eNews for February 14, 2019

NEWS FOR OUR PARISH COMMUNITY February 14, 2019

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Weekly eNews

Inside this Issue (Download pdf here) Ordination to the Priesthood

This Sunday's Schedule

Adult Formation

Parish Hall Forum

Preparing for Sunday

Becoming American

Upcoming Midweek Evenings

Take Note

Use of Incense

VBS Survey

Outreach: A Step Ahead

Upcoming Events

Third Thursday

Women's Retreat

39ers Lunch

Old-Fashioned Southern Potluck

Shrove Tuesday Festival

Ash Wednesday

Children & Youth

Episcopal Youth Community

Choirs

Ordination to the Priesthood

By the Grace of God and with the consent of the people, the Right Reverend Don E. Johnson, Third Bishop of West Tennessee, will ordain Meredith Jane Day to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on Saturday, February 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Your prayers and presence are requested.

Clergy: red stoles.

Reception following.

Nursery available 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Adult Formation

Parish Hall Forum: Comparing the Beatitudes in Matthew and Luke: What They Tell Us about Jesus’ Teaching Ministry and Justice with Dr. Dan Pigg Without question, the Beatitudes form an important of Jesus’s teaching ministry. Not included in the gospel of Mark, these wisdom-like expressions are found in different, but connected versions in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. The original audiences would have found something truly amazing in these remarks. While the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible had recognized the “am haaretz” (the people of the earth, the ordinary people), it is in these remarks of Jesus that he bring front and center their needs, God’s concern, and the expectations for justice. Let’s examine them closely and see how these words of Jesus spoke to his day and continue to speak to us.

Join us in Trezevant Hall for breakfast at 8:45 a.m. followed by the Parish Hall Forum from 9:3010:20.

To listen to past Parish Hall Forum classes, visit www.gracestlukes.org/forum-videos.

To view this Sunday's full schedule: see below.

Preparing for Sunday This week's readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10 · 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 · Luke 6:17-26 · Psalm 1 www.gracestlukes.org/discover/this-sundays-texts/

Midweek Evenings at GSL: Becoming American (Feb. 20) Join us Wednesday evening, February 20, 6-7:30 p.m., for the third of the “Becoming American” series hosted by retired Immigration Judge, Charlie Pazar. Each week we explore a different aspect of immigration through film, lecture, and discussion. Light refreshments provided.

This week’s topic: “Promise and Prejudice: Welcome to Shelbyville” explores the tension— historic and current—between Americans’ acceptance of immigrants, including the celebration of their own immigrant heritage, versus the periodic backlash prompted by concern about the economic and cultural effects of newcomers.

To listen to last week's class, visit www.gracestlukes.org/forum-videos.

To view the Wednesday Evening series schedule, visit www.gracestlukes.org/midweekevenings. Please note, classes in March, April and May require you to sign up in advance, links below.

Upcoming Midweek Evenings at GSL February 27, 6-7:30 p.m.

Conversation with a team from Memphis nonprofit “Facing History and Ourselves” (light refreshments provided) March 13, 20, 27, April 3 & April 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bible Study: We’re Marching to Zion: How the city of Jerusalem is important in Scripture, History, and the Spiritual Life with Dr. Dan Pigg Advanced sign-up required; limited to 20 people.

Sign-up

here: tinyurl.com/GSLMarchingToZion2019

March 20, 27, April 3 & April 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Book Study: “Waking Up White” by Debbie Irving facilitated by Nicki Soulé Advanced sign-up required; limited to 20 people.

Sign-up here: tinyurl.com/WakingUpWhite2019

May 1, 8 & 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Book Study: “Surprised by Hope” by N. T. Wright facilitated by the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher Advanced sign-up required; limited to 20 people.

Sign-up here: tinyurl.com/SurprisedByHope2019

Take Note

Incense will be burned on Saturday, February 16.

At the priesthood ordination of the Rev. Meredith Jane Day on February 16 at 10:30 a.m., the ceremonial use of incense (hypoallergenic and mild) will be part of this liturgy during the entrance rite, reading of the gospel, and after the altar is set with the gifts. Our Anglican/Episcopal heritage includes this ancient and modern tradition to diversify liturgical expression. Whenever incense is to be used for various occasions and feast days, advanced notices will be communicated via the eNews and worship leaflet notices. From Psalm 141: “Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

Please Fill Out Our Survey Dear GSL Parish Family, Vacation Bible School is one of our most valued Children’s Formation offerings, and as its director, I’m eager to explore possible updates to this program so it might better serve our parish.

Please take a moment to complete this 2-minute, anonymous survey about VBS: https://tinyurl.com/GSLVBSSurvey.

Whether you’re the parent of a VBS-aged child, or a parishioner who might enjoy volunteering with VBS, or if you just have observations you’d like to share, your feedback is important and ensures the needs of this unique faith community are at the forefront of our planning.

Thanks so much for your time, and for helping to make VBS 2019 our best one yet!

–Sharon Campbell

Upcoming Events

Third Thursday (Feb. 21) Fellowship time with snacks and beverages, dinner that matches the season (think chicken gumbo and bread pudding), and an interesting presentation—that’s what you can expect. Our speakers are Margery and Roger Wolcott who will share their journey from life in the San Francisco bay area to an Episcopal community ministry located near St. Mary’s Cathedral in the medical center of Memphis. Have you ever thought of doing something really different with your life? Come hear their story. Reservations are required ($15 per person). Make yours by Tuesday, February 19. Call or email Lucy (901-252-6333 or (lowens@gracestlukes.org) or pay online at www.gracestlukes.org/events/third-thursday.

2019 Women’s Retreat (Feb. 22-24) Saying Yes to Joy: The Rev. Amy George, associate rector at Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, will again be our wise and witty guide as we consider “joy.” Where is it? What is it? Who is it? This concept resonates deeply as we all yearn in different ways for the essence of “joy.” For more information and to register, visit www.gracestlukes.org/events/womensretreat.

39ers Meeting (Feb. 27) The GSL 39ers is the senior members’ social and fellowship group. We meet monthly for a social time, catered lunch and a program, all for only $6. Our next meeting is on February 27, at noon for social time, 12:30 p.m. lunch and, at 1 p.m. speaker. Our speaker will be Adam Nelson, Center for Transforming Communities, Operations and Development Coordinator. Please let Lucy Owens know if you are planning to attend, at lowens@gracestlukes.org or 901-252-6333. You may also sign up and pay online at www.gracestlukes.org/events/39ers. All are invited and bring a friend!

Old-Fashioned Southern Potluck (Mar. 3) Come join us for an Old-Fashioned Southern Potluck, just like the ones you might remember with family and friends. This is a fun opportunity to bring your favorite dish, fellowship with your church family and make connections in a casual way. Fried chicken, rolls, and drinks will be provided. Please bring the following item, according to your last name, to complete our meal: A-I Appetizers, J-Q Sides, R-Z Desserts Questions? Contact staff liaison Christi Authement at cauthement@gracestlukes.org or 901-252-6325 or Fellowship Chair Kim Motschman Cribb at kmtschmn@hotmail.com or 901-870-8727.

GSL Shrove Tuesday Festival (Mar. 5) On the eve of Ash Wednesday, all ages are invited to gather for a grand Mardi Gras occasion from 5-8 p.m. in Trezevant Hall. Prepare for live music, the burying of the “Alleluias,� and assorted foods including pancakes, bacon, and sausage by the Crossmen, four sorts of gumbo by our clergy (Ollie+, Amy+, Meredith+), assorted savory and sweet items, and child-friendly items.

Tickets are $6 for youth and adults, $4 for children, up to a $25 household maximum for purchase online by Tuesday, March 5 or on event night. Volunteers are needed and can sign up

online to assist the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) with setup, decorations, and cleanup, and serve as cooking assistants to the chefs, food and refreshment station servers, table hosts/runners, and door greeters. Purchase tickets and sign up to volunteer by following this link: www.gracestlukes.org/events/shrove-tuesday-festival.

Ash Wednesday Services (Mar. 6) Join us on Ash Wednesday for Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist at 7 a.m., noon, or 6 p.m. The Nursery is available for the 6 p.m. service.

There is also a GSL School Imposition of Ashes at 8:05 a.m. (a thirty minute liturgy without communion) that all are welcome to attend.

Children & Youth

Sunday Morning Classes To view this Sunday's class schedule, see below.

Episcopal Youth Community Feb. 17: Middle School—5-6:30 p.m. Valentine’s Party in the Red Room.

High School—4-5:30 p.m. in the Red Room.

Biscuits and Bible: This Wednesday morning Bible study is a favorite for our Middle School students. We meet from 6:45-7:45 a.m. to explore the Gospel for the week and its relevance to our lives. Breakfast is provided, and all are welcome, regardless of church or school attendance (early pick-up is available for non-GSL students).

Email Addison Combs (acombs@gracestlukes.org) for more information.

Children's Choirs GSL’s two youth choirs, St. Cecilia Choir and Canterbury Choir, rehearse on Wednesdays. Rehearsal times are 4:30–5 p.m. for St. Cecilia Choir (for boys and girls in SK–2nd grade) and 5–6 p.m. for Canterbury Choir (for boys and girls in grades 3–6). Both choirs meet in the choir room at GSL and are under the direction of Music Associate Debbie Smith. For more information or to register your child, contact Debbie at 901-299-9313 or email her at dsmith@gracestlukes.org.

Outreach Ministry

Lunch and Learn A Step Ahead Foundation, a GSL Outreach Grantee, strives to improve educational, economic, and health outcomes for Shelby County women by providing access to the most effective reversible methods of birth control so they can plan their futures and achieve their full potential. GSL parishioners can find out more about ASAF at a February 20 “Lunch and Learn” session at the ASAF offices in Suite 451 of the Crosstown Concourse. The event is from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Lunch is provided. To register, go here. For additional information, contact Belinda Simpson, ASAF Outreach Director, at belinda@astepaheadfoundation.org.

This Sunday at GSL

Join us for worship, formation, and fellowship.

8:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist 8:45 a.m. – Delicious home-cooked breakfast.

9:30 a.m. – Christian Formation classes for adults (details above) 9:30 a.m. – Christian Formation classes for children Nursery

Infant Room (Newborn–Walking) Toddler Room (Walking–Potty Training) Little Lambs Room (Potty Training–Atrium Ready) Location: Church Nursery with the Nursery Staff Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Atrium I 3–6 year olds: Pre–K, JK and SK Location: Atrium I (Green Room) Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Atrium II 6–9 year olds: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade Location: Atrium II (Purple Room) Project Purpose 4th–5th Grade Location: Yellow Room 9:30 a.m. – Christian Formation classes for youth Rite 13

6th–8th Grade Location: Red Room J2A

9th–12th Grade Location: Room 212 10:30 a.m. – Holy Eucharist Following the 10:30 service – Coffee Hour in Trezevant Hall Nursery – The nursery is available from 7:30 a.m. through the end of the 10:30 service 5:30 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Episcopal Youth Community (details above).

More about Christian Formation at GSL

Children: www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-school

Youth: www.gracestlukes.org/youth-formation

Adults: www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-morning/

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