News for our Parish Community
eNews
January 23, 2020
“Awaken Our Spirits to Adventure” A Message from The Rector I love the dawning of a new day, each day that God grants us all. Each is a chance to awaken our spirits to adventure. As each day unfolds, with us attentively looking around at all that God is doing for and through us, may we find personal encouragement in these words from John O’Donohue (To Bless The Space Between Us): "In out-of-the-way places of the heart, where your thoughts never think to wander, this beginning has been quietly forming, waiting until you were ready to emerge…Awaken your spirit to adventure; hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; soon you will be home in a new rhythm, for your soul senses the world that awaits you."
Take Note
All Things Financial (from the Vestry Stewardship Team) Special thanks to Allison and Steven King for joyfully stepping up to lead our 2020 stewardship fundraising campaign, and to so many of you who already have submitted pledges to support the operating budget for this year. Your commitment not only helps assure we continue to have a great worship experience, but also enables us to fulfill our daily operation, in-reach and outreach program, staffing-need, and property care goals. As is typical at this time of year, we still have a number of pledges that are not yet in hand. If you have not had a chance to complete your pledge, please help us by doing so as quickly as you are able. Our Treasurer Bev Trojan, the Finance Committee, and Parish Administrator Linda Stine are currently hard at work finalizing our budget for the year, and would love to hear from you! You may pledge online at www.gracestlukes.org/pledge or by contacting Linda Stine (lstine@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6324).
With our sincere thanks for your generous support and prayerful consideration,
Tom Stephenson, Vestry Commissioner for Stewardship Simon Wadsworth, Senior Warden
A Message from the Senior Warden Many of you have expressed an interest in learning more about what goes on “behind the scenes” at Grace-St. Luke’s, and your Vestry has decided to start 2020 by providing periodic updates. Together with our priests, Ollie, Anne, and Meredith, the Vestry had a very successful retreat at St. Columba Camp and Retreat Center. We accomplished a lot that was practical and which will contribute immensely to our leadership in 2020. Your Vestry really ‘stepped up’ and each member assumed responsibility for commission areas of focus to be announced this month. They are a ‘hands-on’ group and will work directly with the committees and people that form the life of our community. Follow this link for more: www.gracestlukes.org/news/a-message-from-the-senior-warden.
Noon Eucharist So that the GSL clergy can fully participate in the Diocese of West Tennessee Clergy PreLenten Retreat, there will be no Noon Eucharist on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The Wednesday Noon Eucharist Service will resume the following Wednesday on Feb. 19.
January Messenger Download pdf. View Issuu version. Reduced size pdf. Follow this link to the Messenger web page: www.gracestlukes.org/the-messenger. If you are NOT getting the paper copy of the Messenger and would like to have it mailed to you, contact Lucy Owens: 901-252-6333, lowens@gracestlukes.org.
This Week and Beyond
Parish Hall Forum (Jan. 26) “Just City” Memphis with Executive Director Josh Spickler: Founded in 2015, Just City was founded with a mission to advance policies and programs within Shelby County and the State of Tennessee that strengthen the right to counsel and mitigate the damage caused to families and neighborhoods as a result of contact with the criminal justice system. As our baptismal covenant upholds that we will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being, attendees will learn about the ministry of this initiative through a conversation.
The Parish Hall Forum for Feb. 2 is "Called to Serve: Grace-St. Luke’s Outreach, Social Justice, and Community Engagement."
Class descriptions and more at www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-morning. PDF Version
Three-week Book Study & Conversation (Feb. 5, 12, 19) God Has A Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time (Desmond Tutu). Facilitators: The Rev. Meredith Jane Day, The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher Location: Peete Room. Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m. (fellowship/refreshments 66:15). Registration requested online (tinyurl.com/GSLGodHasADream) or call Abby Huber (901-272-7425). Purchase book from local bookseller or online.
Lauren Winner Comes to GSL (Feb. 9) Parish Hall Forum – Exploring The Imagery of Salt and Light in Scripture with The Rev. Lauren Winner: In Matthew 5:12-20, Jesus said that “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.” Join Episcopal priest, Duke Divinity School professor, and author Lauren Winner for a stirring exploration of these biblical images and their implication for living as followers of Jesus. On this same day, all are invited to attend a Memphis “Lunch and Learn with Lauren Winner: The Impact of Anna Julia Cooper and Frederick Douglass on the American Story” from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Trezevant Hall. Register and pay for lunch online tinyurl.com/GSLWinner2020 or contact Abby Huber (901-272-7425, ahuber@gracestlukes.org).
Organ Recital followed by Evensong (Feb. 9) All are invited to a 30-minute recital by Dr. Patrick A. Scott, GSL Director of Music and Organist at 5 p.m. followed Choral Evensong with the Grace-St. Luke’s Choir and spoken Eucharist at 5:30 p.m.
New Offering: Men's Six-Week Fellowship Thursdays through Feb. 13, 7-7:45 a.m. All men are invited to join GSL church member and school parent, Doug Duncan and the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, rector and chaplain to the school, for a weekly evolving conversation about spiritual growth, faith and doubt, current events and concerns, intellectual stimulation, and thoughtful living in a fast world. This relaxed but lively fellowship will gather in the first floor Lounge at GSL Church. Breakfast snacks and coffee provided. You do not need to commit to attending all six weeks. Drop in any time! To sign up or for more information, contact Doug (Doug.Duncan at wolfrivercap.com) or Ollie+ (orencher@gracestlukes.org).
Luna Nova Concert for Violin and Organ (Feb. 13) On Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Luna Nova Music will present a concert of Baroque works including the Vitali Chaconne for violin and piano, a Pachelbel partita for organ, and the Bach Partita in d minor for violin. The performers will be Luna Nova violinist Gregory Maytan and GSL organist Patrick Scott. Maytan has been a member of the Luna Nova ensemble since 2012 and has performed regularly in the Belvedere Festival and other Luna Nova concerts in Memphis. He is currently concertmaster of the Anhaltische Philharmonic Orchestra in Dessau, Germany. An earlier recording of the Bach Chaconne for the Partita is online at: www.lunanova.org/podcasts/Belvedere12/chaconne.mp3. The concert will last approximately an hour with no intermission. Admission is free.
Daytime Book Group (Feb. 13) Our next discussion is Feb. 13 with Educated by Tara Westover. 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. A list of books for upcoming months may be found at www.gracestlukes.org/events/daytime-book-group.
Women's Retreat (Feb. 21-22) This year, we are delighted that the Rev. Katherine Bush and Mrs. Shari Ray will bring the themes of their popular class “The Meaning of Life” from St. Mary’s Episcopal School to the GSL Women’s Retreat. You can look forward to great conversations about how we make meaning as we move through our daily work, our struggles, our relationships, and seek out more joy in our lives. We’ll read a little, write a little, talk a lot, and have a great time together. And of course, there will be plenty of time to rest, experience fellowship, and enjoy the beautiful grounds of St. Columba. The retreat will take place February 21 (approx. 5 p.m.) until February 23 (approx. 11 a.m.) at St. Columba Retreat Center just outside of Memphis. Cost is $150. Please register by February 18 at the following link: www.gracestlukes.org/events/womens-retreat.
Outreach
Grace-St. Luke’s Volunteers — Dr. David Hickey A parishioner at GSL for almost 50 years, David is a volunteer physician at Church Health, the faith-based provider of medical care to Memphis’ uninsured working population. David first got acquainted with Church Health when he was with Conrad Pearson Clinic and the providers there did pro bono consults and surgery for Church Health patients. Following
David’s retirement in 2012, Dr. Scott Morris the founder and CEO of Church Health urged him to join Church Health’s corps of on-site volunteer physicians. David agreed and has found that working every Friday at Church Health is one of the most rewarding aspects of his retirement. Read more at www.gracestlukes.org/news/grace-st-lukes-volunteersdr-david-hickey
Children & Youth
Children & Youth Classes Sunday morning classes begin at 9:15 a.m. Your January Messenger has all the details. See below for the Sunday schedule.
Youth Formation Jan. 26, Rite 13 and J2A, High School Prayer Breakfast: Jan. 28, 7 - 8 a.m., at Ugly Mug on Poplar Middle School Biscuits and Bible: Jan. 29, 6:45-7:45 a.m., in the Red Room
Visit www.gracestlukes.org/youth-formation/ for more information or contact Director of Youth Formation Amzie Williams at awilliams@gracestlukes.org or 901-252-6326.
This Sunday at GSL
Join us for worship, formation, & fellowship on Jan. 26 8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist 8:45 a.m. – Delicious home-cooked breakfast. 9:15 a.m. – Adults: Parish Hall Forum (details above) 9:15 a.m. – Christian Formation classes for children Nursery
Infant Room (Newborn–Walking) Toddler Room (Walking–Potty Training) Little Lambs Room (Potty Training–Atrium Ready) Location: Church Nursery with the Nursery Staff Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Atrium I 3–6 year olds: Pre–K, JK, SK Location: Atrium I (Green Room) Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Atrium II 6–9 year olds: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade Location: Atrium II (Purple Room) Project Purpose
4th–5th Grade Location: Yellow Room 9:15 a.m. – Christian Formation classes for youth Rite 13 6th–8th Grade Location: Red Room J2A
9th–12th Grade Location: Red Room 10:30 a.m. – Holy Eucharist Following the 10:30 service – Reception Nursery – The nursery is available from 7:30 a.m. through the end of the 10:30 service 5:30 p.m. – Holy Eucharist Episcopal Youth Community (details above). Christian Formation at GSL
Children: www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-school
Youth: www.gracestlukes.org/youth-formation
Adults: www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-morning/
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Grace-St. Luke's Church · 1720 Peabody Ave · Memphis, TN 38104