Join Rhodes College history professor Jeff Jackson, author of Making Jazz French, in conversation with Father Ollie Rencher to explore the history, sound, and deeper insights that jazz can offer listeners today.
The Right Reverend Michael Bruce Curry served as 27th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church from 2015 to 2024 following 40-plus years of ordained ministry. In addition to preaching at Grace-St. Luke's on April 19, Bishop Curry will be featuredinothereventshostedbyGSLandtheDioceseofWest TennesseebetweenApril20andApril21
A lively conversation with Episcopal priest, Duke Divinity School Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality, and author Lauren Winner about the "Weird Texts and Themes in the Summer Readings fromHolyScripture."
exploregracestlukes.org/sunday-morning
SUNDAYS, 9:30-10:15AM TREZEVANTHALL
MAR29
UNPACKINGTHEDRAMAOFHOLY WEEKANDTHEEASTERTRIDUUM
Join the parish clergy for a conversation about the diverse opportunities at GSL to observe and engage the "holiest of weeks" on the church year calendar in preparation for the Sunday of the Resurrection: EasterDay
Join Father Ollie Rencher for what promises to be a meaningful conversation with Episcopalian and Executive Director PatrickWeems
GratitudeforLifeatGSL
Itreasurethegiftofbeinginarelationshipandgatheringregularlywithawidevarietyof peopletoshareandcelebrateallthatGSLChurchhastooffer,includinganexceptional parishschool.Ourcourageousvisionofhope,belonging,andhealinginspiresmetodo all that I can with fellow clergy-staff team colleagues, the vestry, and whole parish family to follow Jesus by deepening appreciation for and engagement in the abundanceoftheGSLcommunity.
THEREV.OLLIEV.RENCHER
RECTOR
The Community Engagement ministries at GSL invite all to respect the dignity of every human being through meeting community members in their particular moment of needthroughfeeding,clothing,sheltering,andvisiting(Outreach)aswellasaddressing whythesedisparitiesarehappeninginthefirstplaceandworktowardschangingthese unfair and unjust systems for long term, systemic change (Justice) It is an incredible honortobesharinginthisholyworkwithyouatGSL
The2026VestryCommissionersforCongregationalLifeareDawnCurrica, Beth Rushing, and Susanna Weston. The commission is tasked with creating opportunities for our parish family to meet and engage with eachotherinsocial,spiritualandhealingactivitiesthatenrichourshared life at GSL. We pray that that enrichment will flow outwards to enhance ourfamilyandcommunityrelationships.
We want to be intentional about connection, bringing people and generationstogether,andofferingsthatallowopportunitiestoparticipate in manageable increments for working, busy families. We want to have intergenerationalactivitiesthatfeedandforgebondsbetweenthosewho have been parishioners for a while and those who are new and seeking waystobepluggedin.
WethankGodforthemyriadwaysapersonmightbebroughtthroughourdoors,intooursanctuary,and intooursharedlives.Nowwewantyoutostay,tobefed,tofindcommunityandtogrowinfaith.Please share your ideas with us, come support our church activities, and be open to connecting with at least oneortwonewpeopleeachtimewemeet.
oIt'swonderfultoseeGSLorganizeoutreachministriesthatactasthehands andfeetofChristinourMemphiscommunity.Therearelotsofwaystoget involved (and they're all pretty fun!). Recently, I saw a GSL family with two young daughters help serve dinner and play with children as part of the Room In The Inn outreach ministry. Their simple act of conversing with RITI parents and playing with their children led to encouragement and new perspectives for all involved. Serving has a beautiful way of blessing both the giver and the recipient. I encourage GSL members to pick an outreach ministry at GSL and volunteer for one of their events to see the blessings theycanofferandalsoreceive.
justice
hThe Justice ministry at GSL offers many ways for parishioners to live out our baptismal covenant together: to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being I have been challenged by Sacred Ground, welcomed by Courageous Conversations, and nurtured by the GSL History Team It is my hope that curious parishioners will get involved in the Justice ministry In doing so, we can groundourfaithandbuildbelovedcommunitytogether
OneofthemostrewardingpartsofmyjobisseeingapreviousGSLChurch sports’ participant return with their child to participate in our GSL Church sports Thisissowonderful!Itbringsmesuchjoytoseethemengagedand captivated by their child participating in a sport! I see a look of comfort, familiarity,andasenseofbeingathomeontheirfaces It’scomefullcircle Thisbringsmeasenseofpurposeandmeaning Iammakingadifference Thisisthetruemeaningoflifeforme
CHRISTIAUTHEMENT
RECREATION&WELLNESSDIRECTOR
Afterbeingburnedoutworkinginacorporateenvironment,Ifoundmyself looking/needing for more meaning in using my talents. The work I do here has definitely been able to provide what was lacking. Whether I’m supporting clergy and other staff members further their ministries, helping maintain this beautiful church home, or supporting outreach, I know the workIdonowhasmeaning.
JOHNH.BARNUM DIRECTOROFFINANCE&OPERATIONS
As a children's pastor I am given a front row seat to the community of God’sloveandpresence Aftertwodecadesinthisareaofparishministry,I think children reveal the Kingdom by revealing deep human vulnerability and also the desire to both love others and be loved in return I do teach them about the Bible, prayer, the special gifts God has given in Baptism, Holy Communion, The Works of Justice and Mercy, etc But more than anything, I try to listen and learn from them The children, Jesus says, are the examples, the teachers of the Kingdom This is an undeserved gift, whichintheChurchwecall:Grace
ANTHONYW.CALZIAJR.
DIRECTOROFCHILDRENANDFAMILYMINISTRY
Themostrewardingpartofmyjobisgettingtointeractwiththepeoplethat come through the doors on a weekly basis, from Food Pantry volunteers to AltarGuildfolkstoourneighborslookingforsomefood I reallyenjoybeing someone that parishioners and community members can come to for answersandassistance
ABBYHUBER
CONGREGATIONALLIFEASSOCIATE& ASSISTANTTOTHERECTOR
The most rewarding aspect of my ministry at GSL isn’t waking up on a deflated air mattress on a church floor, although those kinds of memories make great stories It’s witnessing the Holy Spirit at work in our creative, courageous young people These young sinners and saints are discovering their voices There is deep joy in watching youth light up with an idea for serving others, whether it’s reimagining how to promote a service project or inviting a friend into community Seeing their faith take shape in action reminds me that God is actively building this kin-dom, on earth as it is in heaven
MARTALOPEZ-FLOHR DIRECTOROFYOUTH&FAMILYMINISTRY
Working with the adult and children's choirs is one of the most rewarding aspectsofmyworkatGrace-St.Luke's.Themusic-makingwedoatGSLhas thepowertoenrichthelivesofallwhopassthroughourparishdoorsaswe worshipGodeachweek Workingwiththechildren’schoirsisanotherfavorite part of my work Our choristers are enthusiastic about music, and I love helping them grow in their knowledge and love of singing It’s always a joyousoccasiontowatchtheirhardworkpayoffwhentheysinginaservice
SAMMCDANIEL ASSISTANTORGANIST-CHOIRMASTER
I am inspired by the work that we our folks do every day - their creativity, their compassion, their enthusiasm, and their love of this place and our people. Their dedication motivates me to do what I can to support their workandthisplace.
CHAPMANMORROW MEMBERSHIP&STEWARDSHIPASSOCIATE
IlovegettingtobeapartoftellingthestoryofGrace-St Luke’s,andhelping people know all the ways they can plug in to this vibrant and active community I’m so grateful to work alongside such compassionate and engagedclergy,staff,andparishioners
MARTHAPARK COMMUNICATIONSASSOCIATE
OneofthemostgratifyingaspectsofmydutiesatGSLstemsfromhelping our parishioners and staff achieve their collective visions for our events. It offers me a lot of satisfaction and happiness. Additionally, keeping the facilitiesneatandorderlygivesmeasenseofaccomplishment.
JAMESPLOPA LEADFACILITIESASSOCIATE
My favorite thing about my job is leading the congregation in hymns and songfromtheorgan.Igrewupinachurchthatreallyvaluedhymnsinging and I’m grateful to have that love of hymns instilled in me from such a young age. It’s such an honor for me now later in life to lead those hymns forcongregations,especiallyasingingcongregationlikeGrace-St.Luke’s!
DR.PATRICKA.SCOTT DIRECTOROFMUSIC&ORGANIST
We are happy to announce the hire of two new part-time facilities assistants. Michelle Hanley and Mario White will collaborate with Lead Facilities Associate James Plopa in maintaining buildings and grounds and setting up spaces for meetings, worship services, andspecialeventsbasedontheparish life calendar. Please join us in welcoming them to the GSL Community!
