Spring-Early Summer 2026

THE MESSENGER: LIFE AT GSL GRACE-ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

APRIL-JUNE | SPRING 2026

VOL. 73, ISSUE 2

SUNDAYS AT GSL THROUGH MAY 17, SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

8:00am

HOLY EUCHARIST WITH HOMILY AND HYMNS

8:45am

BREAKFAST BY THE CROSSMEN

9:30am

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHEDULE 10:00am and 5:00pm Holy Eucharist MAY 24, DAY OF PENTECOST - AUGUST 9, ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST learn more at gracestlukes.org/summer

in Trezevant Hall

ADULT FORMATION: Faith Forum, Small Group Bible Study & Young Adult Sunday School Class gracestlukes.org/sunday-morning

10:30am

HOLY EUCHARIST WITH SERMON, CHOIR, AND CHILDREN’S CHAPEL

11:30am

FELLOWSHIP & REFRESHMENTS

4:00pm

MORE THAN A MEAL OUTREACH and EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY (EYC)

5:00pm

CONTEMPLATIVE HOLY EUCHARIST WITH MUSIC AND THIRD SUNDAY EVENSONG (SEPTEMBER-MAY)

WEDNESDAYS AT GSL noon12:30

HOLY EUCHARIST WITH HEALING PRAYERS through May 13, resumes August 12

explore worship and events at gracestlukes.org for more about our thriving life

FAITH FORUMS

SUNDAYS, 9:30 - 10:15 AM TREZEVANT HALL

MAR 22

MAR 29

JAZZ LISTENING SESSION & CONVERSATION WITH DR. JEFF JACKSON

UNPACKING THE DRAMA OF HOLY WEEK AND THE EASTER TRIDUUM

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.

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: Easter Day.

APR 19 CONVERSATION WITH FORMER PRESIDING BISHOP MICHAEL CURRY 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 featured in other events hosted by GSL and the Diocese of West Tennessee between April 20 and April 21.

APR 26

MAY 3

SCRIPTURE IN SUMMERTIME WITH THE REV. DR. LAUREN WINNER

EMMETT TILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PATRICK WEEMS

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 from Holy Scripture."

explore gracestlukes.org/sunday-morning

Join Father Ollie Rencher for what promises to be a meaningful conversation with Episcopalian and Executive Director Patrick Weems.

Gratitude for Life at GSL I treasure the gift of being in a relationship and gathering regularly with a wide variety of people to share and celebrate all that GSL Church has to offer, including an exceptional parish school. Our courageous vision of hope, belonging, and healing inspires me to do 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 abundance of the GSL community.

THE REV. OLLIE V. 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 need through feeding, clothing, sheltering, and visiting (Outreach) as well as addressing why these disparities are happening in the first place and work towards changing these unfair and unjust systems for long term, systemic change (Justice). It is an incredible honor to be sharing in this holy work with you at GSL.

THE REV. LAURA F. GETTYS ASSOCIATE RECTOR FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

I feel privileged to be able to be with people in some of the most tender moments of life: celebrating the birth of a baby or a teen at Confirmation, grappling with serious illness, celebrating a wedding, grieving the loss of a parent, etc. Pastoral ministry allows me to be with people in a meaningful way, sharing the hope and joy of God, and to share the promise of the comfort of God’s presence and help.

THE REV. DR. JESSE W. ABELL ASSOCIATE RECTOR FOR PASTORAL CARE

2026 Vestry, Treasurer, and Chancellor 2026 Dawn Currica -Congregational Life Jerry Hudson - Administration: Senior Warden Jim McCall - Administration: Junior Warden Terry Trojan - Recreation and Wellness Susanna Weston - Congregational Life

2028 Brad Canada - Recreation and Wellness Jenny Johnson - Strategic Plan Bob King* - Strategic Plan Amanda Maxson - Community Engagement Beth Rushing - Congregational Life

2027 Malle Carrasco-Harris - Community Engagement Barb Frazer - Administration: Clerk Melanie French - Communications Hunter Rittenberry - Liturgy Michael Rowland - Formation

Executive Committee Jerry Hudson - Senior Warden Jim McCall - Junior Warden Johnny Norris - Parish Chancellor (Non-Vestry Member) Barb Frazer - Clerk Daniel Reid - Treasurer (Non-Vestry member)

explore gracestlukes.org/vestry

* Serving at least one year of an unexpired Class of 2028 term

congregational life The 2026 Vestry Commissioners for Congregational Life are Dawn Currica, Beth Rushing, and Susanna Weston. The commission is tasked with creating opportunities for our parish family to meet and engage with each other in social, spiritual and healing activities that enrich our shared life at GSL. We pray that that enrichment will flow outwards to enhance our family and community relationships.

DAWN CURRICA

We want to be intentional about connection, bringing people and generations together, and offerings that allow opportunities to participate in manageable increments for working, busy families. We want to have intergenerational activities that feed and forge bonds between those who have been parishioners for a while and those who are new and seeking ways to be plugged in.

We thank God for the myriad ways a person might be brought through our doors, into our sanctuary, and into our shared lives. Now we want you to stay, to be fed, to find community and to grow in faith. Please share your ideas with us, come support our church activities, and be open to connecting with at least one or two new people each time we meet.

It's wonderful to see GSL organize outreach ministries that act as the hands and feet of Christ in our Memphis community. There are lots of ways to get 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 they can offer and also receive.

justice

outreach

REED FARNSLEY

The 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 ground our faith and build beloved community together.

DAVID MAXSON

news from GSL School

BY MARCI WOODMANSEE

Spring at GSL means the end of the school year is drawing near! This is always a bittersweet time, as we wrap up a fun year of learning and growth, and prepare to bid farewell to another eighth grade class. While it will be hard to say goodbye to our outstanding Class of 2026, we are excited for them to build upon their GSL foundation as they head off to high school - we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish next!

We continue to gather weekly for regular chapel services and 8th Grade Chapel Talks. Soon we will celebrate Easter, and we invite you all to attend the annual Stations of the Cross event, staged annually by our third graders, which will be presented on Thursday, April 2 from 8:05-9 a.m. at Grace-St. Luke’s Church.

We are proud to share that our basketball teams captured three championship titles in February — in the PAA 5/6 Boys League and the Shelby 7/8 Girls and Boys Leagues — way to go, Saints! On the academic front, I am sure many of you have heard that our Head of Middle School, Ellen Hendry, a longtime church parishioner and 23-year veteran of GSL School, announced her retirement at the end of this school year. We have been busy this winter and spring interviewing candidates to succeed her. Ellen leaves big shoes to fill and will be greatly missed! We hope to be able to announce her successor very soon.

While our primary re-enrollment and new enrollment push is winding down, we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis, and there are still spaces available in select grades for 2026-27. Thank you to all who have already chosen GSL for the coming school year — and a special welcome to all our new families who will be joining us in August! With our Episcopal foundation, top-notch academic program, and welcoming, inclusive worldview, GSL School is a transformative educational experience. Come visit and see what we’re all about! Please direct any inquiries to Head of School Andy Surber or Director of Admissions Shelly McGuire at 901-278-0200.

Upcoming Events & School Holidays April 2: Stations of the Cross Presented by Third Grade, Grace-St. Luke’s Church April 3 & 6: Good Friday & Easter Monday, No School April 10: Anchor Auction, Loflin Yard May 15: Honors Chapel, Grace-St. Luke’s Church May 19: Last Day for Preschool and Senior Kindergarten May 20: 8th Graduation at 10:30 a.m., GSL Church; Last Day of School for Grades 1-8, Noon Dismissal May 26-29: Bridge Week Care June 1-July 31: SummerFest 2026 at GSL (all children ages 4-13 are welcome)

staff reflections on the rewards of serving One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing a previous GSL Church sports’ participant return with their child to participate in our GSL Church sports. This is so wonderful! It brings me such joy to see them engaged and captivated by their child participating in a sport! I see a look of comfort, familiarity, and a sense of being at home on their faces. It’s come full circle.

This brings me a sense of purpose and meaning. I am making a difference.

This is the true meaning of life for me.

CHRISTI AUTHEMENT RECREATION & WELLNESS DIRECTOR After being burned out working in a corporate environment, I found myself 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 work I do now has meaning.

JOHN H. BARNUM DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS As a children's pastor I am given a front row seat to the community of God’s love and presence. After two decades in this area of parish ministry, 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, which in the Church we call: Grace.

ANTHONY W. CALZIA JR. DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY The most rewarding part of my job is getting to interact with the people that come through the doors on a weekly basis, from Food Pantry volunteers to Altar Guild folks to our neighbors looking for some food. I really enjoy being someone that parishioners and community members can come to for answers and assistance.

ABBY HUBER CONGREGATIONAL LIFE ASSOCIATE & ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR explore gracestlukes.org/clergy-and-staff for team member roles

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.

MARTA LOPEZ-FLOHR DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY Working with the adult and children's choirs is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Grace-St. Luke's. The music-making we do at GSL has the power to enrich the lives of all who pass through our parish doors as we worship God each week. Working with the children’s choirs is another favorite 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 joyous occasion to watch their hard work pay off when they sing in a service.

SAM MCDANIEL ASSISTANT ORGANIST-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 work and this place.

CHAPMAN MORROW MEMBERSHIP & STEWARDSHIP ASSOCIATE

I love getting to be a part of telling the story of Grace-St. Luke’s, and helping 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 engaged clergy, staff, and parishioners.

MARTHA PARK COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

One of the most gratifying aspects of my duties at GSL stems from helping our parishioners and staff achieve their collective visions for our events. It offers me a lot of satisfaction and happiness. Additionally, keeping the facilities neat and orderly gives me a sense of accomplishment.

JAMES PLOPA LEAD FACILITIES ASSOCIATE

My favorite thing about my job is leading the congregation in hymns and song from the organ. I grew up in a church that really valued hymn singing 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 for congregations, especially a singing congregation like Grace-St. Luke’s!

DR. PATRICK A. SCOTT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & 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, and special events based on the parish life calendar. Please join us in welcoming them to the GSL Community!

MICHELLE HANLEY FACILITIES ASSISTANT

MARIO WHITE FACILITIES ASSISTANT

LOOKING AHEAD: March 29 – April 4: Holy Week, Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday April 5: Easter Day May 24: Day of Pentecost May 31 : Trinity Sunday, Parish Picnic with Children & Youth Family Ministries Celebration

Holy Week & Easter MARCH 29 SUNDAY OF THE PASSION: PALM SUNDAY 8 a.m. The Blessing of Palms & Procession with Holy Eucharist & Music 8:45-9:30 a.m. Community Breakfast in Trezevant Hall 9:30-10:15 a.m. Faith Forum: Unpacking the Drama of Holy Week & the Easter Triduum 10:30 a.m.* The Blessing of Palms & Procession with Holy Eucharist & Music 5 p.m.* Holy Week Lessons & Carols

APRIL 1 HOLY WEDNESDAY

APRIL 2 MAUNDY THURSDAY

Noon Holy Wednesday Eucharist with Healing Prayers and Anointing in the Chancel

6:30 p.m.* Solemn Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist with Sermon by the Rev. Dr. William Harkins, the GSL Choir, and the Stripping, Washing, and Anointing of the Altar, followed by an Overnight Prayer Vigil.

APRIL 3 GOOD FRIDAY 7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer in the Chapel at the end of the Overnight Vigil Noon* Sermon by the Rev. Dr. William Harkins, Solemn Collects, Procession of a Cross with The Reproaches sung by the Choir, and Reserved Sacrament Communion.

1:15 p.m. Stations of the Cross. (30 minutes, Clergy-led)

APRIL 4 HOLY SATURDAY 7 p.m.* The Great Vigil of Easter beginning outside with the First Fire of Easter includes Baptisms, Homily by the Rev. Dr. William Harkins.

APRIL 5 SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION: EASTER DAY 8 a.m. Festival Holy Eucharist with Sermon by the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector 8:45-9:30 a.m. Community Breakfast in Trezevant Hall 9:30 a.m. Easter Activities for Children including Egg Hunt 9:30 a.m. Fellowship. Christian Formation for all ages resumes on April 12.

10:30 a.m.* Festival Holy Eucharist with Sermon by the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher.

Incense will be burned at this service.

5 p.m. Service suspended, resumes on April 12. explore gracestlukes.org/holy-week-and-easter *denotes the service will also be livestreamed

The Rev. Dr. William “Bill” Harkins, Triduum Guest Preacher-in-Residence learn more at tinyurl.com/GSL2026triduum

Membership February 2026 Membership: Individuals 803+ | Households 408+ Deaths: January 20 January 22 February 5

Lois L. Moore H. David Hickey, Jr. Lane Driscoll

Burials and Committals: January 29 Lois L. Moore February 7 H. David Hickey, Jr. February 14 Lane Driscoll February 21 Mellie Pollan

Baptisms The sacrament of Holy Baptism will be administered in 2026 public worship services at Grace-St. Luke’s on April 4, May 10, and May 24.

For more information on scheduling a baptism, contact Membership and Stewardship Associate Chapman Morrow (901-252-6328, cmorrow@gracestlukes.org).

Pastoral Care 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.

Support Groups 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 Contact Support Groups Coordinator, Lucy Owens, at lucy.owens@gmail.com or 901-497-0691 to explore these and other possibilities!

Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 1720 Peabody Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38104-6124 (901) 272-7425 gracestlukes.org, gsl@gracestlukes.org Parish Office Hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

(901) 252-6334 Pastoral Emergencies

Connect with us online gracestlukes.org facebook.com/gracestlukes instagram.com/gracestlukes vimeo.com/gracestlukes flickr.com/gracestlukes GSL’s Privacy Policy & Photo OptOut Form may be found at www.gracestlukes.org/privacypolicy.

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 Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38104, 901-272-7425, email gsl@gracestlukes.org, Martha Park, editor.

Subscribe to the GSL eNews We use MailChimp to send our eNews. 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.

Contact Martha Park, 901-252-6337 or mpark@gracestlukes.org for help with the eNews.

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. Your mobile number must be added to your Realm profile for this to work. You can log into your Realm profile at onrealm.org/gracestlukes. Add your mobile number to your profile and text START to 901-676-9013 to Opt In to Receive One-Way Texts from GSL. For questions or more information or help with Realm, visit gracestlukes.org/realm or reach out to Abby Huber (ahuber@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6336) or Martha Park (mpark@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6337).