The Messenger | Winter 2023-2024

The Messenger Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Volume 70, No. 4

December–February | Winter 2023-2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: News Articles, Seasonal Events & Reflections, and More.

Shrimp Boil

Pet Blessing

Brats & Beverages

Messy Church

Duruflé Requiem

A Taste of Life at GSL in Pictures this Fall. More on Facebook.com/gracestlukes & Flickr.com/gracestlukes.

The entire student body (that’s 450 Little Lukers through eighth graders!) participated in our Opening Convocation Chapel to kick off the school year this fall.

Looking Ahead: 2024 in Life at GSL It is moving to observe and experience the countless blessings from God that come with being a part of such an extraordinary community of faith like Grace-St. Luke’s Church.

What we have by the existence of this sacred place in Midtown Memphis is priceless, rare, and exceptional!

Each of us is called to do our integral part in paying attention to and embodying the Mission of the Church: to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. Furthermore, we are called to focus on our Vision, adopted in 2019: 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. Mindfulness of our mission and vision is bound to bring reward, blessings, and peace to individual and collective spiritual journeys and the building up of the Kingdom.

Considering the May to November 2023 strategic plan development assumed by the vestry, clergy, and staff including the remarkable 275 survey responses from parishioners as well as input from our parish school and community affiliates, we evidently are called to thoughtfully look ahead in 2024. The fiveyear strategic plan reveal during the Annual Meeting of the Parish on December 3 will affirm the “mind of the parish,” highlighting a charge for GSL to foster congregational engagement and connections with one another and God; serve as a beacon of

hope, belonging, and healing for the community; and sustain and care for our sacred resources.

Stay tuned for and prayerfully lean into what evolves and is offered through life at GSL in 2024, including inevitable changes that come whenever communities commit to being faithful stewards of God’s abundance and reimagining prosperity.

Thank you for generously investing your time, talent, and treasure to ensure that GSL thrives in dedication to hope, belonging, and healing.

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

Inside this Issue Adult Formation------------------------------------------------------- 8 Advent & Christmas Services---------------------------------------- 5 Altar Flowers & Supplies (Christmas & Sunday)----------------18 Annual Parish Meeting------------------------------------------------ 3 Ash Wednesday Services---------------------------------------------- 4 Children, Youth, & Family Ministry---------------------------12-13 Dates to Remember--------------------------------------------------20 Friends of Music------------------------------------------------------10 GSL School News----------------------------------------------------17 Luna Nova Winter Concert------------------------------------------ 4 Membership News----------------------------------------------------18 Stewardship------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Memorials/Honoraria------------------------------------------------18 Message from the Rev. Laura F. Gettys----------------------------- 3 Message from the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher---------------------------- 2 Outreach-----------------------------------------------------------14-15 Preparing for Sunday-------------------------------------------------18 Privacy Policy----------------------------------------------------------19 Recreation & Wellness-----------------------------------------------16 Reflections & More on Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany------6-7 Shrove Tuesday Festival----------------------------------------------- 4 Social Justice-----------------------------------------------------------11 Vision Statement------------------------------------------------------- 2

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.

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There IS Room in the Inn this Advent and Winter Season There is exciting news in Community Engagement! As the weather gets colder, community comes together. Beginning this December, Grace-St. Luke’s will team up with Idlewild Presbyterian Church to participate in Room in the Inn (RITI), a program which provides safe shelter, warm meals, and fellowship for families struggling with homelessness during the coldest months of the year December through March. Learn more about RITI here: ritimemphis.org.

Volunteers will serve on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Thursday nights of each month. Roles include welcoming guests, setting up beds, dropping off breakfast, serving as “laundry fairy,” operating the clothing closet, playing games, and fellowshipping. Volunteers may sign up individually or with friends and family; this is an intergenerational experience for all wanting to participate.

To learn more about volunteer roles and actual dates to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/RITIGSLIdlewild. For questions or more information, please contact the Rev. Laura F. Gettys.

“Room In the Inn is not about giving; it is about receiving. It is about everyone, both guests and hosts, receiving a blessing—an encounter with God in the midst of suffering, hardship, pain and grief.” –Charles Strobel, founding director of Room in the Inn Peace, Laura+ The Rev. Laura F. Gettys, Associate Rector Community Engatement 901-252-6329 | lgettys@gracestlukes.org

Annual Meeting of the Parish – Sunday, December 3 All members and newcomers are encouraged to attend from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. in Trezevant Hall. Time will include voting on the Vestry-elect Class of 2026 (Dawn Currica, Jerry Hudson, Jim McCall, Terry Trojan, Susanna Weston), reveal of our five-year strategic plan, year-at-a-glance ministry highlights, Every Member Canvass 2024 stewardship campaign update, and remarks by the senior warden and the rector.

gracestlukes.org/annualmeeting2023

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Luna Nova Music Welcomes the Winter Season! Once again Luna Nova Music will welcome the arrival of winter by giving a concert at Grace-St. Luke’s on Monday, December 4, at 7 p.m. The program will feature music spanning over 400 years with compositions by John Dowland, Gaspar Sanz, Alexandre Tansman, Ralph Vaughan-Williams, Anton Heiller and others. Performers include Daniel Gilbert (violin), Benjamin Minden-Birkenmaier (guitar), Susanna Whitney (bassoon), Michelle Vigneau (oboe), Nobuko Igarashi (clarinet), Robert Patterson (horn), and Patrick Scott (organ). The concert will last approximately an hour with no intermission. Admission is free and a reception will follow in Trezevant Hall. Please plan on joining us. Contact Patricia Gray with any questions: lunanova.org/board.html.

Thistle and Bee Honey Tasting, Sunday, December 10.

Come enjoy some sweetness this Advent with Thistle and Bee Honey Tasting, Sunday, December 10, 11:45-12:30 in Trezevant Hall. Please join us for a unique and uplifting experience as we come together to savor the sweet fruits of resilience. Discover the exquisite flavors of honey harvested by the survivors of local nonprofit, Thistle and Bee—a testament to their strength and determination. This special event offers an opportunity to delve into the heart of the bee program and explore the transformative journey of women survivors of trafficking and addiction through a two-year residential program. Engage in insightful conversations with both survivors and dedicated staff, as we collaboratively discuss pairings for three of their distinct honey flavors. As we taste the honey, we will also hear how this program is not only changing lives but actively working to break the generational cycle of trauma.

Your good presence will contribute to a community of support, healing, and empowerment. Join us for this moment of sweetness, resilience, and hope. And added bonus: purchase wonderful honey-based items for gift giving for the holidays.

More mark-your-calendar dates are included on the back page.

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Reflection on Advent A Time of Waiting and Preparation

Reflection on Christmas CHRISMONS – Monograms of Christ

Advent is easily one of my favorite parts of the church year.

I did not grow up observing the church calendar, but the true observation of Advent as a time of waiting and preparation for Christ’s birth has become meaningful to me in many ways. As it turns out, most of my beloved Christmas carols are actually Advent hymns. The symbolism of the Advent wreath builds every week as another candle is lit. We are approaching the birth of Jesus. This, combined with some of the best hymns in the Christian tradition, make for meaningful worship. Using the words of Advent hymns as prayers and petitions during the season are a beautiful way to incorporate Sunday through the rest of the week.

As a church musician, the service of Lessons and Carols is a meaningful milestone of worship for the year. Musically and spiritually, it is the highlight of Advent. The ancient history and tradition of the service, combined with the anticipation of the birth of Christ is rich with symbolism and intent.

Being in the choir is a bonding experience like no other. We really do spend a great deal of time together, and during the holidays, even more so. Corporate worship is integral to the health of the church, and being a small part of leading that is an honor we take seriously. Leading the church through Advent is a little different for us, as we miss formation hour because of rehearsal, but it makes worship the most important part for us. We have a front row seat every Sunday, but there is something somber yet celebratory during Advent. I appreciate the way our clergy and worship leaders walk us through this season. As a newly confirmed Episopalian, I am still learning, and am so thankful for the forethought put into the Advent season. We are blessed with the leadership here at GSL, and I am thankful to be a part of this church family, during Advent as well as the rest of the year.

–By Beth Rushing

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Every year our beloved Chrismon Tree decorates the front of our Nave with 16 feet of pine, 1000 white lights, and hundreds of gold and white ornaments. These symbols are visible signs of the invisible meaning of God, Christ, Holy Spirit, and the Church with its seasons. These symbols have been used by clergy, teachers, artists, and laymen to illustrate faith and deeper ideas and truths.

The ornaments were made in 1971 by Grace-St. Luke’s Women of the Church under the direction of Edith Bailey Wilkinson, my mother, a very talented artist and Christian. She learned of the first Chrismons at a Lutheran Church in North Carolina and wanted this special liturgical decoration for GraceSt. Luke’s. During the Lenten season, the women gathered in Trezevant around long tables to make ornaments. Everyone had a task from simple beading of halos to picking pins and pearls and then gluing them into styrofoam shapes. Ladies with sewing skills learned to wrap ornaments in white velvet wearing white gloves to keep them clean. My mother had shaped all the figures from styrofoam on our kitchen table using a steak knife heated over the stove flame to melt the shapes.

Scraps were used to make the cross on top of the world (globe) from the big bag of styrofoam balls. The project took six weeks of Lent and created a lasting special Christmas gift for Grace-St. Luke’s. Of course, the women became closer as Christian friends and learned the meaning of each symbol.

All ornaments are white, representing the purity of Christ, joy, and light. The gold color is a symbol for glory and majesty. The front of the tree has a double circle made to look like a vine with leaves and grape clusters, as Jesus said “I am the vine.” The circle of vines represents our Lord’s life and the Christian year. The upper circle proclaims the Triune God—God the Father (hand reaching down), Holy Spirit (descending dove), and Son (lamb)—with the holy gifts of Eucharist (chalice on star) and Baptism (shell with three drops for Trinity on star). The center Chrismons illustrate the Trinity with a triangle and three-leaf clover within a circle.

Epiphany

The lower circle represents the life of Jesus and the Christian year.

Reading from the top of the circle toward the left, the first ornament is for Advent (scroll of prophecy), then Christmas (Messianic Rose of Mary), then Epiphany (star that Wisemen followed), then Lent (pelican in her piety as she plucks her breast to feed her babies). Next is Easter (phoenix bird that rose from own ashes), then Ascension (chariot of fire) and lastly, Pentecost (seventongued flame). The center Chrismons are an open book with letters W,G,E,F meaning Word of God Endures Forever.

The tree is topped with a Crown of Glory. The major side ornaments are sixteen different symbols for Christ, ranging from the fish to XP Chi Rho to Anchor Cross to Alpha Omega to butterfly. The minor ornaments are an orb with cross on top (world united in Christ), the incense sensors, stars, and open globes with pearls. Special to my mother and me are the three velvet concave ornaments always on the lowest front branch of the tree. These are the children’s ornaments holding a manger scene, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and the three Wisemen.

Over the fifty plus years of our GSL Chrismons Tree, we have had 4 trees and curated the ornaments with repair kits of original supplies. My late mother, and then, brother (Billy Wilkinson) put up the tree for 25+ years, I put it up for nearly 20 years, and now the Altar Guild, along with the contracted florist, install the Chrismons Tree with the same love as my mother did. It is indeed a gift of love and learning for Grace-St. Luke’s.

Share the wonder of our Chrismons Tree with your family, friends, and neighbors each December from Christmas Eve to Epiphany.

-By Edith Wilkinson Heller

Grace-St. Luke’s Epiphany window (Matthew 2:1-12) pictures the three wise men with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and the five-pointed star of Epiphany. It’s interesting to note that, in this version, the wise men appear to have brought four gifts instead of the traditional three. This window, located in the west transept, was given in memory of Tennessee Supreme Court Justice David William DeHaven.

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Adult Formation

gracestlukes.org/adult-formation Sunday Mornings December 3, First Sunday of Advent Annual Meeting of the Parish Members and newcomers attend an important 45-minute occasion between the 8 and 10:30 liturgies to undertake key business matters affecting all parishioners, including the election of the Vestry Class of 2026, strategic plan development overview, Every Member Canvass 2024 campaign highlights, and state-of-the-parish remarks from the Senior Warden and the Rector.

December 10, Second Sunday of Advent Rector’s Forum: The Spirituality of the Psalms with Dr. Dan Pigg.

GSL member Dan Pigg, PhD, EdD, and UTAA Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, believes that few books in the Bible have been more important to the synagogue and church as has the Book of Psalms. Vital to Episcopal worship in all our services, the Psalms speak about the individual and corporate encounter with God. In a conversational format, the audience will examine how the psalm types of hymn, thanksgiving, lament and petition, and wisdom speak to the religious life of Ancient Israel, the Christian Church, and the contemplative person today.

Come to this class for more insight since personal prayer and devotion times and life at GSL include speaking and chanting Psalms. [bcponline.org/Psalter/psalter.html] December 17, Third Sunday of Advent Rector’s Forum: Labyrinth Walk–A Meditative Journey enhanced by Music on Grace-St. Luke’s Portable Labyrinth in Trezevant Hall.

Small Group Bible Study facilitated by Lay Leaders December 24, Fourth Sunday of Advent & Christmas Eve Rector’s Forum: Suspended until January 7. Enjoy fellowship and community in Trezevant Hall. | Advent ends with 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Christmas celebration begins with 3 p.m. Children’s Pageant with Holy Eucharist, Festival Holy Eucharist at 5 and 9 p.m., and 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist on Christmas Day.

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December 31, The First Sunday after Christmas Rector’s Forum: Suspended until January 7.

January 7, First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord | Baptisms Rector’s Forum: Intergenerational Burning of the Greens in the Circle Drive to end Christmastide and celebrate the Manifestation of Christ. Save your Advent and Christmas wreaths and garland to bring to GSL and add to the fire!

January 14, Second Sunday after the Epiphany Rector’s Forum: Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr. with Guest Speaker to be announced.

Watch for the Winter-Spring 2024 Life at GSL Program Guide of Worship, Formation, Community, Music & More, perfect resource and outline of what’s ahead in the new year at gracestlukes.org/life-at-gsl.

Small Groups Daytime Book Group hosted by Janie Morris and Carol Ann Mallory SECOND THURSDAYS, September–May, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Main Floor Lounge 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 company with others who love books. To learn more or add your name to the mailing list, contact Janie Morris (tinyurl.com/ RealmJanieMorris) or Carol Ann Mallory (tinyurl.com/ RealmCarolAnnMallory) via Realm or through the church office (901-272-7425). The reading list for 2023-2024 is found at gracestlukes.org/gsl-daytime-book-group.

Men’s Morning Fellowship THURSDAYS, September 7, 2023–May 23, 2024 7–7:45 a.m. in the Main Floor Lounge Always-open community for a conversation about spiritual growth, faith and doubt, current events and concerns, intellectual stimulation, and thoughtful living in a fast world.

Each begins and ends with prayer. For more information, contact Doug Duncan (through Realm) or Fr. Ollie Rencher (orencher@gracestlukes. org or 901-252-6320) or visit gracestlukes.org/mens-fellowship.

Stewardship

gracestlukes.org/give For more than 80 years, Grace-St. Luke’s has been a haven in midtown Memphis for people to worship, serve, learn, and grow. We come here both to celebrate life’s most joyful moments as well as to find support as we face life’s greatest challenges.

Our strategic planning process for the next five years has highlighted the importance of community and desire for greater connection—both inside and outside our doors. In 2024, we look to build relationships within the parish through meaningful worship, fellowship, vibrant music, as well as opportunities to learn more about each other and God. Equally important is service to our community in midtown and greater Memphis. We gather together to serve our neighbors, and we are striving to enhance the work of our community ministries.

Your commitment to Every Member Canvass 2024 impacts all the work our parish does. If you’ve not done so already, we hope you’ll prayerfully consider the ways your gifts of time, talent, and treasure can support the ministries of Grace-St. Luke’s and give generously to our 2024 pledge campaign. Please visit gracestlukes.org/pledge for details and to pledge today, or contact Chapman Morrow, Membership & Stewardship Associate (901-252-6328, cmorrow@ gracestlukes.org).

Grace-St. Luke’s is grateful for you!

Chapman Morrow Membership and Stewardship Associate 901-252-6328 | cmorrow@gracestlukes.org

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Music

gracestlukes.org/music

Friends of Music Upcoming Events A Festival of Advent Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 10, 2023 | 5 p.m.

Join the Grace-St. Luke’s Choir & the Memphis Boy and Girl Choir for this festive and beautiful candlelit service of scripture, hymns, and carols. The choirs sing some traditional standards: Boris Ord, Adam lay ybounden; Paul Manz, E’en so Lord Jesus quickly come; Herbert Howells, A spotless rose; G.F. Handel, And the glory of the Lord; and John Rutter, Sans Day Carol. Join us for a festive Advent party in Trezevant Hall following the service.

The Nutcracker Suite arr. by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn Monday, December 18, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Johnny Yancey & 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 by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

Sunday, January 21, 2024 Choral Evensong for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, observed The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir The McCain Duo Sunday, January 28, 2024 | 6:30 p.m.

Artina McCain, piano & Martin McCain, trombone Co-sponsored with PRIZM Described as a pianist with “power and finesse” (Dallas Arts Society), “beautiful and fiery” (KMFA Austin), and having a “sense of color, balance and texture” (Austin Chamber Music Center), Artina McCain has built a three-fold career as a performer, educator, and speaker.

Currently, she is Assistant Professor of Piano and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis.

Bass trombonist Martin McCain’s career spans an impressive range of musical genres. He is a four-time winner of the Global Music Awards and was featured as their “Emerging Artist” in Billboard magazine. A thirdgeneration musician, Martin maintains a versatile performance schedule as a soloist, recording artist, chamber, orchestral, jazz/ commercial musician, and educator. With performances described as “solid and masterful,” (International Trombone Association Journal) with a “warm and beautiful” tone (Glissando Magazine), Martin is also a member of the faculty at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis.

First Sunday in Lent Sunday, February 18, 2024 | 5 p.m.

Choral Evensong | The Grace-St. Luke’s Choir Dr. Patrick A. Scott, Director of Music and Organist 901-252-6323 | pscott@gracestlukes.org

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Social Justice

gracestlukes.org/social-justice

MICAH Update MICAH celebrated its 5th year anniversary in 2023. Part of the yearlong recognition focused on updating their mission and focus of the task forces. The new Mission statement is “Equipping people of faith and good will to organize communities for systemic change through collective action.”

The 89 organizations affiliated with MICAH are a coalition of various groups united with the desire for justice in our Memphis/Shelby County community. They work together in the pillars of Economic, Education, and R.A.C.E. Equity. MICAH’s justice work is developed and actions planned in the task force meetings. Getting involved in a task force is a great way to learn how MICAH works as well as being able to impact what actions and positions will be taken.

Here’s a breakdown of those subgroups: Economic Equity Transit Banking & Housing Partnership and Recruitment–Workers’ Rights Education Equity Momentum Memphis Education Task Force Race and Class Equity in the Justice System Policing Courts Additionally, during an election year MICAH focuses on getting out the vote. It encourages people to select leaders that will support our community and bring change and equity for its citizens. At the public meeting, MICAH invited candidates to come to the meeting and answer questions about how they stand regarding our 3 equity pillars. There were actions to register voters and get voters to go to the polls by door knocking, phone calling and sending postcards. GSL sent 400 of the 4000 postcards mailed out during this past election.

GSL MICAH will host a Honey Tasting event with Thistle & Bee in December to help us learn more about the challenges trafficked women face from a social justice perspective (see page 4). We are exploring ways we may work together to help women simplify the process they face trying to expunge their criminal records committed due to their trafficking involvement.

If you are interested in learning more about MICAH and its task forces or would like to get involved with other social justice issues, please join us for our monthly meeting the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6–7 p.m. in the lounge.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, contact Barb Frazer, Murray McKay or the Rev. Laura Gettys via Realm (onrealm.org/gracestlukes).

–Submitted by Barb Frazer

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Children, Youth, & Family Ministry gracestlukes.org/children-and-youth-formation

Jesus, Journey and the Wheel in the Sky: Faith in Real Time.

My family loves music: Taylor Swift, Bob Marley, Cappella Romana, Nina Simone, Kidz Bop, Pearl Jam, Queen, and almost everything in between. We try to consider most ‘good music,’ ‘God music.’ The great mystical abbess and polymath Hildegard of Bingen said that we needed music “for it reminds us, if rightly offered, of the celestial music we once knew in our souls, when we were children.” For Hildegard, music, but indeed all the arts, are an essential part of human life. Hildegard was a composer, painter, and a religious and political leader. She remains one of a handful of women leaders whose words and voice were heard in her day and our own. She is one of the reasons I wanted to write this little experiment of an article. We also listen to contemporary ‘Christian’ music occasionally, but, as I hope to explain, the line between the so-called sacred and secular is a construct, one especially foreign to the sacramental way of looking at the world. The creation “is charged with the grandeur of God,” as Gerald Manely Hopkins so beautifully puts it. God’s own grandeur and love are like when you reach for something and the buildup of static electricity gives you a little charge or shock. The world is not divided between secular and sacred, but between the discovery of the electricity of God’s Grace in and emanating from all the good, unique, people, places, and things that live in God’s world. And the band Journey lives in God’s world! The following conversation just happened and was not planned: Kid: What is this song called? What is the Wheel in the Sky? Me: It is actually called the Wheel in the Sky! It is about a lot of things. The song has always reminded me of the weird chariot thing I learned about in school. Do you know what a chariot is?

Kid: Yes, like the horse thing with big wheels?

Me: Yes! What did you learn about chariots?

(They shared a big story about the story they had read about chariots. Then their attention drifted) Me: Do you want to hear about the story of God’s (YHWH’s) Chariot from the Book of Ezekiel in the Bible?

Kid: Sure!

I shared about the chariot and its “wheels in the sky that are turning and turning…” I tried to leave out everything but the core idea: the weird sky-chariot/throne drives YHWH God to Babylon, where God’s people have been kidnapped. God will always be with God’s people.

Jesus is also a reminder of God’s love, just like the weird wheels. After, they said, “cool” and the conversation went elsewhere. A couple nights later, they asked if I could show them in the Bible where the wheel in the sky was. We did that, they read it once out loud of their own accord and after a minute, thanked me for showing them. I asked if they wanted to see a picture of some artist’s interpretation Journey’s greatest hits, of the wheels; we did.

Wheel in the Sky They said, “cool” again and walked away.

Thoughts: I’m not overly occupied with planning faith formation times at home. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that if we can incorporate a daily or weekly time of prayer, spiritual conversation, and play with our children, we would experience a deepened connection to each other and God. That being said, some of the most exciting and encouraging spiritual conversations have happened when I simply set an intention to find God in what I and my family are already loving about God’s world! The invitation of this coming season might be to look together at what is drawing our family’s attention, joy, time, and love in God’s world? Why are these things gravitational in their pull? How does or doesn’t God

Jesus, Journey and the Wheel in the Sky continued on next page

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Feast of St. Nicholas

The Feast of St. Nicholas is Wednesday, December 6, from 5-7 p.m. We will enjoy heavy savories, cookies, hot cocoa, and make ornaments, while hearing—hopefully in a new way—the story of St. Nicholas. And there may be a chance to practice some Christmas caroling. No registration required. (All Ages are Welcomed!)

Christmas Pageant

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal and Fitting December 17 after the 10:30 a.m. service. Snacks provided in McClure Hall.

Pageant sign-up here: tinyurl.com/GSLPageant23.

The pageant takes place on Christmas Eve at 3 p.m.

Jesus, Journey and the Wheel in the Sky continued from page 12

and our faith in Jesus relate to what we desire to do with our Mondays–Sundays and hence with our “one, wild, lives,” al la Mary Oliver? It is hoped and likely that, as we ourselves grow in our awareness of life’s beauty, possibility, and God’s presence, so will those who are closest to us. We can also remember that even when we contemplate the pain, limitation, and woundedness of this sacred life, God is not absent, though many times it feels like absence. On those days it is enough to nod with the air of gratitude for survival, toward, what the Prophet Leonard Cohen sang, “There is a crack, a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in, that’s how the light gets in, that’s how the light gets in.”

And it takes practice.

If you are curious about how one might begin or deepen practicing an awareness of God, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence of the Cross is a great place to start!

And we know life and parenting and our jobs require practice and learning and growing edges. And we have lots of soccer and basketball players around GSL! We encourage them: practice, practice, practice. We also have a lot of Christians young and old around GSL! Baptism is like joining Team Church; there are skills to become a fully functioning, contributing, healthy

Christian. The way those skills are used and how easily they are accessed and acquired varies person to person. We are the diverse “Rainbow People of God,” as Archbishop Desmond Tutu called the coalition of South Africans that rallied around God’s justice and Beloved Community to overthrow apartheid. Being Team Church does not mean anyone needs to be excluded. It is the opposite. If God’s presence can be found in all the creation, that means God is in all of our neighbors. In living aware and intentional lives, on the lookout for God, we will have an impact on our children, parish, schools, and beyond!

Please share ways you are having spiritual conversations with your kids, friends, and family with me at acalzia@gracestlukes.org. A resource with many similar reflections might help us all be on our toes, peeking with our children, to see the ways God is living and loving our world, “though we knew it not…” as Jacob says in Genesis 28, after discovering God’s presence and word in a dream, a ‘good dream,’ and ‘a God dream.’

Anthony Calzia Director of Children and Family Ministry 901-252-6321 | acalzia@gracestlukes.org

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Outreach

gracestlukes.org/outreach Food Pantry Ministry News Winter greetings from the GSL and Church of the Good Shepherd Cooking Teams!

Volunteers continue to work fervently to fill GSL freezers with healthy meals for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Teams cook once every six weeks to prepare a variety of recipes to feed 140 Church Health patrons each week. Since January 1, 2023, 5,130 individuals have received these tasty, nutritious meals.

Much appreciation to Palazola Produce and Cash Saver for their continued support of GSL’s food pantry. They provide fresh produce and dry ingredients each week for our recipes. These benevolent sponsors help us to reduce food cost and meet the needs of our food insecure neighbors.

Earlier this fall, 17 enthusiastic high school students from Memphis University School prepared 80 individual servings of lentil spaghetti in GSL’s kitchen for Church Health patrons. Kudos to these gentlemen who unselfishly gave up a day off to serve others in our community. Thank you Jonathan Large and Beth Taylor for coordinating this activity with GSL. (See pictures to your right.)

A very warm welcome to our newest cooking team volunteers: Christina Shute, Nedra Wick, Rebecca Locke, Don Grice, Mary Nell Kuhlo, Malle Carrasco-Harris, and Jeremy Harris. We are thrilled to have you cooking with us!!

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/Assistant to the Rector Abby Huber (ahuber@gracestlukes.org) or Jerry Hudson through Realm (tinyurl.com/RealmJerryHudson). We look forward to hearing from you!!

–Submitted by Amy Hudson

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Outreach

gracestlukes.org/outreach Community Agencies GSL has a rich history of supporting the greater Memphis area community through grant funding and volunteer service. The following community agencies have applied for funding in 2024 and have suggested ways to get involved with their agencies.

Carpenter Art Garden Volunteer: Community bike rides, Organic vegetable garden fall planting, Host or volunteer to help with art garden activities Sarah Blackburn, 295 Carpenter St. 38112, 901-249-3577 Church Health Volunteer: Prepare meals for food insecure patrons at Crosstown or GSL kitchen, See CH patients (licensed healthcare providers only) Amber Tyree, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 142, 38122, 901-701-2338 Tyreea@churchhealth.org Dorothy Day Volunteer: House maintenance (Cleaning, Yard work, Interior painting, Meals), Transportation (Car maintenance, Donation pickup and delivery of large goods, Sorting donated goods), Personal interaction (Childcare, Tutoring), Professional skill assistance, Assist with fund raising events Louisa Gale, 1161 Peabody Ave. 38104 lgale@dorothydaymemphis.org 901-726-6760 Friends for All Volunteer: Fill food pantry bags and shelves, Serve bimonthly at Feast for Friends Community meal, Assist with fund raising events Kim Moss, 1548 Poplar Ave 38104 901-482-9504 and 901-272-0855 kim.moss@friendsforall.org Kindred Place Volunteer: Kindred Place service projects, Facility maintenance and/or improvement, Special events Pam Meiners, 2180 Union Ave. 38104 901-276-2200, 901-341-7778 pmeiners@kindredplace.org

Community of St. Therese of Lisieux Volunteer: Onsite activities, Provide meals, Provide hygiene products Jordan Boss, 901-308-3058 Jordan.boss@lisieuxcommunity.org 659 Freeman St. 38122

Sista2Sista Volunteer: Provide meals, Distribute meals, Conduct HIV testing, Art therapy Lacey Craig, laceyecraig@gmail.com 3238 Yale Ave. 38112, 901-235-5720

Literacy Midsouth Volunteer: Distribute books at community events, Pack LIT bags for distribution by schools and community partners, Adult learning tutor Lucy Hughes, 66 South Cooper St. 38104 lhughes@literacymidsouth.org, 901-327-6000

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Memphis Volunteer: At food mission to help prep food and serve meals, Sign up at serve.volunteerodyssey.com/event/ update/215182 Gloria Hyden, volunteer director and volunteer coordinator, 901-552-7038 gloria.hyden.svdp@gmail.com 1306 Monroe Ave. 38104

Memphis Child Advocacy Center Volunteer: Assist with special events, Deliver donor appreciation cookie delivery Join Padrinos, an organization assisting families in crisis.

Donate school supplies and uniforms, holiday gifts etc.

Tiffany Hoggan, 1085 Poplar Ave. 38105 thoggan@memphiscac.org, 901-888-4383

St. Columba Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center Volunteer: Provide lunch to Camp Able campers, Day camp counselors (one-week intervals) Brad Thompson, 4577 Billy Maher Rd. 38315, brad@saintcolumbamemphis. org, Adam Cruthirds, adam@ saintcolumbamemphis.org, 901-377-9284

Memphis Teacher Residency Volunteer: STEM Camp, Memphis Literacy Conference, Adopt an MTR Teacher’s Classroom, Support MLI Coach at partner school, Hold school supply drive for MTR teachers, Provide lunch for MTR residents Angie Gardner, 901-937-4695 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 366 angie@memphistr.org,

St. George’s Independent SchoolMemphis Campus Volunteer: Garden and green house program, Tabulate monthly data Maggie Murff, 3749 Kimball Ave. 38111 mmurff@sgis.org, 901-261-2389

Midsouth Sober Living Volunteer: Art Auction, Golf Tournament Donate: Clothing, coats, bedding, household and hygiene supplies, food Terri Ibarra, 1950 Madison Ave., 901-467-1515 Tibarra@midsouthsoberliving.org Multinational Memphis Volunteer: After school art program, Santa holiday activity Devon Schniepp, 815 N McLean Blvd, 901-832-9061 devon.multinational@gmail.com, Samaritan Counseling Centers Volunteer: Fundraising events, Onsite landscaping and interior maintenance for primary location Sarah Cowens, Board President, swcowens@ bellsouth.net, Emily Woodside, Board VicePresident, 35 South Auburndale St. 38104 901-337-9425, erwoodside@comcast.net

Su Casa Volunteer: Teach English as Second Language (ESL) classes, Provide Childcare, Assist with special events, Connect Latino immigrant community with broader Memphis community, Sponsor family gifts Kendall Griffin, 1302 N Graham Street 38122, kendall@sucasamemphis.org 901-320-9833 Thistle and Bee Volunteer: Donation drives for household items, Teach survivors professional skills, Assist with holiday events, Sponsor family gifts, Assist with onsite landscaping activities for residents Samantha Brown, 901-338-8299 sbrown@thistleandbee.org

You can download this list by following this link tinyurl.com/ GSL2023CommunityAgencies or by picking up a copy at the information center in the church hallway.

The Messenger | Winter 2023-2024 | 15

Recreation & Wellness

gracestlukes.org/recreation-and-wellness

Recreation

Wellness

2024 GSL Church Spring Soccer

PLANNING FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES: STEPS FOR THE JOURNEY

GSL Church sponsors Spring Soccer for JK–4th grades. The 2024 season is April 6–May 18. The spring season is shorter than the fall season and designed for continued soccer skill development. Spring Soccer registration is January 1–31 and will be available at gracestlukes.org/spring-soccer. Please refer to the website listed for ALL information regarding Spring Soccer. Registration fills up quickly, so please register sooner than later. Once registration is closed, individual placement will be permitted if space is available. For continuity, whenever possible, the intent is to keep Spring Soccer teams and coaches together from the previous fall season. Soccer is offered twice annually; this is the only sport team that will likely stay the same for one full calendar year. All other sport teams change from season to season.

Let’s Play Ball The 2024 GSL Church Baseball registration will be open February 1–28. Teams are provided for JK–4th grades. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and does fill up quickly. Beginning in February, visit gracestlukes.org/playball to register and to review current baseball season information. If you are interested in coaching, please email Christi Authement at cauthement@gracestlukes.org or fill out the coaching box on the registration form.

Spring Soccer— What to Expect for Parents

Visit gracestlukes.org/spring-soccer or download here: gracestlukes.org/assets/2822/top7springsoccer2024.pdf

Baseball, T-Ball, & Softball— What to Expect for Parents

Visit gracestlukes.org/playball or download here: gracestlukes.org/assets/2822/top10baseball2024.pdf

16 | www.gracestlukes.org

Kathryn Butcher, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Geriatric Case Manager, will be visiting GSL Church to answer questions and offer options for navigating the many options of caring for aging loved ones.

She will speak on January 28 from 12–1:30 p.m. in Trezevant Hall. Lunch is provided. Cost is $10.

Please register at tinyurl.com/GSLPlanning24 by January 22 at 4 p.m.

CLIMBING WALL AT MEMPHIS ROX Climbing/Bouldering is an excellent form of social and physical activity. No matter your age, build, or ability, it’s an accessible sport with numerous benefits.

In an encouraging environment, you’ll enjoy a fullbody, low-impact workout that improves strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Climbing also increases presence of mind, relieves stress, and builds confidence, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. The mental health benefits are reasons alone to climb the wall.

GSL Church is taking a trip to Memphis Rox (879 E. McLemore Ave. 38106) on Sunday, February 4, at 1:30 p.m. Cost: $5.

More information here: memphisrox.org/what-is-bouldering memphisrox.org/first-time-visitors Christi Authement Recreation and Wellness Director 901-252-6325 | cauthement@gracestlukes.org

Grace-St. Luke's School

www.gslschool.org

News from GSL School By the time you read this, we will have just wrapped up our annual Grandparents’ Day events in late November. We held not one but TWO special chapel services on Tuesday, November 21, to welcome all the grandparents and special friends who joined us to visit their grandchildren’s classrooms and enjoy some community time at GSL. We are so thankful for all the blessings we have received this school year, and getting to spend time with grandparents ranks right up there at the top of our list!

The fall season was busy with activities, including our Back-to-School Night and the All-School Picnic, great sports achievements, and fun musical and theatrical performances (our Middle School production of Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition in McClure was incredible!). We also launched a new P.A. Speaker Series, which kicked off with a College Night event designed to give our families a glimpse of what’s down the road for their children after they graduate from GSL. Nine area high schools sent representatives to participate in our panel discussion and visit with parents!

Looking forward, we are excited about year-end special events in December, including our second annual Lower School Advent/Christmas Evening Chapel on Tuesday, December 12, at 6 p.m. in the Church. This service is open to all, and we invite you to join us! After our Christmas break and students’ return to school on January 3, we have more good work and community events to look forward to, such as the 100th day of school, Father-Daughter and Mother-Son gatherings, and the return of the in-person 8th Grade Italian Dinner, one of our most popular Parents’ Association offerings and a GSL tradition that goes back some 50 years! More information to come on how you can join the fun and support that event.

Finally, an enrollment update: GSL is growing, and we announced some exciting changes in November that will allow us to capitalize on demand for spaces at Miss Lee’s Preschool. We are opening a new class offering for 18-month-old to 23-month-old children, which will be called Little Saints, in 2024–25! Please visit our admissions page at gslschool.org/ admissions to read all about it. Our December admissions events are listed below, and can be registered for via the same page. We hope you will talk about GSL with your friends and encourage them to take a look at GSL for their children— your positive word-of-mouth is a huge help to us during admissions season. As we all know, an educational experience rooted in the Episcopal tradition is impossible to beat! And if you are considering GSL for the coming year, give us a call or visit the page link above to inquire or apply; it’s not too late! You may direct any inquiries to Head of School Andy Surber or Director of Enrollment Shelly McGuire at 901-278-0200.

Please know how grateful we are for the many parishioner families who have chosen GSL School. We look forward to being with you all this Advent season and in the coming year!

Upcoming Events & School Holidays Admissions Event! December 6: Preschool Information Session & Tour, 8:30 a.m., Anchor Library December 8: Faculty/Staff Professional Development Day, No School Admissions Event! December 9: Holiday Storytime for Preschoolers, 9 a.m., Anchor Library Admissions Event! December 9: Storytime for Rising Kindergartners, 10:30 a.m., Anchor Library December 12: Lower School Advent/Christmas Evening Chapel, 6 p.m., GSL Church December 18-29: Christmas Holiday January 2: Faculty In-Service, No School January 3: Classes Resume

January 15: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School January 18: Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent to Families January 25: 8th Grade Italian Dinner, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Anchor Center January 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences, No School February 1: Re-Enrollment Agreements Due Back February 16: New Student Enrollment Agreements Sent Out February 19: Presidents’ Day, No School February 23: 4th–8th Grade Father-Daughter Dance, 7 p.m., Anchor Center February 25: 4th–8th Grade Mother-Son Event, 6 p.m., Anchor Center March 1: New Student Enrollment Agreements Due

The Messenger | Winter 2023-2024 | 17

Christmas Altar Flowers & Decorations

Sunday Altar Flowers and Supplies

The Christmas Altar Flowers and Decorations deadline is December 15 at 8 a.m.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of or in memory of a loved one for Christmas flowers, you may send a check to the church office (1720 Peabody Ave., 38104, ATTN: Lucy Owens) listing the names of those you would like remembered. You can also donate online here: tinyurl.com/GSLAltarGifts Contact Lucy Owens with any questions (901-252-6333, lowens@gracestlukes.org).

Flowers on the altar and eucharistic supplies are made possible by parishioner donations in memory or honor of loved ones. To share in this meaningful way, contact Communications Associate Lucy Owens (lowens@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6333). Flowers are $215 per Sunday, which one or more persons may share in giving. Eucharistic supplies (wafers, wine, candle oil) also may be donated for $25 per week.

Visit gracestlukes.org/altar-flowers for more information.

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.

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

Membership News August–October

Memorials and Honoraria Memorials (August 15–November 15)

• Robbie Walker McQuiston by Mary Linda & Lee Wardlaw, Mid Day Study Club, Hallie Peyton, Patrick Collins • Elizabeth Whitlock Haynes by Teena Durbin, Jane & Mackie Gober, Terri & Chuck Lamberth, Mary Linda & Lee Wardlaw, Cynthia McElhaney • L. Douglas Smith by Jane & Mackie Gober, Jennifer & James Arington, Lora & Phillip Harig, Debbie & Larry Whitlock, Kristen & Nick Bisanz, Sallie Simpson, Vicki & David Huebner, Carolyn & Greer Simonton, Bond & Jim Moore, Becky Boone, Lucy & Don McLemore, N. Gordon Thompson, Hallie Peyton, Betsy Black, Jill & Rob Norcross, Anna & Gwin Robbins • James Richard Briscoe by Joshua K. Fowler • Kathleen Brafford by Virginia Curry • Roy Keathley by Katie Smythe Gould, Mary Ann Jackson, Chapman & Chip Morrow, Suzy Askew, Susan & Kent Wunderlich, John Bondurant, Margaret & Cliff Pierce, Michael Richards, Franklin Adams, Jane Feild, Sam Long, Randolph McCloy, Rhoda Thiel, Natalie & Davant Latham, Foy Coolidge, Betty & John Malmo, Susan & Darryl Johnson, Kaye & Gardner Brooksbank, Beverley & Charles Ray, Dennis Higdon, Judith & Bruce Campbell, Brenda & Frank Flautt, Betsy & Preston Wilson, Suzanne Plyler • Douglas Harwell McClew by Douglas & Cathey Harwell McClew • Bettye Perkins Pittman by Candice & Marty Carr

18 | www.gracestlukes.org

Transfer In

• Alison & John Barnum from St. Timothy’s, Southaven

Transfer Out

• Paula & Cliff Barnes to Emmanuel Memorial, Champaign, IL • Betsy Black to Calvary, Memphis

Births

• Margaux Bird Williams, daughter of Brittany & Daniel Williams and granddaughter of Jane & Bruce Williams (August 2) • Madalene Joy Snodgrass, daughter of Lindsey & Carter Snodgrass (August 12) • Robinson Renken Simmons, daughter of Rachael & Chilton Simmons (October 16)

Burials, Committals, & Deaths

• Rhoda Lowson Crawford Phelps (died June 15) • L. Douglas Smith (died August 4) • Kenneth Donald Binder (died August 19) • Roy Keathley (died September 16) • Janet Perry Hooks (died October 10)

Holy Matrimony

• Terecille Basa-Ong and Matt Badgett (September 9) • Hanna Burton and Robert Gallant (October 7) • Elizabeth Wilkinson and Daniel Gallini (October 7) • Patrick Blankinship and Jonathan Hancock (October 14) • Sally Clark and SMJ Meeker (October 21) • Kelci Pearce and Daniel Massey (October 28)

Worship & Formation

gracestlukes.org/worship | gracestlukes.org/discover SUNDAYS 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Homily and Hymns 8:30–9:15 a.m. Community Breakfast by the Crossmen *Nursery for infants through three-year-olds, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

9:15–10:15 a.m. Youth and Children Classes 9:30–10:15 a.m. Adult Classes 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Sermon and Choir, Livestreamed includes Children’s Chapel and return to families at the Peace 11:30 a.m. Fellowship & Refreshments, Trezevant Hall 4–4:50 p.m. More Than A Meal Outreach, Trezevant Hall 4–6 p.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) most Sundays at GSL 5 p.m. Contemplative Holy Eucharist with Music and Third Sunday Choral Evensong (September–May) WEEKDAYS Wednesday Noon–12:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist in the Chapel September–May; Healing Prayers included on First Wednesdays Wednesday 6–7 p.m. Adult Formation Offerings (as announced)

Parish Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

901-272-7425 | www.gracestlukes.org | 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, Youth, and Family Ministry 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 Jess Steenbergen, Youth Formation Associate 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 901-252-6330 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

Life at GSL photos of events since our last Messenger: Shrimp Boil, Pet Blessing, Brats & Beverages, Messy Church, Durufle Requiem, and GSL School Opening Convocation Chapel to kick off the school year.

Look for GRACESTLUKES in Cyberspace.

Church website: gracestlukes.org Facebook: - - - - facebook.com/gracestlukes X.com: - - - - - - x.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. Text START to 901-676-9013 to Opt In to Receive One-Way Texts from GSL. In addition to replying to opt-in email requests, the simplest way to opt in to receive One-Way Texts from GSL via Realm is to text START to 901-676-9013. Your mobile number must be added to your Realm profile for this to work.

If you’re not certain that we have your mobile number, please contact Communications Associate Lucy Owens. 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

The Messenger | Winter 2023-2024 | 19

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.

Mark Your Calendars with These Important Dates Dec. 3 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 24

Dec. 25 Dec. 26-27 Jan. 1 Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 11

Annual Parish Meeting, 9:30 a.m. gracestlukes.org/annualmeeting2023 Luna Nova Winter Concert, 7 p.m. (see page 4) St. Nicholas Festival, 5 p.m. gracestlukes.org/events/event/feast-of-st-nicholas Honey Tasting with Thistle & Bee sponsored by GSL MICAH Core Group (see page 4) Advent Lessons & Carols followed by a Festive Party with Music, 5 p.m. (see page 10) GSL Daytime Book Group, 11:30 a.m. gracestlukes.org/gsl-daytime-book-group Public Theology at Celtic Crossing, 5:30 p.m. gracestlukes.org/public-theology Christmas Altar Flower Deadline (see page 18) Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (see page 13) The Nutcracker Suite, Johnny Yancey, trumpet, & members of the Memphis Jazz Workshop 6 p.m. (see page 10) Service of the Longest Night, 6 p.m. (see page 5) Advent IV Eucharist, 9:30 a.m.

Children’s Christmas Pageant, 3 p.m.

Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist with Sermon, Choir, & Brass, 5 & 9 p.m. gracestlukes.org/christmas Christmas Day Eucharist with Hymns, 10 a.m.

Church Office Closed: Clergy-Staff Break Church Office Closed: New Year’s Day MICAH Core Group, 6 p.m., gracestlukes.org/micah GSL Daytime Book Group, 11:30 a.m. gracestlukes.org/gsl-daytime-book-group Public Theology at Celtic Crossing, 5:30 p.m. gracestlukes.org/public-theology

Jan. 15 Jan. 15 Jan. 21 Jan, 28 Feb. 8 Feb. 8 Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Feb. 18 Feb. 18

Church Office Closed: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Race for Reconciliation GSL Team Walk & Run www.r4r.one Choral Evensong, observing the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle 5 p.m. (see page 10) Concert with Artina McCain, piano, & Martin McCain, trombone, 5 p.m. (see page 10) GSL Daytime Book Group, 11:30 a.m. gracestlukes.org/gsl-daytime-book-group Public Theology at Celtic Crossing, 5:30 p.m. gracestlukes.org/public-theology Shrove Tuesday Festival, 5-7:30 p.m. gracestlukes.org/shrove-tuesday-festival Ash Wednesday, 7 a.m., 8:05 a.m. (School only), noon, 6:30 p.m. (see page 4) Memphis Theological Seminary Black History Month Lecture: Dr. Catherine Meeks, 7 p.m. GSL First Sunday in Lent including The Great Litany Choral Evensong for the first Sunday in Lent, 5 p.m. gracestlukes.org/music

Mar. 24 Mar. 28 Mar. 29 Mar. 30 Mar. 31

Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Good Friday The Great Vigil of Easter Easter Day

Apr 18-21

GSL & Calvary Episcopal Pilgrimage to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama

Explore this issue for other important dates for formation offerings, events, and more for adults, young adults, youth, and children and subcribe to our weekly eNews (gracestlukes.org/subscribe) for updates including new offerings and more news.