Community Breakfast in McClure Hall by the Crossmen
9:30–10:15 a.m.
Adult Formation: Faith Forum & Small Group Classes
9:30–10:15 a.m.
Youth and Children Formation (Sunday School) Classes (Beginning August 17)
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Sermon and Choir (also via livestream)
Children’s Chapel
11:30 a.m.
Fellowship and Refreshments
4 p.m.
More Than A Meal Outreach
4–6 p.m.
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)
5 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS Beginning August 10
Contemplative Holy Eucharist with Music and Third Sunday Choral Evensong (September–May)
WORSHIP
All are welcome to every worship offering and to explore the rich musical tradition at GSL. Worship at GSL provides intentional opportunities for people to thank God for blessings known and unknown, connect with one another, be nourished by Word and Sacrament, and be restored to face whatever lies ahead. Our various liturgies include readings from and meditations on the Holy Scriptures, music, and silence. Most services include the sharing of Holy Communion at God’s Table, food for the journey.
Noon–12:25 p.m.
Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayers
Community life at GSL is rooted in our Mission, Vision, and commitment to Belonging. Worship is offered both in person and via livestream. Christian Formation offerings for all ages are vibrant and enriching. Meaningful opportunities for connection are essential and ongoing. Seasonal editions of Life at GSL and The Messenger share more about the abundance of our life together.
What is the GSL Sunday 5 p.m. Contemplative
Holy Eucharist?
Steady attendees and visitors describe this alternative service as one of the most moving services at GSL or anywhere. In a culture of busy lives, demands, distractions, and noise, brief moments of silence, music (cello, classical guitar, flute, jazz, piano), and candle-lighting wrap worshippers’ hearts and minds in a unique state of prayer. Different from services with singing and lots of speaking, contemplation is the emphasis where the pace is set simply to listen, meditate on holy scripture, and receive holy communion in a beautiful space enhanced by low overhead lighting and the bright glimmer of large and small candles. Did you know the Bible encourages us to meditate on the Word of God, and spiritual ancestors and crafters of our faith gave a blueprint for morning, afternoon, and evening prayers? Scripture (Jeremiah 29: 12-18, James 4:8) encourage us to “draw near to God and God will draw near to you.” In this Sunday evening service, your heart and spirit can push aside distractions to come closer to our Lord and prepare for the week ahead. Join others at our next Contemplative Holy Eucharist and share your experiences with others including members of the clergy-staff team.
The Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, Rector 901-252-6320 | orencher@gracestlukes.org
Our Gifts of Presence and Engagement
Greetings on behalf of Grace-St. Luke’s Vestry and Clergy-Staff Team! I invite you and all who are affiliated with GSL to share in the “ministry of presence” by engaging in the weekly, monthly, and seasonal events shared in this special edition of The Messenger and listed elsewhere. This Life at GSL: Fall 2025 Program Guide is full of offerings for church members and newcomers, school families, neighbors, and friends to partake in the unassuming yet meaningful act of being with others for worship, formation, service, and fellowship. In ways that one might not ever know, being present with another, whenever able and possible, can bring support, care, encouragement, peace, and believe it or not, hope. Showing up, listening, or just “being” together in Christian community for times of celebration as well as tribulation and vulnerability are irreplaceable benefits to one another. May we show love for God and one another through the sacred gifts of our presence and engagement in life at GSL.
August 3
The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
11:15 a. m. Lucy Owens’ Leave-taking Reception.
5 p.m. Contemplative Holy Eucharist with music by Patrick Scott & Scott Moore.
5:45 p.m. Parish Supper.
August 10
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Resume 3 services: 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m.
10:30 a.m. Blessing of the Backpacks.
11:45 a.m. Courageous Conversations.
August 17
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost
11:30 a.m.Parish Life Festival +BLTs.
August 24
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 a.m. Faith Forum: The Arab-Israeli Conflict Through a Jewish Lens (part 1) with Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel.
Sunday Spotlight
September 7
Important events, fellowships, and forums with guest speakers.
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 a.m. Faith Forum: A Grief Observed: Reflecting on Loss and a Way Forward.
Noon, The Spiritual Practice of Advanced Planning: Healthcare, Legal, Legacy & Burial (Lunch Provided).
September 14
Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 a.m. Faith Forum: America@250 with Tim Huebner, Professor of History at Rhodes College, reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and what it might mean today for a people of faith.
September 21
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
5 p.m. Hymn Festival with Germantown UMC at Germantown UMC.
September 28
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
8:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Consecreation Sunday Jazz Brunches.
October 12
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 a.m. Faith Forum: The Arab-Israeli Conflict Through a Jewish Lens (part 2) with Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel.
October 19
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
St. Luke’s Feast Day.
9:30 a.m. Faith Forum: Is There Space for Healing & Miracles Today? Ask St. Luke the Healer.
5 p.m. Evensong: St. Luke’s Feast.
November 2
All Saints’ Sunday
Bishop’s Visitation.
The Rev. Laura F. Gettys’ return from sabbatical.
9:30 a.m. Faith Forum: Conversation with The Bishop.
5 p.m. GSL & Calvary Choirs Requiem with Music.
November 30
First Sunday of Advent
9:30 a.m. Faith Forum: The Art of Waiting Well: Reflections of Advent.
December 7
Second Sunday of Advent
9:30-10:15 a.m. Annual Parish Meeting.
December 14
Third Sunday of Advent
5 p.m. Advent Lessons & Carols.
6 p.m. Advent Party with Music
December 21
Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:30 a.m. Faith Forum: GSL Family Advent Labyrinth Walk.
December 28
First Sunday after Christmas Day
8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m Worship.
8:30 a.m. Breakfast.
11:30 a.m. Christmastide Refreshments.
January 4
The Second Sunday of Christmas
Epiphany with Burning of the Greens (transferred).
Brooks Museum: Salt & Spirit Exhibit hosted by Justice Ministry.
More youth events on back page.
DISCOVER
Lucy Owens’ Reception
11:15 a.m. celebrating Lucy’s 39 years working at GSL.
3 Contemplative Holy Eucharist with Music 5 p.m. service with Patrick Scott & Scott Moore.
5:45 p.m. Parish Supper
Life
with Healing Prayers.
9:30 a.m. Abundance & Fall Highlights + Youth & Children Open House/Connect. Worship
Blessing of the Backpacks
10:30 a.m. Bring your backpacks for prayer before school begins. Formation 17 Faith Forum
Courageous Conversations 11:45 a.m. Being a Good Neighbor.
Engagement: Justice
welcoming of Marta LopezFlohr at Liz & Kevin Keough’s home.
Youth & Family
Youth Social Media Use and Mental Health Outcomes.
AUGUST
Episcopal School Sunday Past, Present, & Future of GSL School.
9:30 a.m. Change: The Only Thing That Is Constant. First Day of Classes for Youth & Children. Formation: ALL
Faith Forum 9:30 a.m. (Part 1) The Arab-Israeli Conflict Through a Jewish Lens with Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel.
Formation: Adult
at Idlewild Presbyterian Church.
For many years now, GSL school has organized a summer trip to Europe for interested seventh and eighth grade students.
Our SummerFest 2025 campers had a great time at GSL!
This June, Middle School teachers Juan Roncal and Julie Binder chaperoned eight students on a fantastic tour through Italy. Will, Zachary, Cullen, Grey, Parker, Ronan, Sam, and Zane are pictured here at the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
SEPTEMBER
Care & Formation 7 The Spiritual Practice of Advanced Planning Noon, with Lunch Provided. Healthcare Legal, Legacy, & Burial.
1 901 Unite Memphis
9:30 a.m. at the National Civil Rights Museum.
3 Choir Rehersal Resumes
Community Engagement: Outreach 18 Room In The Inn Occurs monthly at Idlewild Presbyterian Church.
Faith Forum: America@250
9:30 a.m. with Tim Huebner, Professor of History at Rhodes College, in reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Faith Forum
9:30 a.m. A Closer Look at The Power of the Psalms with The Clergy.
9:30 a.m. (Part 2) The Arab-Israeli Conflict Through a Jewish Lens with Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel.
11:45 a.m. in the Lounge.
Community Engagement: Justice 24 GSL History Team Meeting
8:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Jazz Brunches. No Faith Formation.
6 Fall Sports Begin Formation: Adult
Dr. Catherine Meeks Ecumenical Pilgrimage Wisdom Then & Now: From Embers to Fire at Centenary United Methodist Church
Community Engagement: Justice
7 Faith Forum
9:30 a.m. A Grief Observed: Reflecting on Loss & a Way Forward.
Two dates in September partnering with Carpenter Art Garden.
More youth events on back page.
Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School
GSL School is hard at work preparing to be back in session, and we couldn’t be more excited about the 2025-26 school year. We welcome the full faculty and staff team back the week of August 4 to make final preparations for our first day of school on August 11. Some 80 new students (and 10 new faculty members) will be joining the Saints community this year, and at the time of this writing, we are still enrolling students in select grades. Everyone is looking forward to a great school year!
You may have noticed construction going on around campus, as we build for the future at GSL. Several big projects are nearing completion as of late July. Due to growing enrollment in Lower School, we have spent this summer converting the Lower School Multipurpose Room (formerly the original GSL cafeteria, for those of you with long histories here!) into two brand new classroom spaces for first grade. And as part of our promise to enhance the safety and security of our outdoor areas for this entire community, we have been working for the past
few months to construct new brick enclosures for both our Preschool Playground at Miss Lee’s and for the playground on Lemaster. Many thanks are due to GSL grandparents Amy & Dave Howe and GSL parents Farley Howe Ezekiel & Ed Ezekiel and Emily Howe Gianis & Greg Gianis for providing the transformational gift that made these new enclosures possible. We are eagerly awaiting the final touches from our construction partner Grinder, Taber, & Grinder to bring all these projects to completion.
Thank you to all the church parishioners who’ve chosen this school for their children’s educational journey. The outstanding GSL educational experience–grounded in the Episcopal tradition–is impossible to beat! If you know a family relocating to Memphis who will be looking at schools, please tell them about GSL. You may direct any inquiries to Head of School Andy Surber or Director of Admissions Shelly McGuire at 901-278-0200. We would love the chance to introduce more families to our warm and welcoming community!
Upcoming Events & School Holidays
August 11
First Day of School
August 21
Back-to-School Night Classroom Visits for Parents
Sept. 1
Labor Day; School Closed
Sept. 19
Parent-Teacher Conferences; No School for Students
Sept. 25
Annual School Picnic at Snowden Field
Oct. 6-10
Fall Break; School Closed
Nov. 25
Grandparents’ Day; Noon Dismissal
Nov. 26-28
Thanksgiving Break; School Closed
OCTOBER
HISTORICAL NOTES
The Rev. William G. Gehri was the first Rector of Grace-St. Luke’s Church, serving from 1940 until 1946. Prior to the merger of Grace and St. Luke’s Churches, Rev. Gehri was the 18th Rector of Grace Church, Memphis.
Rev. Gehri was born in 1895 in Sandusky, OH. The Rev. Gerhi was a third generation American descended from German immigrants, whose father owned a grocery store. The Rev. Gerhi had three younger sisters. During WW I, William Gehri, while a student at the University of Akron, served as a Private in the Student’s Army Training Corp of the U.S. Army, and was training to be an officer when the war ended, so he was never deployed to Europe. He graduated from Kenyon College in 1924 with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree, then went on to receive a B.D. from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1926. He did some non-degree post-graduate studies at the New York School of Social Work (1928) and the University of Chicago (1931).
Rev. Gerhi was ordained a deacon in 1924 and a priest in 1925 by Bishop Gravatt of the diocese of West Virginia. In 1924, Rev. Gerhi married Yolande Virginia Malone of Jefferson, West Virginia, with whom he had two daughters: Virginia Lee Gerhi and Sylvia Yolande Gehri. Rev. Gerhi started his ministry at St. Matthew’s Church in Charleston, West Virginia in 1924, then became Rector of Trinity Church, Morgantown, West Virginia in 1926. While at Trinity Church, Rev. Gerhi also ran Trinity House, a campus ministry at West Virginia University, and occasionally lectured in “fields allied to religion”. He also helped organize and served in leadership positions in a social services coordination agency in West Virginia.
The Rev. William Gehri, 1st Rector of Grace-St. Luke’s Church
NOVEMBER
More youth events on back page. Refer to gracestlukes.org
In January 1938, the Rev. William Bratton, the Rector of Grace Church, died unexpectedly, leaving Grace Church without a priest. Grace Church quickly organized a search for a new Rector. One of the candidates, suggested by a priest acquaintance of a Grace Church vestry member, was the Rev. William Gregg Gehri. From the candidate evaluation form, we know that Grace Church was looking for a good preacher with a dynamic personality who could connect with men, women, and children, was active in civil affairs and social services, was neither a communist, pacifist, or member of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), and had a demonstrated record of growing a church. At this point, Grace Church was concerned about the changing demographics of its neighborhood, but had no plans to move or merge with another parish.
In March 1938, Grace Church leaders arranged for Rev. Gehri to be a guest speaker at a Memphis meeting of the State (of Tennessee) Conference of Social Work, where he presented a paper titled “The Church and Social Work”, and also had an opportunity to meet with the Grace Church Search Committee. On May 1, 1938, Grace Church officially issued a call to The Rev. Gehri, which he accepted. He started serving at Grace Church on August 7, 1938. Rev. Gehri did not have an easy time of it, as within four months Grace Church had sold its building, was looking for a new
By Murray McKay, GSL History Team
location, and would soon be exploring a merger with St. Luke’s Church. However, he applied himself to the task and lead Grace Church through the creation of Grace-St. Luke’s Church, and was sufficiently well thought of to be made Rector of Grace-St. Luke’s despite being both younger and junior in experience and time in position to the Rev. Charles Hale, the Rector of St. Luke’s Church.
“...he applied himself to the task and lead Grace Church through the creation of GraceSt. Luke’s Church...”
While Rector of Grace-St. Luke’s Church, Rev. Gehri was Board Member of the Tennessee Conference of Social Work, chairman of the Committee on Alcoholism and the Council of Social Agencies, officer of the Council of Social Agencies, President of the Church Mission of Help, member of the Memphis Inter-Racial Committee, President of the Association of Church and Professional Social Workers, and chairman of Christian Social Service. He served as delegate from the Memphis area churches to the Cleveland Conference of the Federal Council of Churches Conference on a Just and Durable Peace, a group chaired by John Foster Dulles that set down the principles that were implemented in both NATO and the United Nations.
Rev. Gehri was hospitalized on Nov. 7, 1946 for “circulatory system collapse” and died on Nov. 9, 1946. He was succeeded as Rector by the Rev. Charles Hale, the former Rector of St. Luke’s Church and Associate Rector of Grace-St. Luke’s Church.
DECEMBER
More youth events on back page.
We are grateful that Grace St. Luke’s has a dedicated budget line that supports the Food Pantry, ensuring that this vital ministry continues year-round. Thanks to this support—and your generosity—we are able to provide not only shelf stable food bags but also nutritious, healthy meals for those in need.
Our cooking teams prepare low-fat, low-salt, and low-sugar meals each week with ingredients generously provided at a reduced cost. Cash Saver supplies ingredients at cost plus 10% and Palazola Produce donates fresh vegetables to enhance the nutritional value of each meal.
Each week, 25 to 35 containers with two servings per container are delivered to Church Health, and an additional 20 to 25 containers with two servings per container are given to Church Health patrons who come to Grace St. Luke’s every Tuesday morning. Grace-St. Luke’s clergy/staff also distribute 8 to 10 food bags weekly to individuals and families who turn to us for assistance.
Thank you again for standing with us in this mission. Your continued support helps to nourish bodies and souls, ease burdens, and bring hope to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Food Pantry volunteers and cooking teams extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed food and hygiene products to our food pantry this past June and July. Your generous donations are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community.
If you would like to join a cooking team, lead a cooking team, distribute meals to Church Health patrons, or just come see what we do, 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!
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
OUTREACH + JUSTICE
Honoraria
In honor of Bond & Jim Moore by Betsy Warren Wilson
In honor of Ja Hayes & family by Betsy Warren Wilson
To Friends of Music in honor of Mary & Jon McCalla’s 50th wedding anniversary by Patty & Ed Wiley
Martin E. Edwards, Jr.
Edith & Bob Heller
Donald Edward McLemore
Edith & Bob Heller
Daniel Ernest Oppenheimer
Pat & Ralph Neely
Anne Craig & Kirk Bob
2025 Memorials and Honoraria Memorials
Nancy Roberts Edwards
Barney Rolfes
Edith & Bob Heller
Carrie & Gary Comella
Betsy Warren Wilson
Helen Sands “Sandy” Riggs
Jackie Kays
Penelope Register
Altar Flowers, Eucharistic Supplies During Worship
Altar Flowers are made possible by parishioner donations in memory or honor of loved ones. To share in this meaningful way, contact Director of Finance and Operations, John Burnam (jburnam@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6324) or Congregational Life Associate, Abby Huber (ahuber@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6336). Flowers are $215 per Sunday, which one or more people may share in giving. Eucharistic supplies (wafers, wine, candle oil) also may be donated for $25 per week. For more information, visit gracestlukes.org/altar-flowers.
Grace-St. Luke’s Church benefits from financiral gifts to support our life and ministries. Visit gracestlukes.org/onlinegiving.
Membership News (May & June)
Transfer In
• Sandy French from Trinity Episcopal, Solebury, Pennsylvania
• Philip, Mawusi, Gus, and Odette McKelroy Births
• Wyatt Thomas Vazquez, child of Margaret and Jon Vazquez and grandchild of Janet Wyatt
• Samson Boggs, son of Jenay & Alex Boggs and grandson of Wight Boggs
• Charlotte Fortune Stewart, daughter of Vaughan & Joe Stewart Baptisms
• August Lyndon Mathewes and Beckett Pauley Mathewes, children of Michelle & Andrew Mathewes
• Hugh Jackson Schieffler Jr., son of Jordan & Jackson Schieffler
• Simon Romero Searle, son of Katie & Kevin Searle
• Robinson Renken Simmons, daughter of Rachael & Chilton Simmons
• Sofia Elisabeth Stone, daughter of Marie Stone & Lily Arango
• Margaux Byrd Williams, daughter of Brittany & Daniel Williams Deaths
• Helen T. “Sandy” Riggs
• Vivian Saupe Burials, Committals
• Cynthia Anne Baine De Maagd
• Nancy Roberts Edwards
• Vivian Saupe
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 Maggie Hays.
Baptisms at Grace-St. Luke’s
The sacrament of Holy Baptism will be administered in 2025 public worship at Grace-St. Luke’s on November 2. For more information on scheduling a baptism, contact Membership and Stewardship Associate Chapman Morrow (901-252-6328, cmorrow@gracestlukes.org).
Support Groups at GSL
Looking for a supportive community on your recovery journey? Join one of these meetings:
• AA (Alcoholics Anonymous): Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
• Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays at 7 p.m.
• Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: Saturdays at noon
Interested in starting a new recovery support group at GSL, such as Al-Anon, a 12-step young people’s meeting, Nar-Anon, Gamblers Anonymous, or Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA)?
Contact Support Groups Coordinator, Lucy Owens, at lucy.owens@gmail.com or 901-497-0691 to explore new possibilities!
Grace-St. Luke’s Church offers a rich variety of weekly and seasonal opportunities for worship, formation (learning), community-building, music, and more, all designed to nurture the faith and spiritual journeys of adults, youth, and children. This seasonal program guide, Life at GSL, is created for all members, newcomers, and visitors to explore and engage in the many events and offerings available. Most activities take place on campus, with select offerings available online. For the latest updates, changes to scheduled events, or additional opportunities not listed here, please visit gracestlukes.org and check the weekly eNews, social media, and worship leaflet announcements.
Realm Online Directory for GSL & One-Way Texts. Realm is a GREAT WAY to connect to other parishioners. In order for other members to find you in the Realm Directory, your privacy settings need updating through your Realm profile. Contact Lucy if you need assistance doing this. 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. You can log into your Realm profile here: onrealm.org/ gracestlukes. If you’re not certain that we have your mobile number, please contact Communications Associate Aminah Sigler. For questions or more information, visit gracestlukes.org/realm or reach out to Abby Huber (ahuber@gracestlukes.org, (901-252-6336) or Aminah Sigler (asigler@gracestlukes.org, 901-644-2007).
Subscribe to the GSL eNews
Missing your weekly eNews? Check your spam folders! We use the 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 Aminah Sigler, 901-644-2007 or asigler@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 gracestlukes.org/privacy-policy.
Clergy Lay Staff
The Rt. Rev. Phoebe A. Roaf, Bishop The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector
ABBY HUBER
Congregational Life Associate & Assistant to the Rector
JOHN H. BARNUM Director of Finance & Operations
The Rev. Laura F. Gettys, Associate Rector
The Rev. Anne S. Carrière, Priest Associate
The Rev. Jessica T. Abell, Deacon
2025 Vestry, Treasurer, and Chancellor gracestlukes.org/vestry
2025: Jennifer Gibbs (Clerk), Ruthie Lentz (Recreation and Wellness), Price Peacock (Strategic Plan), Matt Sights (Senior Warden), Hal Wright (Congregational Life)
Daniel Reid (Treasurer)
Johnny Norris (Chancellor)
2026: Dawn Currica (Congregational Life), Jerry Hudson (Community Engagement), Jim McCall (Junior Warden), Terry Trojan (Recreation and Wellness), Susanna Weston (Formation: Youth & Children)
2027: Malle CarrascoHarris (Congregational Life), Barb Frazer (Community Engagement), Melanie French (Communications), Hunter Rittenberry (Strategic Plan), Michael Rowland (Formation: Adult)
