Summer 2023 Messenger

Celebrate Summer 2023 with GSL: Bind Us Together, Lord.

This summer, life at GSL will be a perfect season for the church family to spend more time together through meaningful weekly and monthly offerings. During the months of June, July, and early August, when most lives and activities are likely slower, gathering for worship enriched with music, fellowship, and service promises to be restoration for our souls.

The spiritual journeys of followers of Jesus always are enriched whenever Christians assemble to celebrate the baptismal faith that lives in us and binds us together. This sacred bond reminds me of a favorite hymn from the Sunday evening Holy Eucharist of my time 20 years ago serving as Episcopal Campus Minister at the University of Mississippi and Assistant to the Rector of St. Peter’s Church in Oxford: “Bind us together, Lord. Bind us together with cords that cannot be broken. Bind us together, Lord. Bind us together. Bind us together in love.”

Worship life at GSL purposefully changes to a temporary Sunday summer schedule from June 4 through August

6: One Sunday 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with choir and organ and a monthly 5 p.m. Holy Eucharist featuring a variety of guest musicians on June 4, July 9, and August

6 followed by an intergenerational supper at 5:45 p.m. In our thriving, fun, and growing parish of approximately 1,000 members, the spiritual practice of gathering in some new ways is bound to deepen relationships and strengthen this church, which has been serving God since 1940 from the corner of Peabody and Belvedere in Midtown Memphis. Imagine the blessing and growth of

congregating and inviting family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate God’s abundance with us!

Enjoy and share this issue of The Messenger, which highlights the recent past, tells about the present, and points to the future of our communal ministry. This summer and always, we are bound together in the love of Jesus and called to walk by faith and not by sight.

Grace-St. Luke’s 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.

I look forward to focusing on our vision and seeing you regularly at GSL and around Memphis!

Faithfully and in peace, Ollie+

The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector 901-252-6320 | orencher@gracestlukes.org

Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church Vision Statement

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.

Celebrate Summer 2023 at GSL SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Join us on Sundays June 4 through August 6: 9–9:30 a.m. for breakfast and 10 a.m. for Holy Communion with choir and organ. Monthly at 5 p.m. (June 4, July 9, August 6) all are invited to Holy Communion with guest musicians followed by supper at 5:45 p.m. As a community of hope, belonging, and healing, GSL is looking forward to a summer of meaningful weekly and monthly offerings. All are invited to join us this season for worship, fellowship, and service that is bound to deepen relationships and strengthen the body of Christ. Join our faith community in serving God from the corner of Peabody and Belvedere in Midtown Memphis. Visit gracestlukes.org/summer to explore the summer schedule and sign up for supper.

News from the Rev. Dr. Jesse W. Abell

Greetings, friends!

It’s hard to believe that we’re already to the end of another school and program year! I hope all is well with you all and your families.

As we move into the summer months, transitions abound. We’ll move to a summer schedule again on Sundays, and our usual formation offerings will be on hiatus until the fall. We’ll also be searching for a new youth minister, after the amazing Amzie Williams transitions from GSL to a new staff position at Church of the Holy Communion.

Still, there will be some summer formation opportunities! Children and Family Ministries Director Anthony Calzia is organizing one or two intergenerational worship/activity/supper opportunities, called “Messy Church.” We did this program in one of my previous congregations, and it was a ton of fun for all ages! Stay tuned!

During the summer months, we’ll also offer a monthly Public Theology gathering once again. We’ll probably vary the location, but mark your calendars for Wednesdays, June 8, July 13, and August 10, 5:30–6:30 p.m. We’ll gather for informal conversation about a particular topic or issue. It will be a great time for community, for learning, and for discussion.

And, of course, pastoral care ministry continues in full swing yearround, even in summer, as needs arise. I’m grateful for the faithful care and compassion of our pastoral care volunteers, for Beth Perkins and Natalie Davis, who co-lead our pastoral care ministry team, and for my fellow clergy colleagues. Please reach out if you are in need of pastoral care, guidance, or if you are having surgery. We want to be there to help support you!

Peace, Jesse+

The Rev. Dr. Jesse W. Abell, Associate Rector Pastoral Care and Formation

901-252-6330 | jesse.abell@gracestlukes.org

News from the Rev. Laura F. Gettys

A Summer Poem for reflection and to enjoy in the days ahead.

What will we do with our one, precious life this summer?

The Summer Day by Mary Oliver Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean-the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away. I don’t know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do With your one wild and precious life?

Peace, Laura+

The Rev. Laura F. Gettys, Associate Rector

Community Engatement and Congregational Development

901-252-6329 | lgettys@gracestlukes.org

Welcome, Facilities Manager Chris Swenson. On May 22, Chris joined the Clergy-Staff Team to serve as “principle building engineer,” reporting to Director of Finance and Operations John Barnum.

Belvedere Chamber Music Festival

June 21-24

The 17th Annual Belvedere Chamber Music Festival will be at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church June 21–24, 2023. Concerts are each evening Wednesday through Saturday at 7 and on Friday and Saturday afternoons at 3. This festival has been presented each year at Grace-St. Luke’s since 2007. It is produced by Luna Nova Music (www.lunanova.org) for the purpose of featuring masterworks of the 20th and 21st centuries as well as new works by young, aspiring composers. The festival features twenty performers from Memphis and around the world. Some of the composers featured in this year’s festival are Debussy, Ravel, Bartok, Piazzolla, and Poulenc, as well as many others. Concerts last approximately an hour with no intermission. All concerts are free and open to the public. There will be an opening reception in Trezevant Hall after the concert on Wednesday night. All of the specific program details are at belvederefestival.org and by emailing lunanovamusic@gmail.com or calling its director, Patricia Gray, at 901-493-0958. Complete videos of all the recent festival performances are available at: belvederefestival.org/video. html. Please come and invite friends and neighbors.

GSL Daytime Book Group Summer Reading List

Get a head start on reading for the 2023–2024 Grace-St. Luke’s (GSL) Daytime Book Group. The book group meets on the second Thursday of the month, September through May from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at GSL. Bring your lunch if you like. No obligations or requirements, just show up if you read the book, are thinking of reading the book, or just want some nice company who loves books. For further information or to add your name to the mailing list, contact Janie Morris or Carol Ann Mallory via Realm (gracestlukes.org/realm) or through the church office (901-272-7425).

2023-2024 Book List

gracestlukes.org/gsl-daytime-book-group

September 5 Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout

October 3 Horse by Geraldine Brooks Horse

November 7 Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

December 5 Memphis by Tara Stringfellow

January 2 Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer

February 6 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

March 5 The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

April 2 The Sentence by Louise Erdrich

May 7 Amy and lsabelle by Elizabeth Strout

The Episcopal Churchmen of Tennessee

Public Theology: Lively Faith in Casual Conversation, June, July, August. Join a member of the clergy and your fellow GSL members for informal conversation about faith and life in a laid-back, casual environment. On Thursdays, June 8, July 13, and August 10, we’ll gather in a quiet space of a local establishment starting at 5:30 p.m. The conversation will continue for an hour or so. No reservations or sign-up needed, just show up! For more details, including each topic, visit gracestlukes.org/public-theology

Vacation Bible School 2023: ReNew: The Green VBS

Dates: June 28 | July 5 | July 12 | July 19

Sign up: tinyurl.com/GSL2023VBS

gracestlukes.org/vacation-bible-school

Join us this summer as we dig (pun intended) into the Parable of the Sower from Mark’s Gospel. There is a deep connection between God and creation, one that we forget at our peril. Jesus used many agricultural metaphors to teach us about God and our responsibilities to our communities. This year GSL and Calvary Episcopal Churches are joining together to offer ReNew VBS. ReNew is a curriculum that empowers kids in grades PreK–Grade 5 to grow in faith, have fun, and change the world. Each day, kids will explore Jesus’ Parable of the Sower with three age-appropriate activities that help kids learn how to care for God’s creation. Experience the change your kids can make today!

VBS will be on Wednesday nights from 5:30–8 p.m. and a kid friendly dinner will be provided each night. Rising JK through 5th graders are welcome to attend. The cost is $10 a night, with a family maximum $25 per night. This year we will offer a 4-day package at $30 dollars per child, with a $90 family max. While summer schedules are busy, and the dates for this year were announced later than hoped, we hope parents and volunteers will make every effort to attend. The lessons, while being able to stand alone, are the most impactful as a whole. Adult and youth assistants are needed (a special gift awaits all who serve!)

Anthony Calzia Director of Children & Family Ministry

901-252-6321

acalzia@gracestlukes.org

Generations of Generosity

Giving comes in so many forms—sharing time, funds, expertise, and presence are all ways our parishioners contribute to the life of our church. The Beatty family is an exceptional example of this kind of generosity that has extended over three generations and counting. Many of you have seen the portrait of the Rt. Rev. Troy Beatty which hangs in the Peete conference room. Bishop Beatty first served as rector of Grace Church where he was described as having “made a place for himself in the hearts of all his parishioners as well as in the civic life of Memphis.” In 1919 he was elected coadjutor and consecrated bishop at Grace Church. Following in his father’s footsteps of service, Troy Beatty Jr. served on the vestry of Grace Church and stewarded the parish as senior warden through the tumultuous time that led to the merger of Grace and St. Luke’s parishes. A friend characterized Mr. Beatty as “unselfish in leadership, intense in enthusiasm, and steadfast in perseverance.” He went on to serve no fewer than 5 times as senior warden over 50 years of stalwart membership at Grace and Grace-St. Luke’s.

Tina Beatty McWhorter inherited her father and grandfather’s community spirit and dedicated leadership. A Memphian through and through, she majored in economics at Rhodes College and received a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Memphis. She worked at IBM but is remembered most fondly by her many students for the years spent teaching mathematics and computer sciences at Grace-St. Luke’s School, St. Mary’s School, and Hutchison School.

The Beatty family’s foundational support of our parish community will now extend for another generation and beyond thanks to a most generous gift from Mrs. McWhorter’s estate. Her gift to the Grace-St. Luke’s endowment fund will provide continued opportunities for congregational development and support programming for all ages for years to come.

The Grace-St. Luke’s endowment exists because people like you, who care deeply about our parish, continue to share what you have in support of our community. All gifts to the endowment, whether large or small, provide the firm foundation that helps our church thrive in this generation and the next. Learn more about The Cornerstone Society at gracestlukes.org/plannedgiving. We’re so grateful to be supported by givers like the Beatty family who share their time, money, ideas, and presence to make Grace-St. Luke’s “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.”

Chapman Morrow

Membership and Stewardship Associate

901-252-6328 | cmorrow@gracestlukes.org

The Rt. Rev. Troy Beatty

Troy Beatty Jr.

Tina Beatty McWhorter

2023 Education for Ministry Graduates

Karen Clark, Jennifer Sansing Hughes, Mary Layton, Dawn Currica

We are honoring those who are completing the Education for Ministry (EfM) program this year. For anyone who doesn’t know about EfM, a short explanation is in order. EfM is a non-degree, four-year study that is part of the outreach program from the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee. This program is designed for lay people and is not for the purpose of ordination. Participants sign up for a year at a time to become more familiar with the Bible, the history of the development of Christianity, and theology. The group has assigned readings that are discussed at weekly meetings. The goal is to deepen one’s understanding of personal theology and how it relates to an individual’s life and how that theology applies to living in today’s world.

Dawn Currica is completing the program with her EfM group at Holy Communion. We celebrate her achievement and look forward to benefiting from her gifts here at GSL.

Here at GSL our EfM group has three women who have completed all four years and have earned certificates from Sewanee. Here are some of the comments about them and their gifts that their companions during this year have made:

Karen Clark

Karen thinks deeply and expresses her thoughts honestly and carefully and clearly, and she pushes those around her to do the same. I admire her fierce devotion to and care for those she loves. Such a good listener, a great processor of information and a quick and insightful responder. Karen is pure strength—she faces whatever head on and moves forward. I love her discussions on the readings. Karen leads with intelligence and kindness. She is a practiced listener. She knows her own mind, is open to new ideas, and is adept at summarizing. If I ever needed an advocate for any reason, she’d be my choice. Karen is brilliant and expresses her thoughts with clarity. I am always excited to hear what she thinks and I appreciate that she’s honest about her opinions without ever discounting what someone else thinks. Endurance/Dedication swirled with Cool. She has brought such depth, wisdom and logical insight to our readings. I admire her motherhood and how she has instilled a sense of servant leadership and life purpose in her daughter and son. I love having her greet me on Sunday morning as a vestry member.

Jennifer Sansing Hughes

I admire Jennifer’s willingness to be vulnerable and to embrace all that life brings her—great joy and deep sorrow and everything in between. She is vibrant and expressive and raw, a firework with endurance. Brings such a happy disposition and positive outlook to every class; manages to find the real meaning in dense text. Jennifer is pure love and light.

You can’t help but be uplifted when you’re with her. She is selfless— sometimes to a fault, but it always comes from a place of love. She has survived and thrived! She is a safe place—no judgement, just love. Jennifer is very bright and is all heart. She does the hard work, always identifies with the underdog, and is frequently brought to tears on behalf of the human condition. Strength swirled with Cool. Jennifer is such a warm presence in EfM. She doesn’t hold back her feelings and it makes it a safer place for all of us to do the same. She is full of light, love and laughter. She has brought such joyfulness to our class. I will never forget when she helped me in a windstorm bring Valentine cookies inside. While many were blowing away, I said a “bad word” and she spontaneously laughed uncontrollably …I caught it and we entered the room in convulsive laughter to many stares. We are bonded forever!

Mary Layton

I admire Mary’s openness to different viewpoints and new experiences. She is an adventurer, always seeking to expand her boundaries, to live life more fully and abundantly. Always seeks out new experiences and able to respond wisely from such a variety of perspectives. “There is definitely something about Mary!” Fierceness is what comes to mind. She has lived a full life and done so with courage, strength, and determination. I have such admiration for her ability to uproot, move to a new city, and continue to live a full, rich life. I love the way she embraces her family and friends. Mary is the epitome of educated, refined elegance. Her life experience and education make her a joy to have in a seminar setting. Her contribution is wisdom. Inspirational swirled with Cool. I admire Mary’s consistent thirst for knowledge and new experiences. She is always questioning our material and trying to find ways to apply it to her life. As a cradle Episcopalian, she is very wise and experienced in life. I have appreciated her sharing her cultural relatedness from racial and geographical perspectives. I love how she still pursues new life experiences by visiting all parts of our community through worship traditions. She has added so much to my spiritual journey.

Group members also include Margaret Craddock, Carol Ann Mallory, and Ellen Rolfes who have finished up their first year. Beth Perkins is repeating EfM and is finishing up her second year again. Stephani Adair, Tracy Banks, and Brenda Medling (also repeating) are completing their third year.

Mentors for the group are the Rev. Amanda McGriff and Lee Nix. Please feel free to speak to anyone in the group about EfM and the experience.

–Submitted by Lee Nix

Recreation & Wellness gracestlukes.org/athletics

Summer Update

THANK YOU to all the Spring Soccer, T-ball, and Baseball Head and Assistant Coaches

Soccer Coaches:

Jake Graham, Tommy Stephenson, Toby Sells, Mary Gupta, Billy Willson, Andrew Dycus, Chris Wood, David Tuttle, Erin Pattee, Michael McKenna, Jay Gardner, Will Maddox, James Johnson, Daniel Riederer, Jack McKee, Anang Shelat, Daniel Fundo, Josh Shipley and Steven King.

T-Ball & Baseball Coaches:

Zach Pretzer, Tyler Cannon, Tommy Stephenson, Nate VanderLinde, Robert Morgan, David Adams, Drew Fontenot, Michael McKenna, David Tuttle, Coleton Segars, Mason Lowe, Meredith Lowe, Jerry Gilless, Steven King, Brian Fisher, Ryan Gibbs and Jeremiah Dickerson.

2023 GSL Church Sports “PARENTS” What to Expect Fall Soccer & Flag Football TOP 10 CHECK LIST

1) SOCCER TEAM ASSIGNMENTS are made according to an individual’s school grade (birthday) and ability, with an effort to make teams as even as possible. Spring team rosters re-divide starting in the fall. Fall and spring teams stay together for one year.

2) By tradition, recreational league coaches are VOLUNTEER PARENT COACHES. We make every effort to equip coaches with knowledge and assistance in order to provide quality coaching.

3) FALL SPORTS PRACTICES may begin mid-August and are most often held at the GSL field. Your coach will contact parents no later than August 20, upon receipt of his/her team roster. JK/SK (U5–U6) coaches typically have one practice per week/weekend and U8-U10 may have up to two pre-season practices per week/weekend, dropping to one when the season begins. Please contact Athletic Director Christi Authement if you have not heard from your coach by August 20.

4) SOCCER SEASON is September 9–November 11 for JK–4th grades. Games are Saturday mornings and afternoons. The season ends November 12. Game schedules are distributed by the 1st week in September.

FLAG FOOTBALL SEASON is September 9–November 11 for 1st–4th grade boys only. Games are Saturday mornings and afternoons and are played at ESCRA League designated flag football fields.

5) FALL SPORTS TEAM PHOTOS are held at the GSL field. Day/Times TBA. Pictures will be distributed by the coaches at the end of the season.

6) SOCCER UNIFORMS are provided by GSL (red or silver jersey and black or red shorts). Players will provide their own (suggested RED) soccer socks. The uniforms are distributed by coaches before the first game. I will do my best to get uniforms to coaches in a timely manner. Football uniforms & equipment are provided by GSL. Football players provide their own mouthpiece.

7) GSL RECYCLES UNIFORMS each year to keep the replacement costs low. Please return your uniform to your coach (or in the UNIFORM DROP BOX–date TBA) at the end of the season.

8) TROPHIES are provided by GSL. Coaches will distribute trophies at the end of the season.

9) Many teams have an END OF SEASON PARTY organized by the parents. This is a great opportunity for coaches to hand out pictures, trophies, and collect uniforms.

10) BASKETBALL REGISTRATION is September 1–30. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and does fill up quickly! Mandatory Basketball Assessment Days are October 23 for 1st–4th grades only in the GSL Gym. Times TBA.

Christi Authement

Recreation and Wellness Director

901-252-6325 | cauthement@gracestlukes.org

Recreation & Wellness

gracestlukes.org/wellness

Pilates

GSL’s Pilates class with Sydney is adding another day: Thursday. So, join us on Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30–6:15 p.m. in McClure Hall. For details about the class, visit gracestlukes.org/pilates.

Yoga

Yoga with Anne meets on Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m. in Trezevant Hall. For more information, visit gracestlukes. org/yoga

Coach Drew Fontenot’s Coach Pitch boys team move into PERFECT postition to PLAY BALL!

Coach Steven King’s U8 boys team celebrating their GOAL WIN!

Coach Daniel Riederer’s U5 soccer team taking a break at half-time during their Saturday soccer game. What a BEAUTIFUL day for soccer!

Grace-St. Luke’s Friends of Music Guild

This coming 2023-2024 season, Grace-St. Luke’s Friends of Music Guild will launch a series of beautiful liturgies and exciting concerts. The GSL Choir will continue singing Choral Evensong on the third Sundays of most months, September through May; in October we’ll celebrate our patronal feast, St. Luke, with guest choirmaster-organist Dr. Maxine Thévenot. For the Feast of All Saints, we’ll have the distinct pleasure of welcoming the choir of Calvary Episcopal, Memphis, to join with the GSL Choir to sing one of the greatest pieces of choral literature ever written, Maurice Duruflé’s magnificent Requiem. Later in November, Dr. Patrick Scott will get to join Scott Moore, trumpet, and members of the brass section of the Memphis Symphony to perform works for brass and organ! We’ll offer TWO services of Lessons & Carols, one each for Advent and for Holy Week. If you’ve never heard Tchaikovsky’s

Nutcracker performed by a jazz band, you’ll not want to miss Johnny Yancey and friends from the Memphis Jazz Workshop perform this incredible work in a new way! In April, we’ll welcome one of the greatest organists of our day, David Briggs. Born in the UK and now living in New York, he performs all over the world and will present a program of orchestral transcriptions, organ literature, and improvisation.

Those services and concerts are able to happen because of generous financial support to the Friends of Music Guild. To ensure that Grace-St. Luke’s can continue to host events such as these for years to come, we welcome any gift to the Friends of Music Guild through check paid to Grace-St. Luke’s with “Friends of Music Guild” in the memo line, or online at gracestlukes.org/friendsof-music. We’ll include your name and donation tier in concert programs.

Individual Donor levels are:

Saint: $1,000 and above

Seraphim: $750–999

Archangel: $500–749

Angel: $250–499

Guarantor: $100–249

Patron: $50–99

Dr. Patrick A. Scott, Director of Music and Organist

901-252-6323

pscott@gracestlukes.org

2023-2024 Friends of Music Concert Series

Sunday, September 17, 2023

5 pm

Choral Evensong (observing Holy Cross Day)

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir

Sunday, October 15, 2023

The Feast of St. Luke

10:30 am Holy Eucharist

5 p.m. Choral Evensong

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir & the Memphis Boy & Girl Choir with Guest Choirmaster-Organist Dr. Maxine Thévenot (Canon Precentor, Director of Cathedral Music & Organist at the Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque, NM)

Sunday, November 5, 2023

The Feast of All Saints

5 pm

Choral Requiem Eucharist Requiem, Maurice Duruflé

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir & the Choir of Calvary Episcopal Church, Dr. Kristin Lensch, Director of Music & Organist with members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, November 19, 2023

5 pm

A Concert of Music for Brass & Organ

Dr. Patrick A. Scott, organ Scott Moore, trumpet, with members of the Memphis Symphony Brass

Sunday, December 10, 2023

5 pm

Advent Lessons & Carols

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir & the Memphis Boy & Girl Choir

An Advent festive party will follow.

Monday, December 18, 2023

6 pm

The NuTcRackeR, arr. by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn

Johnny Yancey, trumpet, and members of the Memphis Jazz Workshop

The Nutcracker Suite, originally recorded by American pianist, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington for Columbia

Records in 1960 featuring jazz interpretations of the 1892 ballet

“The Nutcracker.”

Sunday, January 21, 2024

5 pm

Choral Evensong

(observing the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle)

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir

Sunday, February 18, 2024

5 pm

Choral Evensong for the first Sunday in Lent

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir

Sunday, March 24, 2024

5 pm

Holy Week Lessons & Carols

A Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir

Sunday, April 14, 2024

6:30 pm

David Briggs, Organist

One of the leading organists in the world, David Briggs has performed internationally for most of his life and is a leading organist of our time specializing in repertoire, transcriptions, improvisation, and choral and instrumental compositions. He will play a concert comprised of all the styles for which he is famous.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

5 pm

Choral Evensong (observing the Feast of St. Mark)

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir

Sunday, May 19, 2024

5 pm

Choral Evensong for the Feast of Pentecost

The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir

Children & Family Ministries

gracestlukes.org/childrens-formation

Summertime Sum-Up

There are days, times, and seasons when it is good to take stock. Many use birthdays, holy days of the church year, or January 1st to reflect on how life is going, things they want to celebrate, things they’d like to improve, questions that have emerged, or new thoughts and feelings that have changed over a period of time. As we approach the end of the program year in Children and Family Ministries (CFM), I thought I would share some things we can celebrate together, some things on the horizon, and how we might keep up our connections and community within CFM and the parish more broadly over the summer months.

We have a lot to celebrate! The pandemic changed so many rhythms and GSL had to adjust. When I arrived in August, many families were just stepping back into church buildings. As of April 30, we are averaging about 15 children in Sunday Formation and 18 children in Children’s Church (we had 42 on Easter and have had over 20 many Sundays). We baptized 17 children into the family we call Church! We have hosted several Parents Connect fellowship times, Playdates in the Park, and other gatherings. One of the main images of the people of God in the Bible is “family.” The church is the family of God! Siblings to one another, called to weep with those who weep and celebrate with those who celebrate! Some families have experienced deaths or losses, some births, and in it all, our clergy and our community have supported each other. In this we can rejoice!

We also celebrate the brave children who have stepped in to read Scripture or Prayers of the People at our 10:30 service (thank you Ali, Charlie, Hazel, Janie, Mays, and Norah), the gardening collaboration between the church and school, and many other acts of ministry. We acknowledge and celebrate the volunteers who have answered the call to help teach and mentor the children of the parish! I especially name here Stephani Adair, Kathleen Behnke, Sam Boyd, Janelle Calzia, Amelia and Ben Cowan, Melanie French, Josh Gettys, Jenn and Ryan Gibbs, Amy Hudson, Maureen Kennedy, Allison and Steven King, Catherine and Ryan Knoll, Simone Meeks, Price Peacock, Hannah Phillips, Pete Shearon, Sharon and Josh Shipley, Betsy and Matt Sights, and Bruce Williams. In some way, each of these ministers has made a difference this year in the lives of our kids and our parish, and by so doing, within the world! There are others as well, unnamed folks who have remained behind the scenes, but whose work is vital. Thank you to our nursery attendants:

Izabella Arsenault, Teresa Betts, Ariel Laws, Virginia Rostock, and Elizabeth Woods. There are also parents and other caring adults whose support is known only to God through prayer, words of encouragement, bringing their kids to events, donations, and financial generosity! We have an abundance of reasons to celebrate!

What lies ahead? We are praying and planning to continue offering transformative programming for children and families. This summer we will slow down, but never stop having opportunities for hope, healing, and belonging in CFM. Vacation Bible School will begin Wednesday June 28, and continue for four weeks (please sign up, see page 5 for details). Intergenerational activities like Messy Church, a church service done in a way we are not used to, are being planned for July (join our planning team if you can). Messy Church is a church that helps people encounter Jesus as Lord and Savior. Messy Church is about being Christ-centered, for all ages, creative, hospitable to all, and full of celebration! You can find more information at messychurchusa.org/faq. Children’s Chapel will continue to offer the gospel message every Sunday at a level appropriate to children with activities and crafts. Other possibilities exist and await our dreaming and showing up to them!

How might we stay connected and move forward into summer?

First, we take a deep breath! And maybe a few more! Life is busy. Sickness, housework, school, sports, etc., etc., take a lot out of us. God made us to love God, ourselves, and our neighbors. So, we breathe, knowing we can love well, only while we are breathing!

Next, we stay as connected as we can. Plan to attend church, occasional events, make playdates with GSL friends (and new friends). We thank God for a slower pace (hopefully) and try to live gratefully with each other.

While we breathe, give thanks, slow down, stay engaged, we also prayerfully consider the future. The church is unique in many ways because without the active financial and embodied support of volunteers, the ministry breaks down. I am hyper-active by nature and brain chemistry. Yet, there is only so much I can do alone. Many have joined the work of CFM this year! What will next year look like? I don’t know. But I hope for more ministers on Sundays for children’s classes, more chances for parents and kids to gather for fellowship, and more opportunities to shape and mold our lives around the resurrected life Jesus lives and calls us all to live! What are your gifts? What has the inner voice of your spirit spoken to you? Where will you make your little corner of GSL and the world brighter, more beautiful, loving? While you reflect and breathe, give thanks to God for a slower summer pace, live in gratitude for abundance, and reach out for help and support when you need it. And in all this, breathe deeply a few more times!

With a heart of gratitude, in Easter joy,

Anthony Calzia Director of Children and Family Ministries

901-252-6321 | acalzia@gracestlukes.org

Food Pantry Ministry News

Greetings from the GSL Cooking Teams! We have been busy filling our freezer with healthy meals for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Eight teams continue to cook once every six weeks to prepare a variety of recipes to feed 120 patrons each week. By the end of April, we had fed 1,540 individuals.

Church Health representatives meet GSL volunteers every Tuesday morning to pick up frozen meals. These meals are then distributed by Church Health to their patrons. In addition to this distribution, we continue to invite Church Health patrons with transportation to come to GSL to pick up additional meals. Currently, seven families are coming to GSL to receive additional meals. Patrons have shared that their meals are easy to heat up at home and are delicious. They also appreciate that the meals are low in sugar, salt, and fat.

We are grateful for our two sponsors, Palazola Produce and Cash Saver, who provide fresh produce and dry goods every week. These incredible sponsors help us to reduce food cost and meet the needs of those with food insecurities. If you are interested in fun and fellowship while serving others, this ministry offers that!! If you would like to join a cooking team, lead a cooking team, and/or distribute meals to Church Health patrons, please reach out to Congregational Life Associate Abby Huber (ahuber@gracestlukes.org) or Jerry Hudson through Realm (tinyurl.com/ RealmJerryHudson). We look forward to hearing from you!!

–Submitted by Amy Hudson

Food Pantry Cooking Team hard at work preparing meals for Church Health

Social Justice

gracestlukes.org/social-justice

Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action & Hope

“Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.”

Micah 6:8

MICAH (Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope) is a coalition of community and faith-based organizations joining together to give a more powerful voice for issues of justice in our city. MICAH focuses on three equity pillars: Education, Economic and Race and Class Equity in the Justice System.

The Economic Task Force is focused on holding MATA (Memphis Area Transit Authority) accountable for improving our transit system by finding longterm sources of funding which could be directed to improve the bus routes and schedules to underserved communities.

The Education Task Force is actively working with other community organizations calling for transparency and integrity to the MSCS (Memphis Shelby County Schools) Superintendent Search process. They have asked the Board to adopt and implement the Community Super Search Plan described at Bit.ly/communitysupersearchplan.

Race and Class Equity (R.A.C.E) in the justice system has a call to action to hold our city leaders and officials accountable to make systemic changes to policies to avoid future harm and death during individuals’ encounters with law enforcement. There is a sign up on the micahmemphis.org website with calling information if you would like to join this action.

MICAH held an Organizing 101 training Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for a foundational training that introduces the basics of community

organizing using the faith-based organizing methodology of the Gamaliel Network. This was ideal for anyone passionate about social justice and equity and looking for ways to make a meaningful difference in their community.

Please join us on the second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. (September–May) in the lounge to discuss issues and ways to make a difference in our community. If you’d like to learn more about MICAH, visit their website at micahmemphis.org or contact Barb Frazer, Murray McKay or Laura Gettys+ via REALM (onrealm.org/gracestlukes).

Sacred Ground

For the past two falls, GSL has offered “Sacred Ground,” a film and readings-based dialogue series on race and faith from the National Church. Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, the National Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice for our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. Three small groups walked through 11 weeks of America’s history of race and racism while weaving in threads of family story, class, and political and regional identity.

Here is a preview video to learn a bit more: Sacred Ground—The Episcopal Church (episcopalchurch. org/sacred-ground).

Please take a moment to read Price Peacock’s and Nikki Wright’s reflections on their individual experiences with Sacred Ground. They are included on the next page.

Then, if you’re interested, please contact the Rev. Laura F. Gettys, Jennie VanDeveer, Nicki Soule, or Sally Barron on Realm (onrealm.org/gracestlukes) or through the church office (901-272-7425). The deadline for sharing your interest is August 14.

–Submitted by Barb Frazer

Sacred Ground: Lessons in History, Shame, and Inspiration

by Nikki Wright

Sacred Ground deals with racism’s terrible legacy and offers Christ-centered actions to heal its wounds.

I believed I was “woke.” I believed I didn’t see color. I was trying. That was enough, right?

The class laid bare the ugly truth of white America’s oppression of so many. I dreaded the homework and soon realized I was anything but woke. I was ashamed to be part of a group who had perpetrated this, century after century. I also became angry at previous generations for leaving us all with the disastrous consequences. This wasn’t my fault. How could I be expected to fix it? The problem was too big.

Then I examined my behavior. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and once I did know, I was appalled at my attitudes, some buried so deep I was unaware of them. Again, I was ashamed, this time at myself. I began to despair. What was the point? It seemed hopeless.

The class then turned to grief, reckoning, and repentance. If we grieve for what has been lost, repent collectively and individually, and are forgiven, we can all heal, oppressor and oppressed, and move forward. The last class dealt with specific ways to get involved. We had come full circle. We were enlightened, saddened, repentant, and now inspired to make a difference.

I urge everyone to take this class. It will change you.

The Gift of Sacred Ground

by Price Peacock

Writing this reflection piece on what I gained from participating in Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Sacred Ground dialogue series is uncomfortable. It’s uncomfortable because I must be open and honest—just like the series invited me to do—with you. I signed up to participate in the Sacred Ground series in September of 2022 because I am fed up with racial inequality—and the consequences of racial inequality—in the United States. I am fed up with knowing that at times, I play into the system that makes me fed up.

After thirty-four years of life, I am no longer willing to accept that this is society at its best. It isn’t good enough, fair enough, or loving enough, to everyone. I’m not naïve. I know that the U.S. didn’t get here by accident. It’s by design, and the original design wasn’t meant to benefit everyone. To help create a more equitable and inclusive society, I needed to look back and pay attention to more of the story. I needed to listen to more people that had been hurt along the way. I needed to reflect more on how my own upbringing informs my views and actions. Sacred Ground gave me the space and resources to do just that.

Over the course of four months, six other dialogue participants, three facilitators, and I met every other week for two hours to reflect on questions and learnings from the course materials, including the two core books, Waking Up White by Debby Irving, and Jesus and the Disinherited by Dr. Howard Thurman, provided by The Episcopal Church. It was a beautifully messy experience full of stumbling through thoughts and revelations, silence, sadness, and joy. To go through it with others, several of whom I had met for the first time, was priceless.

Today, I am more confident in my understanding of how we got here as a society, and I’m more focused on what I can realistically do to create positive change. What a gift.

Youth & Young Adult Ministries

gracestlukes.org/youth-formation

A Leave-Taking Message from Amzie Williams

Dear Grace-St. Luke’s Families and Friends:

It is with a bittersweet heart that I share that my joyous time with you at the corner of Peabody and Belvedere will end on Wednesday, May 31, due to a new ministry opportunity. While I hope to have left your households with formational moments of faith, fun, and community, I have been shaped time and time again by the people of GSL. From shaving cream wars at Exodus, the year we had no pool or ropes course, New Orleans trips and driving a fifteen-passenger bus in the French Quarter, early morning Biscuits & Bible before the sun is up, to working with Constance Abbey and More Than A Meal, the memories made here are ones I will treasure and grow from for the rest of my days.

The transition from college to young adulthood is a strange one, and it is one where the set path starts to branch out and become less clear. GSL has helped me discern what paths might be the best for me. Though I am still on that journey, I feel well-equipped and confident to set out on the next leg of it because of the love and support of this community. As much as I have strived to help our youth and young adults grow and thrive, it is I that this position has blessed since May 2019.

My next step will be to serve as Minister to Youth at Church of the Holy Communion in Memphis beginning July 1. So this is not truly goodbye, just a see you around! While discerning either seminary or graduate school, I have felt called to start a new chapter, with new challenges and opportunities to carry the love and support of GSL with me as the wind beneath my wings. The Church was never nor will it be about walls or physical structures. It has always been about forces of love and grace that call us together each week. I will carry those things into the world and hope that I have left parts of myself in the tapestry of the Grace-St. Luke’s community as well.

Thank you for these past four years. I never could have known the impact you would have on me. I will be working with Father Jesse Abell and Father Ollie Rencher to ensure that this transition goes smoothly. I will be praying for the GSL community and ask your prayers for me. I know the next chapter for you will be a grand adventure and look forward to opportunities to bid farewell.

With love and extreme gratitude,

Amzie J. Williams

A Message from the Rector

In light of Amzie’s leave-taking announcement in early May, recruitment efforts by Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Formation Father Jesse Abell, a small parents’ advisory committee, and I suggest that the next person will be hired to begin work in June. If you have any questions during this transition, please contact me.

Many thanks, Ollie+

The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher

901-252-6320

orencher@gracestlukes.org

News from GSL School

We enjoyed an extremely busy spring at GSL with some of our favorite community-building events, including the annual 8th Grade Italian Dinner and our Anchor Auction! Many thanks to everyone who participated in or attended these events—your support helped fund teacher wish lists, which benefit all students by providing enhancements for our classrooms and learning spaces. Students also stayed busy finalizing art projects, putting on a spring Middle School production and Lower School musical performances, hosting a Citizenship Breakfast, tackling exams, making memories on class trips, and enjoying fun-filled field days at the end of the year (in every division)!

We extend a huge thank you to the GSL clergy and staff for the important role they played in our two biggest springtime events in May: Honors Chapel and Eighth Grade Graduation. These academic ceremonies cap off the year for our outstanding students, and we are always grateful to be able to welcome our families attending these events to Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. What a beautiful space for students to reflect on their accomplishments and give thanks for the education received (and lifelong friendships forged) during their time at GSL School!

We continued to enroll new families for the coming year throughout the spring, and we cannot wait to welcome them to campus in August, along with our returning community. New families can expect to receive orientation information in early August.

At the time of this submission, there are still spaces open in Grades 1–7, so please continue to tell others about GSL. An educational experience grounded in the Episcopal tradition is impossible to beat! You may direct any inquiries to Head of School Andy Surber or Director of Enrollment Shelly McGuire at 901-278-0200. We will begin accepting applications for the 2024–25 school year on August 1. Thank you, as always, for helping share the word about our wonderful Episcopal school with your friends and family.

And a note to the parents of young children: SummerFest at GSL begins

June 5, and our awesome weekly day camps are open to all children ages 4-13, regardless of school affiliation. We have everything from Minecraft to sports, theater to robots, art to cooking, and so much more… plus a swimming pool on site to help our campers keep cool all summer long! (It’s located behind the Scout Lodge, adjacent to the Preschool outdoor classroom in Miss Lee’s backyard.) Scan the QR code to check out our offerings and register today! It’s all online at gslschool.org/ summerfest. We look forward to seeing you!

Calendar Events

June 5–August 4: SummerFest 2023 at GSL

Week of July 4: SummerFest and School Administrative

Offices Closed

August 14: First Day of School

Fourth Grade Teacher (and GSL Church Parishioner) Jane Williams retired in May after 23 years at GSL! She is pictured here with her final class of Williams’ Wizards. Front row: Finnegan C., Jake B., Jennings C., Jonathan V., Julia M.; Bench: Jonathan Y., Jane Williams, Dylan J.; Back row: Liam R., Jack M. Libby B., Farrah Lou H., Beck W., Ella Grace B., Isabella F., Marshall L., and Elizabeth R..

Altar Flowers, Eucharistic Supplies During Worship Thank you for your gifts!

Grace-St. Luke’s provides two meaningful ways to remember loved ones during worship services: altar flowers and Eucharistic supplies given in their memory or honor. Flowers are $215 per Sunday, which one or more persons may share in giving, and Eucharistic supplies (wafers, wine, candle oil) are $25 per week. To explore and make payments to reserve available dates, including dates that may hold significance and have been reserved by you in the past, contact Communications Associate Lucy Owens (901-252-6333, lowens@gracestlukes.org). Your request must be made no later than two weeks in advance of the desired Sunday; further in advance may show more available dates. Once the date is confirmed, please issue payment for the appropriate fee (listed above) either online or mail it to the parish office. Your donation must be received for the reservation to be considered complete, and for the acknowledgement to be printed in the Sunday leaflet.

Baptisms at Grace-St. Luke’s

The sacrament of Holy Baptism will be administered in public worship at Grace-St. Luke’s during 2023 on November 5 (All Saints’ Sunday). The 2024 dates are January 7 (Baptism of our Lord), March 30 (Easter Vigil), May 19 (Pentecost Day), and November 3 (All Saints’ Sunday). For more information and to schedule a baptism, contact Membership and Stewardship Associate Chapman Morrow (901-252-6328, cmorrow@gracestlukes.org).

Membership News

Birth

• Lucia Joy Braswell, daughter of Laurie & Peter Braswell, Feb. 21

• Martha Francis Thompson, daughter of Meg & Clay Thompson, Apr. 13

Holy Baptism

• James Hewitt Bowron, son of Caitlin & Will Bowron (Apr. 8)

• Suzette Pearl Gipson, daughter of Kristy & Stephen Gipson (Apr. 8)

• Meredith Grace McNamara, daughter of Marynelle Wilson & Doug McNamara (Apr. 8)

• Virginia Wright Prascher, daughter of Ann and Will Prascher (Mar. 25)

• Hall Aydin Sarinoglu, son of Selden & Erim Sarinoglu (Apr. 8)

• Erim Sarinoglu (Apr. 8)

• Martha Byrne Schieffler, daughter of Jordan & Jackson Schieffler (Apr. 8)

Holy Matrimony

• Martha Talbott McKinney and Scott Patrick Cunningham (Apr. 15)

• Jordan Grace Greer & Brady Christopher Walsh (Apr. 22)

Transfer In

• Anne Uhlhorn Broadfoot from St. John’s, Memphis

• Janelle, Anthony, Ali, Eli, & Sophia Calzia from St. Bartholomew’s, Nashville

Preparing for Sunday

Follow this link (gracestlukes.org/discover/this-sundays-texts) for access to Sunday lectionary readings online where you may reflect and pray with them at any time. You can view and print the current Sunday’s readings as well as last Sunday’s and next Sunday’s. Readings automatically update each Monday morning. Also offered are an overview, scripture backgrounds, a reflection, and prayer starters to enhance your worship experience.

• Oliver Cobb from St. Mary’s Cathedral, Memphis

• Hayley Hudson

• Angie King Keesee from Holy Communion, Memphis

• Ed Wiley

Transfer Out

• Duncan Adrian to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas

• Cathleen Nelson Davis to Christ Episcopal, Holly Springs, Mississippi

• Chris Cooley & Brendan Housler to All Saints Episcopal Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

• Susan & Eric Epperson to Church of the Holy Apostles, Collierville, Tennessee

• Phillip Hamilton & Dennis Dominioni to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Collierville, Tennessee

• Glenn Ann Martin to St. Stephen’s, Richmond, Virginia

• Linda Niell to Church of the Good Shepherd, Brentwood, Tennessee

• Philip Ramsey Rule to St. Paul Episcopal Church, Seymour, Tennessee Burials, Committals, and Deaths

• Elizabeth “Beppy” Campbell, Apr. 17 (died Mar. 30)

• Katherine “Katie” McKay Hutton, Mar. 30 (died Mar. 24)

Memorials and Honoraria

Honoraria

• In thanksgiving for the third wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. Dylan Shockey by Julia & Paul Ogden

• In honor of Dr. Will & the Rev. Amanda McGriff by Kacey & Brian Davies

• In honor of Abby Huber by Johnnie & Rex Amonette

• In honor of Sidney Easley Hickey on Mother’s Day by Kacey & Brian Davies

Memorials

• Jelena Sansing by Candice & Marty Carr

• Anne Montedonico Beaty by Candice & Marty Carr

• Hammond Cole by Jane & Mackie Gober and Emily Woodside & Bill Falvey

• Jan Fulenwider by Patsy & Steven Purcell

• Debra Lynch by Ann & Dan Eason

• Wesley Emerson by Amy, Liam, & Juliana White

• Katie Hutton by Elizabeth Hutton and family

• Mary Ellen West by Marynelle Wilson & Doug McNamara and Warren Wilson

• Beppy Campbell by Robert Pearson Lewis and Lucy Owens

Worship & Formation

gracestlukes.org/worship | gracestlukes.org/discover

SUMMER SUNDAYS | gracestlukes.org/summer

Weekly

Nursery for infants through three-year-olds, 9 a.m.–11 a.m.

9–9:30 a.m. Community Breakfast by the Crossmen

10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Sermon and Choir, Livestreamed includes Children’s Chapel and return to families at the Peace followed

4–4:50 p.m. More Than A Meal Outreach, Trezevant Hall

Monthly

5 p.m. June 4, July 9, August 6 Holy Communion with Guest Musicians

5:45 p.m. Supper. Sign up here: tinyurl.com/GSLSummerSuppers

Parish Office Hours

Summer Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Friday: During the summer, the Clergy-Staff Team work remotely.

Office Hours beginning August 8: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 901-272-7425 | 901-252-6334 Pastoral Emergencies

Parish Clergy & Staff

www.gracestlukes.org/welcome/clergy-and-staff

The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector

The Rev. Laura F. Gettys, Associate Rector

The Rev. Dr. Jesse W. Abell, Associate Rector

The Rev. Anne S. Carrière, Priest Associate

The Rev. Jessica T. Abell, Deacon

Christi Authement, Recreation and Wellness Director

John Barnum, Director of Finance and Operations

Anthony Calzia, Director of Children and Family Ministries

Patricia Gray, Lead Volunteer Receptionist

Abby Huber, Congregational Life Associate and Assistant to the Rector

Chapman Morrow, Membership and Stewardship Associate

Lucy Owens, Communications Associate

Dr. Patrick A. Scott, Director of Music and Organist

Debbie Smith, Assistant Organist-Choirmaster

Chris Swenson, Facilities Manager

Darling “D” Thomas, Lead Facilities Assistant

2023 Vestry

www.gracestlukes.org/vestry

2023: George Johnson (Senior Warden), Andy Nix, Johnny Norris (Junior Warden), Paula Sappington, Taylor Taylor

2024: Bill Abernathy, Karen Clark, Beth Perkins, Hallie Peyton (Clerk), Rudy Williams

2025: Jennifer Gibbs, Ruthie Lentz, Price Peacock, Matt Sights, Hal Wright

Treasurer: Phil Ashford; Parish Chancellor: Steven King.

Pastoral Care

Sharing and Responding to Concerns. To alert the clergy of a pastoral matter concerning yourself or a member, including any medical procedures, contact the clergy confidentially via 901-2526330 or pastoralcare@gracestlukes.org. For hospitalizations or emergencies concerning a member, contact the 24/7 Clergy-on-Call phone line at 901-252-6334. This is the best way to communicate pastoral needs and ensure a prompt response from a member of the clergy or pastoral care team. Lay Pastoral Care Coordinators: Natalie Davis and Beth Perkins.

On the Cover Summer Sunday Schedule

Look for GRACESTLUKES in Cyberspace.

Church website: gracestlukes.org

Facebook: --- facebook.com/gracestlukes

Twitter: ----- twitter.com/gracestlukes

Instagram: --- instagram.com/gracestlukes

Vimeo: ----- vimeo.com/gracestlukes

Pinterest: ---- pinterest.com/gracestlukes

Flickr: - - - - - - flickr.com/gracestlukes

YouTube: --- youtube.com/gracestlukes

Realm Connect for GSL

Realm is a GREAT WAY to connect to other parishioners. Rather than print members’ emails and phone numbers in our publications on the internet, we encourage connecting through Realm. Realm is the church’s ministry platform through which you can update your own profile, keep in touch with others, learn about upcoming events, stay involved in groups, and more. For questions or more information, visit gracestlukes.org/realm or reach out to Abby Huber (ahuber@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6336) or Lucy Owens (lowens@ gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6333).

GSL eNews

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, 901-252-6333 or lowens@gracestlukes.org.

Privacy Policy & Photo Opt-Out Form

Grace-St. Luke’s privacy policy and photo opt-out form may be found on the GSL website at www.gracestlukes.org/privacy-policy.

Support Groups at GSL

AA meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays, 7 p.m.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: Saturdays at noon

Contact: Lucy Owens lowens@gracestlukes.org or 901-252-6333

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 quarterly by Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38104. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. POSTMASTER: send address changes to GraceSt. 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.

Dates to Remember

June 4 Trinity Sunday, Switch to Summer Sunday Worship Schedule thru Aug. 6

June 4 Monthly 5 p.m. Eucharist with Musicians Stephen Lee & Members of the Memphis Jazz Workshop followed by Supper

June 8 Public Theology

June 10 Self Defense Class

June 19 Juneteenth, Church Office Closed

June 21-24 Belvedere Chamber Music Festival

June 28 Vacation Bible School

July 4 Independence Day, Church Office Closed

July 5 Vacation Bible School

July 9 Monthly 5 p.m. Eucharist with GSL Director of Music & Organist Dr. Patrick A. Scott followed by Supper

July 12 Vacation Bible School

July 13 Public Theology

July 19 Vacation Bible School

Aug. 6 Monthly 5 p.m. Eucharist with Musicians, Mary Golden, violin/fiddle, Noah Campbell, guitar, & Jeff White, guitar, followed by Supper

Aug. 10 Public Theology

Aug. 13 Parish Life Festival: Blessing of the Backpacks, BLTs after the Service Return to 3 Services

Aug. 20 Episcopal School Sunday

Aug. 20 Formation Classes Resume

Explore this issue for other important dates for formation offerings, events, and more for adults, young adults, youth, and children.

Celebrate the launch of fall 2023 parish life offerings through a full morning and afternoon of events! Abundant life at GSL includes Sunday and weekday worship, formation, and community-building for adults, youth, and children; small groups; outreach and social justice; music; fellowship; and special events. Festival includes worship services, breakfast by the Crossmen, BLT lunch, music, children and youth activities, and sign-up and take-away information about life at GSL and ways to engage this fall and in future months. Spread the word and dress comfortably to explore and participate in as much as you wish.

Watch for additional details in your weekly summer eNews and Sunday announcements.