News for our Parish Community
eNews
November 1, 2019
Investing in Life at Grace-St. Luke’s 2020 Stewardship Campaign: On November 3, we celebrate Pledge Consecration Sunday and the commitments of time, treasure, and talent that our parishioners make in support of the mission and ministries of Grace-St. Luke’s. Your pledge to GSL (simply a considered estimate of what you plan to give for 2020) helps the parish plan and budget for expenses – from superlative music to quality programming for all ages to essential ministries. If you’ve not already done so, please handdeliver or mail your pledge form to the church office, or pledge online at www.gracestlukes.org/pledge. This Sunday, you may also fill out a pledge form and place it in the pledge basket as you come forward for communion. For those who’ve made pledges – thank you! On Sunday, please pick up an “I pledged” card and place it in the pledge basket. Thank you for joining us in investing in life at Grace-St. Luke’s and for all you do to support our parish. In faith and gratitude for life at Grace-St. Luke’s, Allison and Steven King, 2020 Stewardship Chairs
Observing All Saints’ Sunday November 3
Baptisms We will baptize three new Christians: Julia Catherine Meagle, daughter of Natalie and Kevin Meagle; Crosby Prue Peacock, daughter of Price and Dan Peacock; and Charles James Wells, son of Téa and Henry Wells. The next dates for baptisms are January 12, First Sunday of the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord, and April 11, The Great Vigil of Easter.
Parish and Individual Necrology (Call for Names) The names of all those buried from Grace-St. Luke’s since All Saints’ 2018 will be both read aloud and reflected in the worship service leaflet. If parishioners wish to add names of loved ones from this year or previous years to be read aloud, please email them to the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector (orencher@gracestlukes.org) no later than Saturday, November 2.
Incense and Asperges The ceremonial use of incense (hypoallergenic and mild) will be part of the 10:30 a.m. liturgy during the entrance rite, reading of the gospel, and after the altar is set with the gifts. Our Anglican/Episcopal heritage includes this ancient and modern tradition to diversify liturgical expression. All services will include the custom of the Asperges: the celebrant asperses (sprinkles) the congregation with holy water as a reminder of baptism using an aspergillum.
This Week and Beyond
Parish Hall Forum (Oct. 27) At the start of this “gratitude-centric” month, join the Rev. Katherine M. Bush for a time of reflection on poems of gratitude. She will explore the works of various authors and poets, guiding us on a path towards thankfulness. The Parish Hall Forum begins at 9:15 a.m. in Trezevant Hall. For more information, visit www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-morning/.
Public Theology (Nov. 7) All are invited to Public Theology, a GSL monthly (5:30-7 p.m.) formation offering at Celtic Crossing in the Cooper Young neighborhood. We’ll see you Thursday, Nov. 7, for “Saints and Souls Remembered.” November is a month dedicated to remembering. Join the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, fellow parishioners, and friends for a discussion of how our lives are shaped by those saints and souls who went before us. How can we use all they taught us to live the Gospel here and now?
Parents Connect Fall Celebration (Nov. 10) Hey parents, we know you're always on the lookout for a good way to burn your kids' energy while you visit with other adults. We have the perfect opportunity! Join us on Sunday, Nov. 10, for a Parents Connect fall celebration on the Anchor Center Lawn and Miss Lee's playground from 2:30-4:30. All families with kids 5th grade or younger are welcome, and snacks will be provided. Questions? allisonhking at gmail.com or Jennifer.gibbs1 at gmail.com.
To sign up to receive the GSL eNews, go to www.gracestlukes.org/news/weekly-enews/.
Daytime Book Group (Nov. 14)
Our next discussion is Nov. 14 with News of the World by Paulette Jiles. 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 (Nov. 14) The Third Thursday Fellowship’s next gathering is Nov. 14 when we’ll welcome Emily Neff, Executive Director of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Emily will discuss the museum’s new location which will overlook the Mississippi River in Downtown Memphis. We begin at 6 p.m. and end by 8 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, and all members of the congregation, no matter your age, are welcome. Reservations may be made with Abby Huber in the church office (901-252-6336, ahuber@gracestlukes.org) or online at www.gracestlukes.org/events/third-thursday.
38th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee (Nov. 22-23) This year, GSL will host the diocesan community throughout Church and School spaces. Our parish delegation will be the clergy plus six lay delegates, Grant Adams, Linda Khumalo, Debbie McCanless, Chapman Morrow, Lee Nix, Simon Wadsworth, and three lay alternates, Anna Holtzclaw, Ruthie Lentz, and Bruce Williams. For more information and to attend as a guest, visit https://episwtn.org/2019-convention. To assist the convention steering committee with hospitality and more, contact Parish Administrator, Linda Stine (lstine@gracestlukes.org).
Annual Parish Meeting (Nov. 24) All members and newcomers are invited and encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting of the Parish (9:15-10:15 a.m.) on Sunday, Nov. 24, to undertake key business matters, including the election of the Vestry Class of 2022, parish life highlights since the last annual meeting, review of a 2020 operating budget draft, and a state-of-the-parish address from the rector. Stay tuned for a notice about the 2022 Vestry Class Nominees.
Thanksgiving Day Eucharist Join us Thanksgiving morning as we worship together and give thanks for all our many blessings. We will be treated to full choir and trumpet. Thanksgiving Day also marks our “birthday” at GSL. Grace and St. Luke’s churches joined for the first combined service on Thanksgiving Day, 1940. Read more about our founding at www.gracestlukes.org/events/thanksgiving-day-service.
Children & Youth
Youth Formation Nov. 3, Rite 13 and J2A, 9:15-10:10 a.m.
Nov. 3, EYC, 4 p.m. Jr. High; 5 p.m. Sr. High; High School Prayer Breakfast (9th - 12th Grade), Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7-8 a.m. at Ugly Mug on Poplar. Biscuits & Bible (6th - 8th Grade), Wednesday, Nov. 6, 6:45-7:45 a.m. in the Red Room. For more information, contact Director of Youth Formation Amzie Williams at awilliams@gracestlukes.org or 901-252-6326.
Children & Youth Classes Sunday morning classes begin at 9:15 a.m. Your November Messenger has all the details. See below for the Sunday schedule.
Children & Youth Choirs at GSL GSL offers choir opportunities for all ages. To join one, simply come to the rehearsal or contact Director of Music & Choirmaster Dr. Patrick Scott (901252-6323, or pscott@gracestlukes.org), or Assistant Organist & Choirmaster Debbie Smith (901-252-6331, or dsmith@gracestlukes.org). Rehearsal times for 2019-2020: St. Cecilia Choir – K-2nd Grades, Rehearsal on Wednesdays, 4:30-5. Canterbury Choir – 3rd- 6th Grades, Rehearsal on Wednesdays, 5-6.
Around the Diocese
Episcopal Bookshop Events The Episcopal Bookshop Holiday Open House will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 to 3 and on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 9 to 2. Come pick out your holiday gifts, share coffee and treats, and visit with friends. This is a traditional beginning to the holiday season for many. Make it yours!
This Sunday at GSL
Join us for worship, formation, and fellowship on Nov. 3 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 – Coffee Hour 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). More about 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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Our Vision is to be a thriving community of hope, belonging, and healing through worship, parish life, and service, and who rejoices in the love of Jesus to transform the world.