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The MessengerGrace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Volume 61, No. 12 December 2014
Christmas Service TimesChristmas Eve: Early Service (Nursery Available) 4:30 pm Christmas Music 5:00 pm Festal Choral Eucharist Late Service 8:30 pm Christmas Music 9:00 pm Festal Choral Eucharist
Christmas Day: 10:30 am Eucharist with Christmas Hymns
Inside This Issue20-30@GSL ................................................................ 439ers ......................................................................... 4Advent Lessons and Carols ........................................... 5Altar Flowers............................................................. 15Athletics ..................................................................... 8Calendar Highlights .................................................... 12Christian Education ..................................................... 9Christmas Flowers ....................................................... 4Christmas Services ...................................................... 5Enriching Your Worship ................................................. 8EYC News ................................................................... 7From the Rector .......................................................... 3It's an Adventure ....................................................... 10La Posada ................................................................... 4Lay Schedule ............................................................ 11Looking Towards Sunday ............................................ 11Luna Nova Concert ...................................................... 5Member News ........................................................... 11Memorials and Honoraria ............................................ 11Outreach Ministries ................................................... 6-7Pastoral Care Corner .................................................... 6Recurring Pledge Payments ........................................... 4School News ............................................................. 10Thank-Yous ............................................................... 12Third Thursday ............................................................ 4This Sunday's Texts ................................................... 11Year-end Giving ........................................................... 5
On the cover: GSL's Tiffany Nativity window, located in the Chapel.
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Sunday Service Times8 am Holy Eucharist8:45 am Breakfast9:30 am Christian Education (Sept.–May)10:30 am Holy Eucharist5:30 pm Holy EucharistNursery available for all services except the 5:30 pm service.
Office Hours8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday–Friday
StaffThe Rev. Richard Lawson, RectorThe Rev. Gayle McCarty, Associate RectorChristi Authement, Athletics & Fellowship Dir.Beulah Brown, SextonBeth Claybrook, Financial AssistantWesley Emerson, Organist/ChoirmasterSharon Campbell, Children's Education DirectorConnie Johns, Membership & NewcomersEva Loftin, Assistant Nursery DirectorChapman Morrow, Parish Development OfficerLucy Owens, Communications DirectorHarriet Roberts, Adult Education DirectorDebbie Smith, Music AssociateLinda Stine, Finance & AdministrationMary Margaret Winn, Youth Minister
2014 Vestry Grant Adams, Antoinette Cheney, Juan Fuentes, Edith Heller, Sidney Hickey, Allison King, Hal Medling, Donna Sanders, Cynthia Saatkamp, King Self, Josh Shipley, Bruce Williams, Betsy Wilson, Ken Woodmansee and Hal Wright.
Vestry and Executive Committee The vestry meets the third Tuesday of each month in Trezevant Hall. The Executive Committee meets the Friday before vestry at 7:45 am in the Peete Conference Room. These meetings are open to the parish. Vestry members are also available to convey matters of importance from parishioners to the vestry. Watch your eNews and eMessenger for the links to the vestry minutes. To be added to the eNews/eMessenger distribution lists, contact Lucy Owens, [email protected]. Vestry email: [email protected]
Messenger DeadlineThe deadline for the January issue of The Messenger is 9 am, December 10! Contact Lucy at 272-7425 or [email protected] with any questions.
Support Groups at GSLMeeting from 12:20–12:40
AA meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30 pm
Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays, 8 pm
Al Anon: Thursdays, 10:30 am
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: Mondays & Thursdays, 8 pm
Look for us in cyberspace
pinterest.com/gracestlukes
flickr.com/gracestlukes
facebook.com/gracestlukes
twitter.com/gracestlukes
The Messenger | December 2014 | 3
From the Rector: Days of Shadow and of Hope
My sisters and brothers in Christ,in these days of shadow and of hopelet it be our duty and delightto listen to the story of our faith,and hear again the prophets’ words of blessing and doom. And, as we prepare to celebrate againthe birth of Jesus Christ as a baby,let us remember that he also comesto judge the just and the unjust,and to establish the reign of equity and peace.
“In these days of shadow and of hope”—I have never come across a better short description of the season of Advent, an old word that means coming. These words are from Occasional Celebrations of the Anglican Church of Canada.The season of Advent is short but rich, as it celebrates the mysterious coming of Christ into our lives in the first Christmas and in the end of time, as well as the coming of Christ in scripture and in sacrament.
The first Sunday in Advent this year is November 30, and the season continues until Christmas Eve. We will have our
annual service of Lessons & Carols at 10:30 am on Sunday, December 14. Beautiful blue hangings will adorn the altar, pulpit, and lectern for the entire season. Blue is Mary’s color, and blue in Anglican tradition is associated with Advent.
On Christmas Eve (December 24), we celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 5:00 pm (preceded by thirty minutes of music) and 9:00 pm (preceded by thirty minutes of music). I also will celebrate and preach at the Eucharist on Christmas morning at 10:30 am.
In this season of shadow and of hope, let us meet at Christ’s altar at Grace-St. Luke’s, remembering the words of the Puritan Richard Baxter who said, “Christ leads me through no darker rooms than he went through before.” As always, I encourage you to invite and welcome friends or neighbors to join us.
The Reverend Richard Lawson
Rector’s Forum
Sundays at 9:30 am in Trezevant Time, Place, and Touch:
A Theology of Cinematic Feeling with Dr. Taylor Worley, author of
Theology, Aesthetics, & Culture
Dec. 7: Tree of Life (Terence Malick, 2011)Dec. 14: Beasts of the Southern Wild (Benh Zeitlin, 2012)
Dec. 21: Amour (Michael Haneke, 2012)Let’s agree that a movie is never just a movie; it’s an experience—a multi-sensory and often profoundly emotional experience. Films carry our dreams and our doubts. They confront us with what we dread and delight us like few things can. Films today are the closest thing in our culture to a mystical experience. And yet, we have few models for deeply reflecting on them. For three weeks, I want to think with you about how cinema feels. Let’s move beyond the question of content in film and explore film’s singularly wonderful means of addressing our senses. In particular, I want to examine how these films help to redeem for us a sense of time, place, and empathy for others. —Dr. Taylor Worley
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Sunday, Dec. 7: Immediately following the 10:30 service, 20-30@GSL will have our monthly lunch at Stone Soup Cafe (993 S. Cooper), courtesy of GSL. If you are in your 20s-30s and looking for a little fellowship, whether you are new to GSL or already members, we invite you to join us for lunch!
Tuesday, Dec. 9: Join 20-30@GSL for food, drink, and conversation for “this round’s on Me” at Alchemy, 940 S. Cooper, from 6:30-7:30 pm. The theme for this fall is What Do We Believe? Our guest speaker is Canon Laura Gettys and her topic is “She who Was and Is.” Non-alcoholic beverages will be available and child care is offered at the church.
For more information, please contact: Mary Margaret Winn ([email protected]) or Fr. Richard Lawson ([email protected]).
If you would like to have your email added to the evite list, please contact Lucy Owens at [email protected]. All are welcome!!
Connecting for Fellowship, Food,
Fun, and God!
20-30@GSL
The 39ers will meet for their December meeting on the 12th at 11:30 am for social time with wine and cheese and great conversation. A light lunch will be served at noon for only $6. A brief Christmas program presented by our own Tricia
Kerwin will follow lunch. She will use her creative talents and show us how to make our own Christmas decorations. Reservations to Lucy by noon on Dec. 10, [email protected] or 272-7425. Looking forward to seeing everyone and all are welcome to attend.
Third Thursday Dinner Group
The Third Thursday group is taking a break in December. Have a Merry
Christmas and mark your 2015 calendars for January 15, February 19, March 19,
April 16, and May 21.
La PosadaPlease join your parish family for the celebration of GSL's Annual La Posada on Wed. Dec. 10, at 5:45 pm. This is a traditional Hispanic celebration of the Nativity and a recreation of Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. Our night includes a lovely service, a lively procession in search of a place for Mary and Joseph to spend the night, followed
by a delicious and fun-filled Mexican feast. The story of Jesus’ birth is reenacted by our own children while the congregation enjoys an early version of Christmas and the singing of our favorite Christmas carols. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Nativity character. After the procession, a Mexican feast will be served in Trezevant Hall complete with a Mariachi band, as well as a craft table and a piñata for children of all ages. Everyone is invited! To make reservations for this wonderful holiday event—a Grace-St. Luke’s tradition—please call 272-7425 or email Sharon [email protected], or sign up online by following this link (www.gracestlukes.org/la-posada). The cost for the dinner is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Deadline to sign up for dinner is noon, Monday, Dec. 8. Late sign-up requests MAY be possible, if there is space, at a cost of $12 for adults and $7 for children.
Christmas Altar Flowers & MemorialsIf you would like to make a donation in honor of or in memory of a loved one for Christmas flowers, you may send a check to the church office (1720 Peabody Ave., 38104) listing the names of those you would like remembered. You can also give us your name(s) and donate online at www.gracestlukes.org/onlinegiving. Follow the “make a donation for altar flowers link.” If received by Dec. 15, these names will be listed in the Christmas leaflets. Dec. 15 is also the deadline for any memorials and honorariums that you would like acknowledged before Christmas.
Recurring Pledge Payments
Did you know that once you make your 2015 pledge, you can set up recurring payments online?
1) Go to www.gracestlukes.org/onlinegiving. 2) Find the “Online Pledge Payments and Gifts” section.3) Follow the “Set up a recurring pledge payment” link.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact Lucy Owens, 272-7425 or [email protected].
Needlework Guild
New dayNew placeNew time!
Sunday, Dec. 14 4–7 pm
Room 212
Harriet [email protected],
The Messenger | December 2014 | 5
Advent Lessons & CarolsSunday, December 14at the 10:30 service
Join us for this traditional favorite offamiliar readings and beautiful music.
EMMANUEL GOD WITH US
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Christmas Eve
Early Service4:30 pm Christmas Music *
5:00 pm Festive Choral Eucharist *Late Service
8:30 pm Christmas Music9:00 pm Festive Choral Eucharist
The Feast of the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ Christmas Day
10:30 am Eucharist with Christmas Hymns * Nursery available
Year-End Giving: IRA Accounts
If you have reached age 70½ and must take an annual Required
Minimum Distribution from your Individual Retirement Account
(IRA), it may be a great time to make a gift to Grace-St. Luke’s.
Congress is again allowing individuals to make gifts of these
distributions of up to $100,000 to a charity as long as the transaction
is processed directly from the IRA account to the charity and the
funds do not pass through the hands of the individual. Although
the gift cannot be claimed on your tax return as a deduction, the
amount of income that must be reported for your Required Minimum
Distribution will be reduced by the amount of the gift.
Making such a gift is as simple as contacting the custodian/broker
of the IRA account and asking that a check be mailed directly to the
charity of your choice. Donor advised funds do not qualify. Please be
sure to ask your financial advisor if the charity qualifies for the gift.
Luna Nova will present its annual Winter Concert on Monday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 pm at Grace St. Luke’s. The program will feature works by Bach, Shostakovich, Schnittke, Tavener, and Patterson. The performers will be Daniel Gilbert (violin), Nobuko Igarashi (clarinet), Perry Mears (piano), Paul Murray (baritone), and Sabrina Laney Warren (soprano). Admission is free and a reception will follow in Trezevant Hall.
OutreachMinistry
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Outreach Funding for 2014The Outreach Committee recently met to review grant requests re-ceived over the summer during the grant submission period. Over 20 applications were received, and the members prayerfully reviewed and discussed each one. All were worthy of consideration and represented extraordinary individuals working to better our community and world. The committee's current focus is to fund fewer organizations, but with amounts substantial enough to actually be meaningful, useful, and that will contribute significantly to the organization's operational goals and abilities. When making funding decisions, the committee looks for organizations with volunteer opportunities for GSL parishioners, and ideals that align with our mission to "feed the hungry, clothe and shelter the needy, care for the sick and visit the imprisoned, as well as the Christian call to be an instrument of healing in our broken world."
The organizations who received funding during the 2014 grant process are:Alzheimer's Day Services $2,500Church Health Center $3,950Friends For Life $2,000GSL More Than A Meal $9,500Memphis Child Advocacy Center $2500Memphis Exchange Club Family Center $2,500Memphis Teacher Residency $2,500Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) $2,950Outreach Housing and Community $2,500Samaritan Counseling Center $3,950West Tennessee Haiti Partnership $3,950
The Outreach Committee continually is interested in learning about new organizations and opportunities for parishioners to be involved. Questions can be directed to either Ed Hord or Erin Shoughrue (committee co-chairs) or the Rev. Gayle McCarty.
Food pantry Facts by Juan Fuentes
It’s the Advent Season and Christmas is near. For the month of December we will be accepting gifts for the Food Pantry by way of Honorariums and Memorials. Look for the information to honor or remember some-one and make a gift to the GSL Food Pantry ministry.
October StatisticsNumber of Families served: 62 households which included 77 adults, 69 children, and 13 seniors.
Volunteer hours: 27.5 hours which included 8 hours distributing food, 10 hours in food bank pick-ups and shelving, and 9.5 hours shopping and shelving (not including the hours spent by volunteer packers).
Year-to-date Statistics: 1691 Individuals served which includes: 592 households (766 adults, 793 chil-dren, and 132 seniors).
Mark your calendar! The last Sunday in December—December 28—is FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY. We are asking you to bring tuna, peanut butter, soap, deodorant, toilet paper & toothpaste.
Volunteers are always needed! To volunteer, call Happy Jones at 276-2136 or email [email protected]
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” -1 John 3:18
GSL Food Pantry Holiday Honorarium/Memorial Drive
For $20 or more, you can honor or remember loved ones for a special occasion such as Christmas, a birthday, or an anniversary AND help feed those in need at the same time! During the month of December, honorarium/memorial forms will be available in three ways: at the information center in the hallway, underneath the monitor; online on the GSL website (www.gracestlukes.org/news/food-pantry-drive) or at a table in Trezevant Hall (30 minutes before & after each service). Please make your donation at least ten days before Christmas if you wish acknowledgement as a Christmas gift. Please make checks payable to Grace-St. Luke’s Church and designate Food Pantry Drive in the memo line. Bless you for caring and sharing!
GIFTS FOR LIFE
Are you looking for a meaningful gift to give this Christmas? Please consider Episcopal Relief and Development’s Gifts for Life program. Catalogs may be found at church at the information center in the hallway underneath the monitor and in the wooden infor-mational rack in the narthex. Online donations may be made at www.episcopalrelief.org/giftsforlife. In honor of Episcopal Relief & Development’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, a group of gen-erous donors has pledged $750,000 in matching funds for the organization’s 2014 Matching Gift Challenge.
See top of page 7 for the info about one of GSL's outreach ministries, the Angel Tree.
Sunday, Dec. 7—Alternative Advent: We will explore different ways to prepare ourselves for Christmas and decorate the youth space!
Sunday, Dec. 14—Angel Tree Wrapping Party: EYC will be sup-porting GSL’s annual Angel Tree by wrapping all of the toys and books from 1-3 pm. All gifts will be donated to The Exchange Club Family Center, the location for the wrapping party. Stay tuned for more info!DYC Caroling: Diocesan Youth are invited to bring Christmas cheer to Trezevant Manor! From 3-5 pm, we will be singing our favorite Christmas carols to some of our favorite people. All voices are wel-come and encouraged to attend! If your child plans to go caroling, please fill out a registration form, found on the GSL website. We will then organize carpools from The Exchange Club to Trezevant Manor.
Sunday, Dec. 21—EYC Christmas Party: School is out and Christmas is almost here! All youth are invited to attend our EYC Christmas Party from 5-7 pm at the Colliers. There will be plenty of delicious food and a white elephant gift exchange. Please bring a gender-neutral gift that costs no more than $10. Bring something you would like to receive…because you may end up with what you brought! Please RSVP to Mary Margaret by December 14t
Sunday, Dec. 28—Christmas Break: No EYC
Contact: Mary Margaret ([email protected]).
EYC Newsand Events
Angels Among UsGSL Angel Tree
The Outreach Committee invites you to be a part of this year’s Angel Tree, benefiting the
children of The Exchange Club Family Center. We are thrilled to be able to offer the children it serves new, unwrapped toys and books from the GSL community.
We held our Adoption Day on Sunday, Nov. 23, and we appreciate all who chose an angel from the tree!
Collection Day is Sunday, Dec. 7. Bring new, unwrapped toys and books to Trezevant Hall. Volunteers will be there 30 minutes before and after each service.
The EYC will be wrapping the toys and books for the Angel Tree recipients.
The mission of The Exchange Club Family Center is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by providing prevention, intervention, educational and support services to families in an effort to replace abusive and/or violent behavior with effective parenting skills. The Exchange Club is a Grace-St. Luke’s grantee.
For more information please contact Julia McDonald, 326-6318 or [email protected].
The Messenger | December 2014 | 7
Pastoral CareCorner
"O Tidings of Comfort and Joy"
Pastoral Care's Annual
Christmas Card Offering Stop by the Pastoral Care table Sunday, Dec. 14, before and after each service, and pick out a lovely card to send to one of our parishioners or their loved ones who will
not be able to attend our Christmas services. There will be a list of names and cards to choose from and all you have to do is inscribe, stamp and mail. Imagine the Christmas cheer and joy you can spread! Let us provide "O Tidings of Comfort and Joy" to others in the name of the Christ child. —Debbie McCanless, Lay Co-Coordinator
THE POWER OF PASTORAL CARE“It’s a God-thang”. All of us who serve in Pastoral Care know the truth of this phrase. It is often “a God-thang” that we make a call or personal visit, send a card, or deliver flowers or a meal at just the exact time a touch is needed. An October 23, 2014 email from Eunice Tenent, a parishioner and member of Pastoral Care, is reprinted below with permission, and best illustrates who really is in charge of Pastoral Care at GSL. It truly is a “God-thang”! —Gayle+
Dear Pastoral Care Leaders—
What a great job you all do!! It is so appreciated by me & my family. I was surprised & delighted to hear from Robert Thompson last week about having a Sat. a.m. visit.
You may not know, but Robert was my Stephen minister during my time of recovery from my fall & surgery back in 2001. It was a lengthy recovery & Robert was a faithful weekly visitor at my house for many months. He always brought readings; had prayers & we shared books & views on aspects of spirituality – esp. of the contemplative nature. So, what a joy to have him back at my house once again!!
He came bearing muffins & cookies & his presence was a great blessing to me. Reading the psalms of the day; sharing a cup of tea & catching up on the last few years was soothing to my soul. He left me w/a copy of a book on Julian of Norwich – which is quite timely for me.
So, again, dear leaders, thank you for your marvelous work in touching the lives of people in your sphere of influence. Blessings to everyone.
Gratefully,Eunice
Did you wonder why Bishop John-son started his confirmation sermon with a story about a wedding where ev-eryone had to wait on the bride? Did you wonder why he told another story
about his own wedding, with Jeanie continuing her commit-ment by walking down the aisle even when the music stopped?
If you had read "This Sunday's Texts" for November 9, 2014 be-fore coming to church, you would have had an inside track to the bishop's sermon.
The Gospel reading for the day was Matthew 25: 1-13, which is the story about the ten virgins. Five of the virgins were prepared for waiting for the bridegroom, and five were not. Interestingly, Bishop Johnson didn't even reference the Gospel in his sermon! He didn't have to because he brought other relevant wedding stories to us.
He did reference the reading from I Thessolonians, in which Paul tells the people of Thessalonica not to worry about the Lord's com-ing. He promised that they and all Christians will all be with the Lord when He returns. Your grief is a grief with hope, he said.
Bishop Johnson spoke about the reading from Joshua, set just af-ter the people of Israel have come to the Promised Land. Joshua asked and obtained oaths from the people that they would not worship former idols nor the idols of gods in the surround-ing territories. They swore three times to this commitment.
He then talked about the commitments made in weddings and the commitments being made by those being baptized, confirmed, and reaffirmed. We are all making this commit-ment together, saying, "We will worship the Lord our God."
I try to read each Sunday's texts before coming to church each week. When I do, I find that I am much better prepared to hear the preacher's interpretation of scripture during each week's ser-mon. I highly recommend this habit to everyone. It is easy to do:
1. Go to www.gracestlukes.org (sometime before church!) 2. Click on the button that says "Worship" (second from left at top) 3. Scroll down to the tab called "This Sunday's Texts" and click there
You will find not only the texts for each week, but also some thoughtful commentary that helps to frame the time, cir-cumstances, or thrust of each text. In addition, there are of-ten comments that tie the themes of the Old Testament les-son, the Psalm, the New Testament Lesson, and the Gospel together. It only takes a few minutes to read This Sunday's Texts, and it will enrich your worship experience if you do.
This resource for Sunday preparation is only one of several avail-able on our parish's website to help us in our spiritual journeys. Take some time and look around www.gracestlukes.org.
Enriching Your Worship By Chris Mercer
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2014-2015 GSL CHURCH BASKETBALL- JK-4th Grades
WHAT TO EXPECT - TOP 10 CHECK LIST
1) TEAM ASSIGNMENTS are made according to an individual’s school grade and ability, with an effort to make the teams as even as possible.
2) By tradition, recreational league coaches are VOLUNTEER PARENT COACHES. If needed, we equip coaches with knowledge and assistance in order to provide quality coaching.
3) PRACTICES for 3rd/4th boys, 1st/2nd boys and girls, and 3rd/4th girl’s teams began in Nov. The JK/SK League practices/games begin Jan. 3. Practices are held in the GSL Saints (or Central Christian Church) Gym. Coaches generally have 1-2 weekly practices.
4) COACHES EXPECTATIONS may vary depending on the coach. As part of the commitment to play basketball this season, coaches expect practices and games to be a priority. Playing for a team is not only an individual commitment, but also a team commitment. Coaches will also be held to the standard of 50 % or meaningful playing time.
5) The SEASON BEGINS in December for 3rd/4th boys and Jan. 3 for all other teams. Games are on Saturday mornings and afternoons (with the exception of 3rd/4th boys—they might have one possible week night away game). The season ends mid February.
6) TEAM PICTURES are Sunday, Jan. 11, in the GSL Saints Gym- times TBA. Pictures are distributed by the coaches at the end of the season.
7) BASKETBALL UNIFORMS are provided by GSL Church (jersey and shorts). The uniforms are distributed and collected by the coaches.
8) GSL RECYCLES UNIFORMS each year to keep the replacement costs low.
9) TROPHIES are provided by GSL Church. The coaches will distribute the trophies at the end of the season.
10) Many teams have an END OF THE YEAR PARTY, which is organized by the parents. This is a great opportunity for coaches to give out pictures, trophies, and collect uniforms.
JK & SK Harry Arnold League dates are: Jan. 3, 10, 17, 31, Feb. 7, and 14, from 8:15–9:15 am in the Saints Gym. Coach Rich Kelly will be the main instructor and will need parent assistants.
Please look at our GSL athletics website (under youth and sports) for current information! www.gracestlukes.org If you have any questions please contact Christi Authement at 272-7425 at ext 20, at 825-7353, or e-mail to [email protected].
Church Athletics
Adult Christian Education OfferingsSee "Rector's Forum" on page 3
December Christian Education Offerings for Children and Youth
9:30 until 10:15 am
Nursery (1st floor Nursery area with the Nursery Staff )Infant Room (Newborn to Walking)Toddler Room (Walking to Potty Training)
Little Lambs Pre-Atrium (1st floor Nursery area with the Nursery Staff )Big Kid Room (Potty Training to Atrium-Ready)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level I (Location: Atrium I) 3–6 yrs. (Pre-K, JK and SK)Lead Catechist: Jennifer Balink; Assistant: Julia Ramos
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level II (Location: Atrium II) 6–9 yrs. (1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade) Lead Catechist: Eva Loftin; Assistant: Marie Arkle
Holy Men, Holy Women (Location: Room 212)4th–5th GradeStaff: Julie O’Bryan
EpiscoTalk 1016th–8th Grade; Time: 9:30–10:15 am
Leaders: Daniel Williams, Shannon HoffmanLocation: The Red Door, Red Room
High School Huddle (Starting Nov. 16)9th–12th GradeTime: Breakfast, 9:00–9:30 am and Rector’s Forum, 9:30–10:15 am
Location: Trezevant Hall
Children’s Activity TableDuring Coffee Hour after the 10:30 a.m. serviceLocation: Room 212 &/or the Lobby of McClure
Children’s Christian Education: Sharon [email protected], 272-7425, ext. 24Adult Christian Education: Harriet [email protected], 272-7425, ext. 15
Christian EducationSharon Campbell, Director of Children's Education
Harriet Roberts, Director of Adult Education
CALLING ALL CAT KIDS!by Sharon Campbell
One of my very favorite parts of my job is planning for our Sunday morning Children’s Activity Table (or CAT, for short). CAT is available to children during the adult coffee hour which follows the 10:30 Eucharist, for all the weeks we have Sunday School. Led by Ms. Julie and me, the activity table provides a yummy treat along with a weekly game, craft, or other child-approved way to pass the time while moms, dads, and grandparents enjoy some coffee and grownup conversation. Favorite activities include Bingo, Legos, Melta-Beads, and holiday craft projects. From adventur-ous preschoolers to elementary students, and even a few seasoned middle schoolers, we have the most wonderful group of kiddos who participate each week. New faces are joyfully welcomed, too!
In November, at the suggestion of the Rev. Gayle McCarty, we took a familiar CAT activity and gave it an extra special purpose. CAT kids cre-ated handmade Thanksgiving cards to send out with the 40+ homemade Thanksgiving meals prepared, packaged, and distributed to less fortunate families by the GSL Crossmen. It was a lovely way to spend our Sunday time together and a great use of our craft supplies and artistic talents.
It was in this spirit that Gayle+ and I found ourselves brainstorming for more ways to forge a connection between two ministries of the church: Outreach and Children. It was quickly apparent that the Sunday morning activity table is the perfect tool for building that connection, and a unique opportunity for our children to make a simple, but meaningful, contribu-tion to Outreach programs here at Grace-St. Luke’s, such as Pastoral Care, More Than A Meal, and the Food Pantry. Additionally, I envision our children giving in similar ways to their own special events held here at the church (beginning with this year’s La Posada celebration!)
If you are the parent or grandparent of a CAT participant, I hope you’ll check the Messenger and eNews for the Children’s Activity Table schedule. For best results, all our projects will need as many children as we can get, so please encourage yours to come join in the fun!
Here are some fun projects CAT is planning for December. We hope lots of children will craft along with us!
Dec. 7—Luminarias: We’ll create paper lanterns using colored sacks, deco-rative scissors and hole punches, and shimmering jewels. With flameless tealights glowing inside, each luminaria will be added to the enchanting décor at La Posada (Wed. Dec. 10th).
Dec. 14—Handmade Christmas Cards: Join us as we cut, color, stamp and glue to create beautiful Christmas cards for the Pastoral Care Com-mittee to share with our homebound parishioners and those in the midst of hospital stays during the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 21—Handmade Christmas Ornament: Using twigs and Christmas ribbons, we will make a unique ornament to hang on the family Christmas tree, just in time for Christmas Eve!
Dec. 28—No Sunday School and no CAT
The Messenger | December 2014 | 9
No Classes December 28
Thank you to everyone who attended our annual Book Fair at the Booksellers this month; we appreciate your support of GSL! Thanks are also due to the clergy and staff of GSL Church for putting on another fantastic Grandparents’ Day Thanksgiving Chapel service. This is a very special event for us, and we are always grateful for the chance to show off beautiful Grace-St. Luke’s Church to the hundreds of grandparents who attend. This service allows us to share a glimpse of what chapel is all about, so our guests can see for themselves where their grandchildren spend so much time and where they receive their spiritual sustenance during the week!
We survived exams in Middle School and the end of the first trimester, and we are about to complete ERB standardized testing for Grades 3-8. Basketball games are in full force, and the second trimester of studies is off to a good start. Soon we will wrap up our school-wide Canned Food Drive led by fifth grade to benefit the Church Food Pantry and Mid-South Food Bank; we set a goal of five cans per giver in hopes of beating last year’s record of almost 4,000 cans!
We have several special events coming up to which you are invited; I hope you will join us and/or help us spread the word:
SK Open House (for ages 4–5)Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9–10:30 am in the Lower School Building RSVP: [email protected]
Middle School Speaker Series Presents Muddy’s Bakery owner Kat Gordon: Monday, Dec. 8, from 8–8:45 am, Anchor Cafeteria. For 5th-8th students and any other members of the GSL community.
All-School Christmas Chapel Service in the Church: Thursday, Dec. 18, at 8:05 am. This is a Dress Chapel occasion for our students and will be a version of the traditional Lessons and Carols service. All are welcome.
Holiday Story Time for 2s and 3s: Thursday, Dec. 18, from 9–9:45 am, Anchor Library. GSL librarians Jan Willis and Emilee Cox celebrate the season by reading holiday stories for toddlers and their parents/grandparents. Free and open to the public! RSVP: [email protected].
December 19 is our last day of school with noon dismissal. We will be closed from Dec. 20-Jan. 4. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 5. Merry Christmas!
School Newsby Thor Kvande
Fifth graders led the annual school-wide canned food drive at GSL; their goal was to gather at least five items per student to donate to the Church Food Pantry and the Mid-South Food Bank.
Continuing their tradition of making a gift for others at the end of the trimester, GSL Sewing Club students recently created Scrap Fabric Crosses and donated them to the church’s pastoral care committee to distribute to anyone in need of a little extra cheer this season.
‘It’s your adventure!’By Harriet Roberts
I have thought a lot about scouting over the five years that Matthew has been a member of Grace-St. Luke’s own Troop 34. Most of that thinking – if I am hon-est – has occurred up and down Union
Avenue when Matthew and I belted to and from the Wednesday night meetings. But, some of it actually has been of a more spiritual nature.
In the Scout Room, I have watched the meetings which – before I understood the method – looked like a very large litter of wig-gling Labrador puppies (all wearing tan shirts) tumbling around a linoleum floor. As a former teacher (who is usually happier when children are standing up and trending towards rows and chairs and exhibiting a modicum of order, silence and decorum) this was hard to observe without interfering and trotting out my ‘teacher voice’.
Please follow this link for the rest of "It's your adventure!"http://www.gracestlukes.org/harriet/its-your-adventure
10 | www.gracestlukes.org
Altar Gifts are offered in Loving Memory of
Advent Candles and Wreath Decorations: Thomas Hogan, Sr., Thomas Hogan, Jr., F. M. Hogan, J. M. Pigg, and Wendell Pigg
Dec. 7 Margaret King Strickland, Charles C. King, Jr., and Ruth Jarratt
Dec. 14 William McNeill Ayres, Sr., Mildred Wilkerson Ayres, George Louis Seay, Sr., Charles M. Ozier, Jr., and Bob Rittenberry
Dec. 21 Mary Wright Sullivan Robinson, Evelyn Mitchell Webb, Evelyn McFarland Mitchell, John Vandiver Mitchell, and Earline Mitchell Moorhead
Dec. 24-25 listed in your Christmas leafletsDec. 28 William Wallace Roberts, Virginia Strother
Hopkinson, and Jeanne & Mitch Strother
Memorials& Honoraria
Given in Honor ofBill & Julie Denman from Jim HartleyA gift in honor of the marriage of Hallie McKay and Ned Biggs was
given to Grace-St. Luke’s to be used for OutreachOutreach from Robert Thompson & Juan FuentesOutreach from Antoinette Cheney
Given in Memory ofAnna Waller from Anne & Joseph Fisher, Wesley Emerson,
Emily Woodside & William Falvey, Lucy Owens, and David & Sidney Hickey
Dorothy Gassaway from Jon & Mary McCallaMary Catherine Phipps McCalla from Warren & Jimpsie Ayres, Mr.
& Mrs. Douglas Smith, and George & Betty JohnsonJanet Tate from Mr. & Mrs. Henry T.V. Miller, Wynn & Gwin Scott,
Lucy Owens, Mr. & Mrs. Porter Farrell, the Hartney Family, and Ann Martin Jennings,
Parrish Taylor from Jim & Bond Moore, Betsy & Preston Wilson, Simon & Gillian Wadsworth, John & Ann Dillard, Mary & Jon McCalla, Lucius McGehee, Barney Rolfes, Warren & Jimpsie Ayres, Elise Stratton, Edward & Ruthie Taylor, Dr. Charles M. Elliott & Pat Ledbetter, Ellen Cooper Klyce & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Alan Word, Wynn & Gwin Scott, Becky Boone, Clint Bagley, Liz & Andy Hyde (More Than A Meal), Nora & Dan Conaway, Emily Woodside & William Falvey, David & Sidney Hickey, Nancy & Rodgers Menzies, and Anna & Gwin Robbins
Corinne Wilson from Jon & Mary McCalla, Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Smith, James & Patti Newsom, Mrs. Henry Haizlip, Jr., the Carr Family, John & Courtney Murrah, Mr. & Mrs. Henry T.V. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Fockler, Bettye Pittman, William & Mary Hance, Patty Wiley, Kacey & Brian Davies, Lucy Owens, John & Ann Dillard, The Hartney Family, Warren & Jimpsie Ayres, Penelope Register-Shaw (for Music), Nora & Dan Conaway, Shep & Sandy Tate, David & Sidney Hickey, Bob & Babs Ducklo, George & Betty Johnson, and Anna & Gwin Robbins
MembershipNews
Confirmations (November 9): Gray Clark, Stuart Collier, Emma Heiter, Allie Khumalo, Lauren Moore, Mary Woodmansee, Donnie Bobo, Allyson Campbell, Noah Campbell, Sharon Campbell, Jenay Doveeann Gipson, Lesley Jones, William Jones, Linda Parson Khumalo, Justin McElroy, Tiffany McElroy, Jasmine Miller, Philip Ramsey Rule, Gretchen Shaheen, Delores Sheats, Lyle Smock, Robert Snyder, Tracy White Snyder, Bradford Jones Spicer, Lauren Siegel Spicer, Cindy Ward, Amanda Long-Ward, Justin Long-Ward, and Virginia Catherine Ward
Reception (November 9): Janet SavageReaffirmation (November 9): Duncan M. Sheats
The Messenger | December 2014 | 11
Looking Towards Sunday ~ December
Revised Common LectionaryTrack 1 Year A
Second Sunday of Advent: December 7Isaiah 40:1-11 • Psalm 85:1-2, 8-132 Peter 3:8-15a • Mark 1:1-8
Third Sunday of Advent: December 14Advent Lessons and Carols, readings TBA
Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 212 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 • Canticle 3 or 15 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26Romans 16: 25-27 • Luke 1: 26-38
Christmas Eve: December 24Isaiah 9:2-7 • Psalm 96Titus 2:11-14 • Luke 2:1-20
Christmas Day: December 25saiah 52:7-10 • Psalm 98Hebrews 1:1-12 • John 1:1-14
First Sunday after Christmas: December 28Isaiah 61:10-62:3 • Psalm 147 or 147:13-21Galatians 3:23-25;4:4-7 • John 1:1-18
LaySchedule
The lay schedule can be found at www.gracestlukes.org/files/upload/december14lay-schedule.pdf.
Holy Baptism Scheduled
Baptism is the entry point for The Episcopal Church for adults, children and infants. If you have not been baptized or would like to schedule a baptism, we are happy to make arrangements for you. The next date for baptism is: January 11, 2015. For more information and to schedule a baptism, contact Connie Johns, 272-7425, ext. 22, or [email protected].
Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church1720 Peabody AvenueMemphis, Tennessee 38104-6124901-272-7425, 901-272-9833 (fax)[email protected], www.gracestlukes.org
The Messenger of Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (USPS 778-900)-pub-lished monthly by Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38104. Periodicals postage paid at Mem-phis, TN. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, (901) 272-7425, email [email protected]. Lucy Owens, Editor.
Calendar Highlights
Dec. 1: Food Pantry Drive BeginsDec. 7: Angel Tree Collection Day 20-30@GSLDec. 8: Luna Nova ConcertDec. 9: Finance Meeting this round's on MeDec. 10: La PosadaDec. 12: Executive Meeting 39ersDec. 14: PC Christmas Card Offering Advent Lessons and CarolsDec. 16: Vestry Meeting/Christmas PartyDec. 17: Outreach MeetingDec. 22: Staff Christmas PartyDec. 24: Christmas Eve Services (5 & 9 pm)Dec. 25: Christmas Day Service (10:30 am)Dec. 26: Church Office Closed
December Calendargracestlukes.org/uploads/files/december2014calendar.pdf
Master Calendar: www.gracestlukes.org/events/. (The Master Calendar icon is on the left.)
A Successful Grand Old Bazaar
Once again we had a very successful Bazaar thanks to
all the cooks, the servers, the workers, the haulers, the bakers, and the contributions of any and all sorts of items, and the buyers. Preliminary figures as of this writing are $3300+! We could not do it without all members of the church body pulling together for a great cause.
Candy Tithe
Thanks to all of you who participated in this year's candy tithe. We sent 154.52 POUNDS OF CANDY to Operation Shoebox which will go directly to U.S. troops.
ThankYou
ThankYou
