 24 “Lunch and Learn” session at the ASAF offices in Suite 451 of the Crosstown Concourse. The event is from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Lunch is provided. To register go to tinyurl. com/LunchandLearn4-24-19. Those who are interested in volunteering are invited to their next Volunteer Training on April 6 from 10-11:30 a.m. To register, go to tinyurl.com/ VolunteerTraining4-6-19. For additional information, contact Amy Mulroy, amy at astepaheadfoundation.org.
The Community Table Garden is one of our GSL Outreach grantees. The mission is to increase fresh, healthy food access for our most vulnerable neighbors. There are opportunities for volunteers to dig, weed, water and cheer on plants and seedlings as they make their way from the earth. This garden is located in the heart of midtown on Madison in the lot where Anderton’s Restaurant used to be, right next to Huey’s. The CTG grows safe, healthy, organic produce and everything is donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens. Our own food pantry was happy to receive some of the harvest and give away fresh vegetables last season! This past year, thanks to the support from GSL, the Community Table Garden was able to expand the growing area of the garden by about 40%! Five new raised beds were installed that allowed many more rows for planting. They grew tomatoes, herbs, and cut flowers in the new space. A sturdy trellis was added for tomatoes and beans, and will be used for many seasons to come. Also with the funds, a secure storage shed was built at the garden that can be locked and safely keep tools and equipment out of the elements. Many thanks to all of you that participated last year. Get involved: www.communitytablememphis.com, Sarah Taylor at 901-651-6734, communitytablememphis at gmail.com, or Patti Newsom
Food Pantry Facts by Juan Fuentes
We are blessed with many generous people who help “the little food pantry with a BIG heart.” For years Mr. Bob Ruffin has collected food in his apartment building to bring to the food pantry. He always says, "It is a pleasure and no thank you notes are necessary." Well, THANK YOU, Mr. Ruffin, we appreciate it! As mentioned in the March Messenger, we are beginning our new Food Pantry Sunday quarterly schedule. Our next Food Pantry Sundays will be June 30, September 29, and December 29. If we need food in between these times, we will send a request via the Sunday bulletin, newsfeed in the hallway, and the Messenger if time allows. These changes are possible because we have more food pantry storage space, we are able to make larger orders of food from the Food Bank, and we can keep a larger inventory than we have in the past. If you would like to make a financial contribution, or a contribution in honor or in memory of someone, please feel free to do so by placing your check in the Sunday plate or by bringing the check to the church office during regular business hours. We always have to purchase dried milk, bread, margarine, jelly, toilet paper, baby diapers, hygiene products, and shopping bags to pre-bag food. Our thanks and gratitude, as always, for all your help! February, Number of Families served: 42 households, which included 88 adults, 110 children, and 17 seniors.. Volunteer Hours for February: 19.5 hours, which included 8 hours distributing food, 3.5 hours Food Bank pick-up and shelving, 2.5 hours shopping and shelving, 5.5 hours cleaning and re-stocking, not including the hours spent by volunteer packers. Mark your calendars! The last Sunday of the month, June 30, is Food Pantry Sunday! Volunteers are always needed! To volunteer, call Juan Fuentes, 901-849-7033, or email juanjf7777 at aol.com. “We only have what we give.” ― Isabel Allende
The Messenger | April 2019| 9
Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School News SummerFest Registration Continues: SummerFest 2019 remains open! To view the SummerFest program book and to register, visit www.gslschool.org/choose-gsl/summerfest. Questions? Email Emily Merrell at emerrell at gslschool.org. 2019-20 Enrollment Continues! Enrollment continues at GSL as we near the end of the school year. Families interested in learning more about GSL are encouraged toschedule a tour, or for more information, call Enrollment Director Shelly McGuire. She can be reached by email (smcguire at gslschool.org) or at 901-278-0200. Join Us at GSL’s Anchor Auction Friday, April 12 Join us for a fun night with great food provided by Fork it Over Catering, dancing, and silent & live auctions. This is the school’s largest fundraiser of the year, and we hope to see you there! To purchase your tickets today for $85 per person, visit gslschool.formstack.com/forms/auctiontickets19!
GSL School Magazine Distribution: Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School publishes its magazine, The Anchor, twice a year. To view recent publications online, visit www.gslschool.org/about-gsl/theanchor-magazine. If you prefer to receive a printed copy of The Anchor magazine in the mail, please provide your name and mailing address to GSL Director of Communications Brenda Berry via email at bberry at gslschool.org or send your information in the mail to GSL School, Attn: Brenda Berry, 246 S. Belvedere Blvd., Memphis, TN 38104. You may also call her at the school at 901-278-0200.
Fun @ GSL! Last month, students and faculty dressed wacky and tacky for Dr. Seuss Day! Students in different grades paired up to read together and enjoy some snacks.
10 | www.gracestlukes.org
Easter Flower Deadline April 12 If you would like to make a donation in honor of or in memory of a loved one for Easter flowers, you may send a check to the church office (ATTN: LUCY) listing the names of those you would like remembered. These names will be listed in the Easter leaflets if received before April 12. For your convenience, you may also pay online at www. gracestlukes.org/onlinegiving/. Select the "Make a donation for altar flowers" link under "Memorials and Honoraria."
Looking Towards Sunday Revised Common Lectionary Track 2 Year C Apr. 7 Apr. 14 Apr. 18 Apr. 19 Apr. 20 Apr. 21 Apr. 28
5th Sunday in Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Psalm 126 Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 The Liturgy of the Word Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49 Psalm 31:9-16 Maundy Thursday Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Psalm 116:1, 10-17 Good Friday Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 10:16-25 John 18:1-19:42 Psalm 22 Easter Vigil Genesis 1:1-2:4a Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 Zephaniah 3:14-20 At The Eucharist: Romans 6:3-11 Psalm 114 Luke 24:1-12 Easter Day Isaiah 65:17-25 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Luke 24:1-12 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Easter 2 Acts 5:27-32 Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:19-31 Psalm 118:14-29 or Psalm 150 www.gracestlukes.org/discover/this-sundays-texts
The link above is access to Sunday lectionary readings online where you may reflect and pray with them at any time. Also offered are an overview, scripture backgrounds, a reflection, and prayer starter to enhance your worship experience.
Altar Gifts Offered In Loving Memory of April 7
Gerald Michael Malmo, Gerald Michael Malmo, Jr., Adeline Malmo
April 14 Sallie Whitaker Denman, William Emmett Denman, Jr., Ethel Merrin Moss, John Crutcher Moss, Walter Gaines Gordon, Allene Hodges Gordon, Mary Ann Mathison, Barney O’Kane, Bernice W. O’Kane, Maude O’Kane Klyce, Jane Inez Gordon, Francis Gerald Wade, Sr., Margaret Stockard Wade, Mary Anna Stockard Hammet Richmond, Mary Anne Hammet, William Scott Hammet, Jordan Kyle Hammet, Calvin Scott Stockard, Josephine Gibbons Stockard, Mary Abigail Gibbons, Anna Eliza Gibbons, and Newton Hammet April 21
The flowers for Easter Day will be listed in your service leaflets.
April 28
John Paul Jones Jr., Loretta Roberts King, and Monty Hope
Memorials & Honoraria Memorials Ed Wills from Betsy & Preston Wilson, John M. Griesbeck, Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck PLC, Gus & Candy Denton, and Mr. & Mrs. Allen Morgan, Jr. James Burton Alexander from Russell & Martha Kruchten Michael Pleasants Sr. from Ben & Kathy Adams and Jon & Mary McCalla Honoraria The Rev. Amy George from Wiliam M. Short
Holy Baptism Scheduled Baptism is the entry point for The Episcopal Church for adults, children, and infants. The next dates for the administration of the sacrament of Holy Baptism are April 20, Easter Vigil; June 9, Day of Pentecost; and November 3, All Saints' Sunday. If you have not been baptized or would like to schedule a baptism, please contact Connie Johns (Membership & Newcomers), 901252-6327 or connie@gracestlukes.org, or a member of the clergy no less than two weeks before said date. The Messenger | April 2019| 11
Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church 1720 Peabody Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38104-6124 901-272-7425, 901-272-9833 (fax) gsl@gracestlukes.org, www.gracestlukes.org
The Messenger of Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church (USPS 778-900)-published monthly by Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38104. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, (901) 272-7425, email gsl@gracestlukes.org. Lucy Owens, Editor.
Grace-St. Luke's Church benefits from financial gifts to support our life and ministries: visit www.gracestlukes.org/onlinegiving.
POSTMASTER: Please do not hold. Dated Material. Support for the Bishop Elect As the consecration of the Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of West Tennessee draws closer, the Transition Committee has asked that we help welcome Bishop Elect Phoebe Roaf by sharing our favorite things in West Tennessee with her. To that end, we are asking the people of the diocese to submit recommendations for your favorite people, places, and things…from your favorite Italian restaurant…to helpful tips about which roads to avoid at 5 p.m. From an upcoming exhibit you’re excited about…to the dates for this year’s Strawberry Festival in Humboldt (May 5–May 11 if you’re asking). From the dry cleaners you couldn’t live without…to the best plumbers, painters and electricians that keep your home humming. We want to share with her all the things you would want to know if you were new around here. We will compile all the information you send into a binder and present this to her upon her arrival in a lovely basket with gift cards, notes, and some fun local products she might enjoy. There are 4 ways to get involved. Use the online form here: tinyurl. com/BishopSupport. Fill out as much or as little as you want and click submit. Send an email with your recommendations to bishoptips at gmail.com. Any note you send or recommendation you make, will be added to our book and shared with the Bishop. Send a handwritten note in the mail to Bishop Tips c/o Shannon Tucker, PO Box 17036, Memphis, TN 38187, and we will include this in the basket. Send a gift card or local product, by mailing that to the aforementioned PO Box or drop it off at the Diocesan Office with the label Bishop Tips. Please include your name and your parish home when writing. We are so excited about welcoming Bishop Elect Roaf and are glad to be able to share our West Tennessee with her! If you have any questions, please email bishoptips at gmail.com or call or text Shannon Tucker at 901-281-0785.
Calendar Highlights
Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr.
Apr. 4 Public Theology Apr. 7 Called to Grow Apr. 7 Easter Card Offering Apr. 9 Finance Committee Meeting 11 GSL Daytime Book Group 11 Outreach Meeting 12 Easter Flower Deadline 13 Egg Filling Day 14 Palm Sunday 15 Messenger Deadline 15-17 Noon Eucharist 16 Vestry Meeting 17 Community Service 18 Maundy Thursday 19 Good Friday 19 Church Offices Closes @ Noon 20 Easter Vigil 21 Easter Day 22-24 Church Office Closed 25 Third Thursday 28 Contemplative Prayer Group
Calendar Online
Master Calendar: www.gracestlukes.org/events