eNews for January 21, 2019

NEWS FOR OUR PARISH COMMUNITY February 21, 2019

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Weekly eNews

Inside this Issue (Download pdf here) Take Note

Email Alert

Lenten Resources

Waffle Shop Waitstaff

Mission & Vision Statements

Vestry Minutes

VBS Survey Children & Youth

Episcopal Youth Community

Choirs

Outreach: Food Pantry Sunday

This Sunday's Schedule

Adult Formation

Parish Hall Forum

Preparing for Sunday

Facing History & Ourselves

Upcoming Midweek Evenings Upcoming Events

39ers Lunch

Old-Fashioned Southern Potluck

Shrove Tuesday Festival

Ash Wednesday

Adult Formation

Monthly Contemplative Prayer Group Join a small group of committed contemplatives as they meet each month for a time of intentional prayer and silence. This group is self-led and participates in a variety of prayer practices: Lectio Divina, Mindfulness, Centering Prayer, and Ignatian Spirituality. Meetings are from 9:00-9:30 a.m. on the last Sunday of each month in Room 212 (across from McClure Hall in the Evans Building). Mark your calendars for Feb. 24, Mar. 31, Apr. 28... All are welcome!

Parish Hall Forum: The Light Within: A Generative Force for Living with Bill Craddock This season of Epiphany calls members of the body of Christ to celebrate the divine nature of Jesus as the light of the world. As images of God, the light of Christ within each of us can be a generative force for better and more wholistic lives. Memphis Episcopalian and recent book author, Bill Craddock will facilitate a conversation about the power and importance of light. Spread the word and bring a guest!

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.

Music enhances Sunday 5:30 Worship at GSL Our Sunday night 45-minute service now includes special instrumental music at the beginning of the liturgy, during the offertory, and during communion. In addition to scripture passages, a clergy-offered reflection, and moments of silence, worshippers will experience brief meditative offerings for a variety of instruments, such as the flute, guitar, and cello. All ages are invited to attend this enhanced contemplative option for worship at GSL. Spread the word.

Preparing for Sunday This week's readings: Genesis 45:3-11, 15 · 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50 · Luke 6:27-38 · Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42 www.gracestlukes.org/discover/this-sundays-texts/

Midweek Evenings at GSL Join us Wednesday evening, February 27, 6-7:30 p.m. for a conversation with a Ttam from e Memphis nonprofit “Facing History and Ourselves.” Light refreshments provided.

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 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

Email Phishing Reminder

This week, some Grace-St. Luke’s parishioners & staff received emails that appeared to be from Ollie+, but weren’t! See above image.

We are not alone with this problem. It is happening around the country, with churches being hit particularly hard. We continue to look for ways to combat this issue. We will stop including clickable email links of parishioners in the eNews, Messenger, and our website: for example, when ministry leaders include their emails in notices for publication, will will change @ to "at."

Please note: all clergy and staff have emails that end in @gracestlukes.org. Please don't click links or respond to requests for money or gift cards or requests for 'favors.'

Follow this link for more on this important message about staying safe from phishing and hacking attacks and what to do if you receive a suspicious email from someone at GSL: www.gracestlukes.org/news/phishing. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Please call Lucy with any questions or concerns: 901-252-6333.

Daily Meditation Resources for Lent and Holy Week From Ash Wednesday (March 5) through Holy Saturday (April 20), individuals and households are encouraged to enrich observance of the season with daily meditation resources provided by Forward Movement and Episcopal Relief and Development. Beginning on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany: Transfiguration Sunday (March 3), devotional booklets will be available in the public spaces at GSL or online: Forward Day by Day [https://prayer.forwardmovement.org] or Episcopal Relief & Development Lenten Meditations [https://www.episcopalrelief.org/church-inaction/church-campaigns/lent]. The Book of Common Prayer also provides Daily Devotions beginning at page 136 or online under Daily Devotions [https://www.bcponline.org]

GSL Waffle Shop Waitstaff The weekly Lenten series at Calvary which includes a delicious lunch at the Waffle Shop begins on March 8. This year, like last, GSL is responsible for four people each Wednesday and Friday during lent to help serve those meals. No experience is necessary and it’s really great fun. The shifts are 10:30 to 2 and you can learn all there is to know in just a few short minutes. Please think about doing several shifts. Parking is free at St. Mary’s Cathedral with a continuous shuttle down to Calvary. There will be sign-up sheets during the coffee hour or before or after Parrish Hall Forum each week. For more information contact Buddy Adams, 901-755-2371, or Dorsey Wade, 601-613-2378.

Parish Mission and Vision Statements 2019 The 2019 Annual Retreat of Grace-St. Luke’s Vestry and Clergy, January 4-5 at St. Columba Episcopal Conference & Retreat Center, included plenary sessions and individual prayer time to contemplate a “vision” necessary to lead and inform how we (GSL parish community) might go about fulfilling and sustaining our “mission” in and beyond Midtown Memphis. Subsequent conversations, meetings, a Sunday Parish Hall Forum, and a subcommittee of the Vestry led to

the discernment of a vision that was adopted at the February 19th meeting of the Vestry to mark a new season following the ministry commencement of our tenth rector, The Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, on July 25, 2018.

Follow this link for more: www.gracestlukes.org/news/parish-missionand-vision-statements-2019/.

Vestry Minutes The Vestry Minutes are now available for download for the January 2019 meeting, by following this link.

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

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 at 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.

Outreach Ministry

Food Pantry Sunday (Feb. 24) While you're out shopping this weekend, we could use dried milk, tooth paste, peanut butter, cereal, and hygiene products. Choose one or all of these items.

Please bring your offering of food items and place them in the basket as you approach the altar for communion this Sunday. Monetary donations are also welcome. Let's give generously and fill the basket!

Children & Youth

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

Episcopal Youth Community Feb. 24: Middle School—contact Addison for details.

High School—12-1 p.m. Brunch and Bible 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.

This Sunday at GSL

Join us for worship, formation, and fellowship.

This Sunday is Food Pantry Sunday. (details above) 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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