The MessengerGrace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church Volume 62, No. 10 October 2015

Wednesday Evening Small GroupsInquirers' Class The Poetry of Jane KenyonTo Kill a Mockingbird Mitten Strings for God

Inside This Issue20-30@GSL ................................................................ 439ers ......................................................................... 475th Anniversary Pictorial Directory ............................... 4Altar Flowers............................................................. 11Athletics ..................................................................... 5Book Club ................................................................... 4Bygone Days ............................................................ 11Calendar Highlights .................................................... 12Christian Education ...................................................... 8EYC News ................................................................... 6Facebook by Harriet Roberts ....................................... 10First Friday Fellowship .................................................. 4From the Rector .......................................................... 3Lay Schedule ............................................................ 10Looking Towards Sunday ............................................ 11Memorials & Honoraria ............................................... 11Music Ministry ............................................................. 7Outreach Ministries ...................................................... 9Pastoral Care Corner .................................................... 7Pet Blessing ................................................................ 5School News ............................................................... 6Social Media Sunday .................................................... 5Third Thursday ............................................................ 4This Sunday's Texts ................................................... 11

On the cover: Fall Small Group facilitators (clockwise) the Rev. Richard Lawson, Sharon Campbell, Ellen Hendry, and the Rev. Katherine Bush. For more information about each class, see p. 8.

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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 am to 4 pm Monday–Thursday8 am to noon Friday

StaffThe Rev. Richard Lawson, RectorThe Rev. Broderick Greer, CurateThe Rev. Dr. Russ Snapp, Assisting PriestChristi Authement, Athletics & Fellowship Dir.Beulah Brown, SextonBeth Claybrook, Financial AssistantWesley Emerson, Organist/ChoirmasterSharon Campbell, Children's Education DirectorConnie Johns, Membership & NewcomersEva Loftin, Assistant Nursery DirectorAmanda McGriff, Interim Dir. of Pastoral CareChapman Morrow, Parish Development OfficerLucy Owens, Communications DirectorHarriet Roberts, Adult Education DirectorDebbie Smith, Music AssociateLinda Stine, Finance & AdministrationMary Margaret Winn, Youth Minister

2015 Vestry Grant Adams, Juan Fuentes, Edith Heller, John Huber, Hal Medling, Jim Mercer, Rob Norcross, Virginia Rowland, Donna Sanders, Cynthia Saatkamp, King Self, Josh Shipley, Maura Sullivan, Betsy Wilson, and Ken Woodmansee.

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, lucy@gracestlukes.org. Vestry email: vestry@gracestlukes.org

Messenger DeadlineThe deadline for the Nov. issue of The Messenger is 9 am, Oct. 10! Contact Lucy at 272-7425 or lucy@gracestlukes.org 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 | October 2015 | 3

From the Rector Inquirers' Classes A Way to Join the Church

God willing and the creek don’t rise, I hope I live as long and fulfilling a life as my grandfather did, who farmed up until his eighty-eighth year and died the following year. Everyone knew he would work up until his death. His life and the habits of the land were inseparable, and to lose one for him was to lose the other.

I am at the midpoint in life, having turned forty-one last spring. In a way that I have never quite been able to do before now, I can look back over my life and see a few decisions (promises may be the better word) in my life that have made all the difference.

Undoubtedly, the most important promise I made was marrying Katherine. I am very lucky. I am very blessed by God to be with her. Sometimes, it is hard for me to tell the difference between luck and God’s providence, so I am grateful to have both.

When Katherine and I started dating, I was struggling with church. I had been in and out of a lot of different churches, and my faith in Christ was vital and even creative. And yet I longed for a community—which is what a church is at heart—with which I could keep company. Gently, Katherine suggested I try the Episcopal Church. She was a cradle Episcopalian.

So, on a Sunday evening, I received Holy Communion for the first time in my life at St. Dustan’s Episcopal chapel in Auburn, Alabama, a lovely gothic revival building near campus. It was love at first sight! The liturgy and the diverse, hilarious group of people were unlike any church I had ever known before. There was a curious alchemy that seems true of the Episcopal Church everywhere:

formality and informality, ancient and contemporary, catholic and protestant, stories and creed, Bible and sacraments.

Shortly thereafter, I was confirmed by Bishop Robert Miller. I hope and trust that the bishop’s prayer for me took. I return to that very prayer in the Prayer Book throughout the course of my life, in times of joy and in times of sorrow.

Confirmation, in a nutshell, is an adult affirmation of the Christian faith as the Episcopal Church has received it with laying on of hands (with prayer) by the bishop. Confirmation is also a simple way of “joining the church.”

Our bishop, Don Johnson, will be at Grace-St. Luke’s on Sunday, November 8, for confirmation. I am teaching Inquirers' Classes for all who are interesting in learning more about the theology and ethos of the Episcopal way of seeking Christ. Inquirers' Classes prepare one for confirmation and membership in the Episcopal Church. They occur on the following days and times:

Wednesdays, Oct. 14 & Nov. 4: 5:30–6:30 pm in the parish hallSundays, Oct. 18, 25, & Nov. 8: 9:30–10:15 am in the parish hall.

If you have any questions, please email me (richard@gracestlukes.org). One does not have to sign up in advance.

The Reverend Richard Lawson

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We have scheduled a make-up date for Tuesday, Oct. 6. As of this writing, we have a few spots left. To sign up, contact Lucy Owens or follow the link: gracestlukes.org/news/pictorial-directory.

IMPORTANT—Correct Addresses/Emails/Phone Numbers Needed: Our photo directory will also include addresses, emails and home/cell phone numbers (unless you request yours to not be included). If these have changed since our last directory, or you're just not sure if we have your correct info, please contact Lucy Owens. We would like the directory to be as up-to-date as possible!

20-30@GSL is a group especially for those in their 20s and 30s to engage with other members of the church and Memphis community. If you would like to have your email added to the evite list, please contact Lucy Owens at lucy@gracestlukes.org. All are welcome!!

Sunday, Oct. 11—Immediately following the 10:30 service, 20-30@GSL will resume our monthly lunches with a meal at Café 1912 (243 Cooper St.), courtesy of GSL. If you are in your 20s-30s and look-ing for a little fellowship, whether you are new to GSL or already members, we invite you to join us for lunch.

Tuesday, Oct. 27—Join 20-30@GSL for food, drink, and conversation at Alchemy, 940 S. Cooper, from 6:30-7:30 pm. Our guest speaker is Andre Johnson. Child care will be provided at the church free of charge.

For more information, please contact: the Rev. Broderick Greer (broderick@gracestlukes.org)

Connecting for Fellowship, Food,

Fun, and God!

20-30@GSL

Third Thursday Group Welcomes David

Montague, October 15On Oct. 15, please join us for an inspiring talk from David Montague about the Memphis Teacher Residency Program. Committed to improving the quality of education for our

most at-risk youths here in Memphis, the program finances and mentors aspiring teachers through a Masters in Urban Education. It then coaches and supports them for three additional years as they begin teaching in local schools.

Because of the pews in Trezevant, we’ll have a different meal format this fall. We’ll still gather at 6:30, but instead of our usual seated dinner, we’ll be having heavy hors d’oeuvres at the back of Trezevant. We’ll then sit down in the pews for the presentation. Third Thursday dinners are designed to include empty nesters and anyone else who wants to spend a fun evening with others.

Make your dinner reservations no later than Tuesday, October 13, 2015, by calling Lucy Owens at the church office (272-7425) or by email at lucy@gracestlukes.org. In keeping with church policy, your reservation is your agreement to pay. You can pay in advance online at www.gracestlukes.org/events/third-thursday.

39ers WelcomeThe Rev. Broderick Greer October 9Join us Friday, Oct. 9, for our monthly meeting. Social time begins at 11:30 AM with wine and

cheese and the best conversation in town. A light lunch will be served at noon for $6.00. The program to follow will be our own curate, the Rev. Broderick Greer. Reservations to Lucy by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 272-7425 or lucy@gracestlukes.org. Mary Virginia Rogers, mvarogers@aol.com

October Book GroupRed Room, The Youth Space, 11:30 am–1:00 pm

Bring a lunch The Book Group meets the 2nd Thurs-

days of the month. Make plans to attend as many sessions as you would like. And, of course, bring a friend! Friends are always wel-come! Our next date and book is: Oct. 8—All the Light We Can-not See. Please contact Harriet Roberts at harriet@gracestlukes.org with any questions you might have.

First Friday Fall Dinner at Bounty on BroadJoin us for dinner at Bounty on Broad at 6 pm on Friday, Oct. 2. We'll mix, mingle and enjoy a wonderful meal together. We'll also discuss plans for

future events so come with ideas! www.bountyonbroad.com

Childcare is available at the church from 6-10 pm. for infants to age 9 at the price of $15 total for one child, $17 for two, or $20 for three or more (per family). As always if you'll be out later than 10, please make alternate childcare arrangements.

Please RSVP on the First Friday Facebook page ASAP so a reservation can be made. Questions? Contact Natalie Davis at 901-493-5279 or nataliejonesdavis@hotmail.com

GSL Church Sports Uniform Drop-Box

To keep costs to a minimum, the GSL Church Athletic Committee requests that you recycle your church sports uniforms. There will be a drop-box in front of the GSL School Circle-Drive Nov. 1-8. This would be a perfect time to recycle those uniforms right before the coming basketball season!

What we ask that you recycle:

Church Athletics

GSL Church Youth Basketball 2015-20161st Grade–4th Grade Skill Assessments

It’s basketball season and to get it started we are having Skill Assessments as part of the registration process. GSL Church Youth Athletics provides this for all of its sports AND it is a required activity for those children that sign up. This is not a tryout. It is simply a way to more evenly divide the teams. This should be fun for the kids.

Who: All 1st–4th graders registered for GSL Basketball. This is a required part of the registration process. All players need to attend.

When:Saturday, October 241st/2nd Boys: 2–3:30 pm

1st/2nd Girls: 3:45–5 pm

Where: GSL “Saints” Gymnasium

What: Players will be assessed on scrimmaging, team play, ball handling, passing, layups, and shooting.

Players: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time so you can get signed in and warmed up. Please come dressed and ready to play!

Questions: Contact Christi Authement, GSL Church Athletic Director (825-7353 or christi@gracestlukes.org)

Sunday, October 253rd/4th Boys: 1–2:30 pm

3rd/4th Girls: 2:45-4 pm

Soccer: jerseys & shorts

Flag Football: jerseys

Baseball, Softball, & T-Ball: jerseys, pants, belts, & shorts (hats & visors optional)

Basketball: jerseys & shorts

Join us for theAnnual Pet Blessing

October 4 at 4 pmTrezevant Hall

The Messenger | October 2015 | 5

EYC Newsand Events

Sunday, Oct. 4—Paint Wars: Think MESSY. All youth in grades 6-12 will meet on Snowden Field (2233 Harbert Ave.) from 5:30-7 for games and dinner. Wear clothes that can get dirty (paint is in powder form and will easily wash off skin and field)!

Sunday, Oct. 11—No EYC: Due to GSL school Fall Break, we will not have EYC this week. No matter when you have fall break, we hope that it is safe and fun!

Sunday, Oct. 18—All-EYC Corn Maze: Join EYC and other Diocesan friends for a Fall Corn Maze! 4-6 pm, followed by dinner. Cost is $10, to cover admission and food/drink. Forms are available online and must be turned in by Wednesday, Oct. 14.

We had a great early Saints Homecoming this fall. We played hard and won several of our games. As always, it was an exciting week, highlighted by a stirring pep rally welcoming the Class of 2015 back to campus. This is a special opportunity to reconnect with recent graduates and to see how their new adventures in high school are unfolding. It is also a time to see the results of a GSL education. GSL graduates are well prepared and equipped to tackle the unique challenges of high school. I know that in this ever-changing world, a strong education and a spiritual grounding will lead to amazing results in life.

For those of you with a special little one in your life, please join us for any of the upcoming free activities in our 2015-16 Toddler Event Series.

Our first Toddler Sewing Club Series is Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 9 am in the Anchor center. This is an age-appropriate event with activities for toddlers. Free, and friends are welcome! RVSP: enroll@gslschool.org

School Newsby Thor Kvande

2015 Fall Homecoming

Red & White Volleyball,and

5/6 & 7/8 Football

played great Homecoming

games.

Sunday, Oct. 25—Self-Defense Class: Our third annual self-defense class is open to all youth in grades 6-12. Patrick Terry, GSL parent and certified Krav Maga instructor, will teach us some practical self-defense moves in a fun and safe environment. The class will be from 5:30-6:30, followed by dinner until 7. Don’t forget to bring a friend to the last EYC of the month!

Christian Education 6th-8th Grade Sunday SchoolOct. 4—How to get involved @ GSL: Join us to hear how you can get more involved at church!Oct. 11—No Sunday School: Due to GSL school fall break, there will not be Christian education classes this week.Oct. 18—Veggie Care: We will check in on our container gardens and plan what to do with our harvested vegetables.Oct. 25—Bible Blurt: Like Taboo, but with the Bible!

Youth Confirmation Classes will continue during the month of October, with a break on Sunday the 11th.

GSL welcomed the Class of 2015 back to campus to receive their yearbooks.

Please also remember and help spread the word about our Admissions Open House this fall: Preschool Open House (ages 2–4): Saturday, Nov. 14, 9–10:30 am, Miss Lee’s Preschool.

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Pastoral Care Corner

What is Pastoral Care?I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35

How we care for one another is one of the most telling ways in which we live out our discipleship and demonstrate our love for one other. Caring and compassionate team members make holy touches as part of the Pastoral Care Ministry at Grace-St. Luke’s to make sure parishioners and others are cared for and loved in times of illness, births, deaths, and in other times of family crisis or celebration.

Gracious God, thank you for the diversity of people that surround us on every side. In the ideas, in the hopes, in the dreams, and in the struggles of those who share this earthly life, let us find that through a community we are made fuller and more alive. Let the fullness given by community give me the courage to offer my own unique self with humanity to the lives of others. As we all share in the life that you have so graciously given us, may we be the lights of your love to one another. Amen.Why do we have pastoral care teams?Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Mark 2:3

October 25 is RSCM Sunday

October 25 is RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) Music Sunday, a celebration of the music and musicianship that are a vital and beloved part of church life. The youth choirs of Grace-St. Luke’s are affiliated with RSCM America, using their Voice for Life cur-riculum as part of the choristers’ musical education.

Several members of GSL’s Canterbury Choir (3rd–6th grades) will receive their medals and light blue ribbons on Oct. 25, indicating they have completed the first level of training in the VFL scheme. For more information, check out rscmamerica.org.

I will sing with the spirit and the understanding also (1st Cor. 14:15) ~ RSCM motto

Music Ministry NewsWesley Emerson, Organist/Choirmaster

Debbie Smith, Music Associate

The parable of the paralytic vividly describes the love and devotion of four friends who were determined to bring their paralyzed friend to see Jesus. They were faithful and creative; tireless and dedicated. But it took a team to carry the friend on the mat, remove the roof, dig through it and lower him via the opening. And it takes a team for us to faithfully love and serve those in need in our parish family and others. We each have individual gifts which when thoughtfully combined, form complete teams to provide holy touches as needed.

Who is involved? At GSL, Pastoral Care is a shared ministry with both clergy and lay participants in care giving and leadership.

O Lord, take our ears and hear through them, take our hands and use them,

take our lips and speak through them, take our eyes and smile through them, take our hearts and minds and wills,

and use them as lamps of love, by which your light may shine

in all the darkness of this suffering world. Amen.

From the Grace-St. Luke’s Pastoral Care Ministry Handbook

The Messenger | October 2015 | 7

Christian EducationSharon Campbell, Director of Children's Education

Harriet Roberts, Director of Adult Education

CHILDRENNurseryNewborn-Potty TrainingLocation: Church Nursery

Little Lambs Pre-Atrium; Potty Training-Atrium ReadyLocation: Church Nursery

CatechesisAtrium I; Pre–K, JK & SKLocation: Green Room

CatechesisAtrium II; 1st, 2nd, 3rd GradeLocation: Purple Room

Holy Men, Holy Women4th and 5th GradeLocation: McClure Hall

Children’s Activity TableDuring Coffee Hour after the 10:30 am service; Location: McClure Hall

YOUTHMiddle School 6th–8th Grade Location: Youth Space, Yellow Room

Confirmation 9th–12th Grade Location: Youth Space, Red Room

ADULTSRector’s Forum Location: TrezevantOct. 4 Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church: History and Hope with Dr. Stephen Haynes and the Rev. Richard LawsonOct. 18 Anglicanism (or Episcopal) Consciousness with the Reverend Richard Lawson, RectorOct. 25 Authority in the Church with the Rev. Dr. Russ Snapp, Interim Assistant PriestNov. 1 Invite, Welcome, & Connect: Best Parish Practices with Mary Parmer, Episcopalian & Consultant in the Diocese of TXNov. 8 The Episcopacy (or the Bishops) with the Rt. Rev. Don Johnson, Bishop of West TN

Inquirers' Classes Facilitator: Father Richard LawsonLocation: TrezevantWednesdays, Oct. 14 & Nov. 4, 5:30–6:30 pm

Sundays, Oct. 18, 25, & Nov. 9:30–10:15 am (Rector’s Forum)

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeFacilitator: Ellen HendryLocation: Yellow Room in the Youth SpaceWednesdays, Oct. 14, 21, 28 & Nov. 4, 5:30–6:30 pm

The Poetry of Jane Kenyon Facilitator: Katherine BushLocation: Red Room in the Youth SpaceWednesdays, Oct. 14, 28, & Nov. 45:30–6:30 pm

Mitten Strings for GodFacilitator: Sharon CampbellLocation: Red Room in the Youth SpaceWednesday, Oct. 21; 5:30–6:30 pm

Sunday MorningChristian Education Offerings for Adults, Youth, and Children

9:30 until 10:15 am

Fall Small Group ClassesThe sign-up link and class details for all fall small group classes can be found at www.gracestlukes.org/spirituality-and-worship/wednesday-offerings. Nursery is available for all classes. (No sign up required for Inquirers' Classes.)

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GSL Outreach and Alzheimer’s Day ServicesThe mission of Alzheimer’s Day Services (ADS) of Memphis is to help persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders live their lives with dignity and respect while providing relief to their caregivers and support for their families. Caring for the sick is a key component of the mission of Outreach at GSL. ADS offers a resource of community-based support for families that can prevent, divert, or delay the need for institutionalized care and its associated financial and emotional costs.

ADS engages with the community by holding an Annual Trivia Night at Christian Brothers High School. Additionally, the staff of ADS presents a Dementia Sensitivity Program to interested groups that simulates some of the issues encountered by those with the disease. This program is designed to make caregivers and associates of those who are suffering an awareness of what it is like to live with dementia. The program can be presented to off-site groups.

There are several volunteer opportunities for GSL parishioners:

• In-Out Clutter Controller• Office Apprentice• Rations Runner

ADS has an “open door” policy. You are welcome to visit at any time, take a tour, and see the dynamic atmosphere. No appointment is necessary. For more information you can visit: http://www.adsmemphis.org.

An estimated 10 to 15 percent of the nation’s population over 65 and a larger percentage of those over 85 are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. ADS is dedicated to serving this population as a local, non-profit organization that was established in January 1983, and operates a therapeutic activity day program for persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Today, ADS operates two dementia-specific adult day centers: Grashot Center at 4585 Raleigh LaGrange in Kennedy Park and Dorothy’s Place at 3185 Hickory Hill Road. These centers give assistance to “Friends” and their families with hours of operation Monday through Friday, from 7 am until 6 pm.

ADS fulfills its mission statement promise by providing adult day services to persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia such as the dementia associated with strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. ADS provides a safe, stimulating, and socializing daytime environment for persons with dementia in an effort to maintain their level of functioning while providing respite, education, encouragement, and support to their caregivers and families. As always, the starting point is the individual suffering from dementia. The needs of this individual “Friend” form the core of the plan of care developed for each person. The level of care revolves around the participant’s needs and addresses the services that allow the person to function at the highest level of his/her ability.

By Hal MedlingGSL Outreach Liaison to Alzheimer’s Day Services

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Outreach Ministry

Food Pantry Facts by Juan FuentesWe are thankful for your generosity, and help. May we always be blessed with the willingness to continue to help those in need in our community!

Year-To-Date (YTD) Statistics:YTD we have served: YTD we have served: 394 households—562 adults, 477 children, and 71 seniors.

August Statistics: Number of families served: Number of Families served: 56 households, which include 115 adults, 90 children, and 3 seniors.Volunteer hours: 24.25 hours—which included 9 hours distributing food, 7.5 hours in food bank pick-ups and shelving, 3.5 hours shopping and shelving, 4.25 hours cleaning, organizing, and restocking. (Not including the hours spent by volunteer packers).

Mark your calendar! The last Sunday of the month—Oct. 25—is FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY! We are asking that you bring dry milk, tooth brushes, soap, peanut butter, jams, and soups.

Volunteers are always needed! To volunteer, contact Happy Jones at happyfred@comcast.net or 276-2136.

Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” -The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Memphis Teacher ResidencyClass of 2017Memphis Teacher's Residency, a GSL Outreach grant recipient, is recruiting for its next cohort of teaching residents. MTR is a faith-based organization that conducts a four-year teacher training and support program that includes a classroom residency, coaching, and graduate coursework culminating in a Master’s in Urban Edu-cation degree offered in partnership with Union University. Dur-ing the year-long residency, participants apprentice in the class-room of an experienced teacher while pursuing a Master’s degree. Residents receive a $1,000 monthly stipend and housing during the residency. Afterwards, they serve for at least three years as teachers in high-need Memphis schools.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in edu-cation) from an accredited university and a 3.0 GPA is preferred. The fall application deadline is Nov. 22.

For more information, please contact Danielle Shelley at danielle@memphistr.org or visit memphistr.org.

• Special Events Volunteer• Yard Guard

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By Harriet Roberts

For our EnemiesO God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies:

Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled

before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP 816

I joined Facebook six years ago.

If I am honest, I did it to make sure I could navigate a social me-dia site which threatened to be of interest to my child. I wanted to get there first and be up to speed before he started lurking there. But, his technosavy self (and all his technosavy friends) skipped right over Facebook and went down a different social media rabbit hole.

However, once I found Facebook I was delighted. I could con-nect with friends and family from England and I could catch up with friends from my boarding school in New England. And, when I needed to contact people for work, the instant message feature was a dream come true. In fact, I felt like I was a dragon fly and had landed on a social media lily pad on a lake in the sun.

My interactions with Facebook are simple: Mostly I post stupid pictures of my cat, Miss Puss, or my dog, Wee Pixie McNumpty. If not my creatures, then I might post pictures of something I have stitched or cooked.

I have found the posts others make to be very helpful. Most re-cently I asked for a consensus on a Bullet blender and for a better understanding of a book I was reading but not liking (AT ALL). In those cases the posts on Facebook were great and very infor-mative. Facebook posts have been a great way to ask for sugges-tions prior to traveling. And, because I am a strange combination of introvert and extrovert, posts have allowed me to start conver-sations with folks with whom I keep up only tangentially: When I spot them in a room, I can walk over to them and say: “I am so sorry that you had to put your dog down.” “How cool that your son lost his first tooth!” or “Did you and your family have a great time in Spain?” I have loved that and it has made walking into a crowded room so much easier for me.

Recently, I kept reading a friend’s daily spiritual posts and I asked her if she might be interested in taking a class called ‘Education for Ministry’ this year. She was interested and her posts connect-ed me to her in a way I would not otherwise have been.

As somebody who does not keep track of dates, being reminded of my friend’s birthdays is wonderful. I love wishing people ‘happy birthday’ and I am thankful that Facebook is my guide.But, lately I am becoming more and more disturbed by what I see.

It appears as if everyone posting information about their favorite presidential candidate or position thinks that everyone agrees with their opinion. Of course that is not true. And, there is good

reason why many of us were brought up not to talk about money, religion, or politics. On Facebook, accolades for a candidate are lavished and – without any conversation – opposing candidates are subjected to vicious trash talk. And, more often than not, to comments which quickly shift to cruel personal attacks using lan-guage which – in my book - merits the trash-talker’s mouth being washed out promptly with soap.

When Cecil the Lion was shot and killed in Africa by Walter Palmer, Facebook lit up with the angry Facebook-flavored vigi-lante justice and those comments called for unbelievable things to be done to Walter Palmer.

Recently Kim Davis from Kentucky showed up EVERYWHERE on Facebook because she refused to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples. It was not enough to point out that she was breaking the law and to trust that defying a court is not a good idea. Facebook comments took off with more cruel, vigilante justice. Her personal appearance and her personal life became the focus (and target) of venomous, anonymous comments.

In mid-August, a naked mentally ill woman was seen (and photographed) sweeping the steps of a church not far from this one in Mid-Town. Within minutes, pictures of her appeared on Facebook with comments that astounded me. I am so troubled by this. You see a woman at a VERY low point in her life who is in need of help (who is standing on the steps of a church) and you stop and take a picture of her and share that picture in a very public way with all your friends?

What is wrong with us when we think that any of these things are appropriate, kind, or reasonable? How have we decided it is OK to be so publically hurtful and cruel at other people’s expense? How have we come to a point where we think we needn’t filter what we say?

The Book of Common Prayer has a host of prayers and you are bound to find one which suits your needs. For me, today, in my despair these two spoke to me:

In Times of ConflictO God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us,in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront

one another without hatred or bitterness, and to worktogether with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 824)

For the Human FamilyO God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us

through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the wholehuman family; take away the arrogance and hatred whichinfects our hearts; breakdown the walls that separate us:

unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle andconfusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, inyour good time, all nations and races may serve you in

harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christour Lord, Amen. (BCP 815)

How can we share our opinions and still be respectful? How can we seek to right a wrong without needing to be hurtful? How can we express our outrage while still being kind? How can we make sure that something which is funny is not also cruel?

Sometimes when Miss Puss or Wee Pixie McUptosomething is posing for their next picture, I wonder about these things.

Altar Gifts Offered In Loving Memory of

Oct. 4 Walter P. Armstrong, Mary Frances Statham, Edward A. Wright, Francis Paul Gassner, and Ensley Shelby Oxley

Oct. 11 Susan Burson Taylor, Robert Parrish Taylor, Jr., Martha Wharton Jones, Meriwhether Wesley Alvis, Jean Stewart Alvis, Dr. Charles L. Clarke, Jane Alvis Clarke, Charles Alvis Clarke, and William M. Wilkerson

Oct. 18 Jay Turnipseed, Anne Mangum Smith, the Rev. John Paul Jones, Sr., Lee Massey Clarkson, and Jean Tuttle

Oct. 25 William K. Pearson, Robert Cole Hatzenbuehler, Robbie Hatzenbuehler, and Betty C. McCarson

MembershipNews

Holy Baptism, September 13, 2015Parker Monroe Earl Wigginson, son of Gavin & Robin Wigginson

The Messenger | October 2015 | 11

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 Nov. 1. For more information and to schedule a baptism, contact Connie Johns, 272-7425, ext. 22, or connie@gracestlukes.org.

Looking Towards Sunday ~ October

Revised Common LectionaryTrack 1 Year B

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: October 4 Job 1:1; 2:1-10 • Psalm 26 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 • Mark 10:2-16Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: October 11 Job 23:1-9, 16-17 • Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 4:12-16 • Mark 10:17-31Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost: October 18 Job 38:1-7 • Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b Hebrews 5:1-10 • Mark 10:35-45Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost: October 25 Job 42:1-6, 10-17 • Psalm 34:1-8 Hebrews 7:23-28 • Mark 10:46-52

www.gracestlukes.org/spirituality-and-worship/preparing-for-sunday/

Memorials& Honoraria

Given in Memory ofMary Mulherin from Ms. Jane BartonWoody Berry from Charlotte JonesBetty Mitchell from Sondra Noffel Biggs

Given in Honor ofCharlotte Jones from Jeannette King

LaySchedule

The lay schedule can be found at www.gracestlukes.org/weeklyteams/.

NEWS OF BYGONE DAYS50 years ago (1965)

The Bazaar

LISTEN, my children, and you shall hear That Grace-St. Luke's women have been

busy this yearIn planning their BAZAAR for the 4th of November As one Silver Anniversary you're sure to

remember.

That's Thursday, the 4th, from TEN until FOUR, At 1720 Peabody----you can use the side doorTo come in and browse to your very heart's content, And have LUNCH along the way in this gay

environment.

You'll find ideas galore to fill your Christmas list, A host of GIFTS and NOVELTIES we hope

you can't resist:Hand-decorated step stools, knitting bags, and curler kits, Stringholders, table mats, baby clothes and

barbecue mitts.For TASTE TREATS to tempt you, we'll have pies like karo pecan, Or lemon fluff, or Boston cream, or chocolate

mocha chiffon.And for children who love ANIMALS we have the very booth, Which this year features "Oliver," with only

one front tooth.And last of all, the "mules" are here to test your bargain sense, For "MULES," you see, is just a name

for.................. Grace-St. Luke's white elephants.

YES! WE HOPE YOU'LL BE ON HAND TO MAKE THIS 25TH BAZAAR THE BIGGEST AND BEST GRACE-ST. LUKE'S HAS HAD SO FAR!

Watch for 2015 Bazaar updates in upcoming Messenger, eNews & leaflets!

Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church1720 Peabody AvenueMemphis, Tennessee 38104-6124901-272-7425, 901-272-9833 (fax)gsl@gracestlukes.org, 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 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. Lucy Owens, Editor.

October Calendargracestlukes.org/uploads/files/october2015calendar.pdf

Master Calendar: www.gracestlukes.org/events/(The Master Calendar icon is on the left.)

Calendar HighlightsOct. 2: First Friday FellowshipOct. 4: Pet Blessing Service

Oct. 6: Directory Photo SessionOct. 7: Fellowship MeetingOct. 8: Book GroupOct. 9: 39ers LuncheonOct. 11: No ClassesOct. 11: 20-30@GSL LunchOct. 12: Church Office ClosedOct. 13: Finance MeetingOct. 14: Fall Small Groups BeginOct. 15: Third ThursdayOct. 16: Executive Meeting Oct. 20: VestryOct. 21: Outreach MeetingOct. 25: Social Media SundayOct. 25: Food Pantry SundayOct. 27: Theology LiveOct. 30: Endowment Meeting

Community News

An Evening with the Lisieux CommunitySister Organization of Thistle Farms

Friday, October 16 from 8–9:30 pm at the Kroc Center

The Lisieux Community, a sister organization of Magdalene House and Thistle Farms, provides a two-year residential program for women survivors of prostitution, trafficking, addiction and life on the streets. Please join us at our first annual event hosted by WMC’s Joe Birch and enjoy fine desserts, live music by The Zoo Girls and special musical guest John Kilzer and a short PBS film providing an introduction to this serious issue affecting our community and world.

For tickets go to Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com/e/first-annual-evening-with-the-lisieux-community-tickets-18156633981. Thistle Farms products will be available, so if you missed your chance to purchase them at GSL's Recovery Sunday, now's your chance! For more information, visit Lisieux Community www.facebook.com/LisieuxCommunity or contact Sandra Ferrell at 901-800-8840.