The MessengerGrace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church Volume 63, No. 1 January 2016

Inside This Issue39ers ......................................................................... 575th Anniversary Directory ........................................... 6Altar Flowers............................................................. 11Athletics ..................................................................... 6Baptism Dates .......................................................... 11Book Club ................................................................... 5Bygone Days .............................................................. 4Calendar Highlights .................................................... 12Christian Education ...................................................... 7EYC News ................................................................... 8Feast of Lights .......................................................... 12From the Rector ....................................................... 3-4Goodbye from Fr. Russ ................................................. 6Lay Schedule ............................................................ 11Letter to GSL 75 Years from Now ................................... 7Looking Towards Sunday ............................................ 10Member News ........................................................... 11Memorials & Honoraria ............................................... 11Needlework Guild ........................................................ 5Outreach Ministries ................................................. 9-10Pastoral Care Corner .................................................. 10Recurring Pledge Payments ........................................... 5School News ............................................................... 8Third Thursday ............................................................ 5This Sunday's Texts ................................................... 11Women's Retreat ......................................................... 5

On the cover: 75th Anniversary Party Committee (top).Mary Margaret Winn (bottom middle) putting the time capsule under the church. (see letter p. 9).Additional pictures of the Anniversary Party can be found at: www.facebook.com/gracestlukes or www.flickr.com/gracestlukes.

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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

2016 Vestry Juan Fuentes, Mitch Graves, Ed Hord, John Huber, Steven King, Holley McGehee, Jim Mercer, Jane Morse, Rob Norcross, Virginia Rowland, Cynthia Saatkamp, Donnie Sappington, Josh Shipley, 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 Feb. issue of The Messenger is 9 am, Jan. 15! 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

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 | January 2016 | 3

RECTOR’S FORUM: Spring 2016

Jan. 3 The Feast of the Epiphany: History and Meaning for Today with the Reverend Dr. Russ Snapp: The Rev. Dr. Russ Snapp is a priest who received his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University before graduating from General Seminary in New York. Russ is a scholar with a pastor’s heart. His class will include a description of the history of this important feast, as well as Russ’s thought's on its meaning for today.

Jan. 10 Food & Culture: the Short Films of Joe York with Joe York: Described by Garden and Gun as the “Ken Burns of food,” Joe is a filmmaker at the University of Mississippi. York works frequently with the Southern Foodways Alliance. In this class, we will watch three of York’s short films and consider the ways in which food creates a culture and, analogously, the way the bread and wine of communion create a culture, too. For a good article about York, see The Bitter Southerner article, “Joe York is the SFA’s secret weapon.”

Jan. 17 NO CLASS/MLK weekend

Jan. 24 Food & Mystery: What the Poets—not the Prayer Book—Say with the Reverend Katherine Bush: Katherine is the chaplain at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis. She is a graduate of Rhodes College and Virginia Theological Seminary. In the Diocese of West Tennessee, Katherine has served at the Church of Holy Communion and as Canon at St. Mary's Cathedral. Katherine is also published in Feasting on the Word, a highly acclaimed biblical commentary. A creative preacher and teacher, Katherine will share her ideas about the relationship between food and mystery, citing examples from poetry that do not appear—at first—to have much to do with the divine.

Jan. 31 Living Prayer with the Reverend Sam Portaro: The Rev. Sam A. Portaro is the retired Episcopal chaplain from the University of Chicago. He is the author of seven

books, including Brightest and Best, creative meditations on the lesser feasts and fasts of the church calendar. Sam’s insights about prayer are surprising and unique. Long story short, he believes with good reason that most people pray more than they realize. Sam also redefines prayer in a way that is fitting for the contemporary world.

Feb. 7 Laughing Matters with the Reverend Sam Portaro: The Rev. Sam A. Portaro is the retired Episcopal chaplain from the University of Chicago. He is the author of seven books, including Brightest and Best, creative meditations on the lesser feasts and fasts of the church calendar. Sam explores the role of humor in the history and practice of our Christian faith.

Feb. 14 NO CLASS/President’s Day Weekend

Feb. 21 Noise and Messiness: Praying at Home with Martha Bourlakas: Martha Bourlakas is the author of Love Feast: Together at the Table. She writes about life with a special needs child, authentic hospitality in faith communities, and the joy of sugar. She is also the author of a women's spirituality curriculum called "One Good Word" and leads One Good Word groups and retreats for women seeking spiritual connection. She lives in Southwestern Virginia with her bishop husband, three daughters, two dogs, and one cat.

Feb. 28 Praying Our Days: A Guide to Daily Prayer in the Episcopal Church with the Most Reverend Frank Griswold: Bishop Griswold is the 25th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. He completed his term as Presiding Bishop in 2006. Bishop Griswold is an author who is noted for his succinct understanding of catholic spirituality in the Anglican tradition. He will discuss daily prayer in the Episcopal tradition and sign copies of his lovely book of prayers, Praying Our Days: A Guide and Companion.

continued on page 4

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Mar. 6 NO CLASS/Spring Break

Mar. 13 Real Prayer on the Go with Technology with Scott Gunn, Director of Forward Movement: The Rev. Scott Gunn is the Executive Director of Forward Movement, which is probably best known as the publishers of Forward Day by Day, to be found in almost every Episcopal Church in America. Scott is a technophile who will share examples of how technology can assist our daily prayer life.

Mar. 20 Introduction to Holy Week with the Reverend Broderick Greer: The Rev. Broderick Greer serves as curate at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Broderick’s writings have been featured at The Guardian, The Huffington Post, and Episcopal Cafe. Most recently, he has facilitated conversations and workshops on human rights, diversity, black liberation theology, and the role of social media in Christianity.

Mar. 27 NO CLASS/Easter Sunday

Apr. 3 Death and Resurrection: A Hospital Chaplain's Take with the Reverend Deacon Brent Powell: Brent is an Episcopal deacon who has worked for many years as a chaplain at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he currently serves as the director of chaplain services. A gifted storyteller with profound pastoral experience, Brent will reflect upon the broad meaning of death and resurrection from his perspective as a chaplain in a children's hospital.

Apr. 10 Death and Resurrection: A School Chaplain's Take with the Reverend Katherine Bush: Katherine is the chaplain at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis, a pre-school through 12th grade school for girls. Katherine's published work appears in Feasting on the Word, a commentary on the Bible. Katherine will reflect upon the broad meaning of death and resurrection from her perspective as a school chaplain.

Apr. 17 Episcopal Relief & Development 75th Anniversary Exhibit with Betty Johnson, Diocesan ERD coordinator, & Broderick Greer, Curate: Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) works with Episcopal Church partners and other local organizations to save lives and transform communities worldwide. ERD rebuilds after

disasters and empowers people to create lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger, and disease. Working in close to 40 countries, ERD impacts the lives of approximately 3 million people around the world. ERD’s mandate is taken from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. One of the cornerstones of ERD’s 75th Anniversary Celebration is a touring exhibition of iconic photos from their programs around the world. This beautiful presentation leads the viewer through a meaningful, intimate exploration of their history and ERD’s four core program areas. Collected from five continents, these photographs highlight the faces and stories of Episcopal Relief & Development's 75 years of work.

Apr. 24 Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) Exhibit with Richard Lawson, Rector

May 1 A Jazzy God with Theodicy Jazz Collective: The Theodicy Jazz Collective was formed at Oberlin Conservatory in 2006 and grew during residency at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music from 2008-2012. The band has performed and created services for a multitude of churches and cathedrals up and down the east coast, including workshops at Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, and Oberlin, and conferences from Los Angeles to London. TJC has performed for the National Council of Churches, Trinity Wall Street, The General Convention and House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and took a tour of England that culminated in the world premier of the group’s own composition, the "Canterbury Jazz Mass," with the choirs at Canterbury Cathedral. A member of Theodicy will discuss the relationship between God and Jazz in the Rector’s Forum, followed by a Jazz Mass with Theodicy Jazz Collective at 10:30 am.

May 8 Jazz and Creeds, Poetry and the Prayer Book: Praying All of It with the Reverend Dr. Robert MacSwain: Dr. MacSwain is the associate professor of theology at the School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee. His publications include Theology, Aesthetics, and Culture and The Cambridge Companion to C. S. Lewis. A perceptive thinker with a wide range of interests, Rob will reflect upon the various ways we relate to God the Holy Trinity in both prayer and music, as well as creeds and the imagination. In other words, we relate to God in a wide, sometimes conflicting range of experiences.

NEWS OF BYGONE DAYS50 years ago (1966): The Board of Trustees of Grace-St. Luke's School has elected Mr. W. Hamilton Smythe, III, as President, Dr. James G. McClure, Vice-president, Mr. Edwin F. Wills, Secretary, and Mr. Paul P. Wilson, Treasurer. Other members of the Board are Mr. Elwood L. Edwards, Mr. William P. Halliday, Jr., Mr. Carlisle S. Page, Jr., Dr. James L. Seale, and Mr. Elder L. Shearon, Jr. The Rector and Senior Warden, Mr. S. Shepherd Tate, are ex-officio members. The Rev. John Paul Jones, Jr., is Headmaster and Mr. Russell F. Fisher is Principal. Mr. John B. Peyton is Special Consultant to the School Board.

The Messenger | January 2016 | 5

Save the DateGSL Women's Retreat at St. Columba

February 26-28"Wisdom from the Desert Ammas"

Rev. Dr. Stephanie PattonPresbyterian pastor, spiritual director, and passionate quilt maker.For more info, contact Gail Spake, gailspake@gmail.com.

39ers WelcomeEarnie Smith of the Assissi FoundationJanuary 8

The first 39ers meeting of the new year is Friday, Jan. 8. The meeting starts at 11:30 am with wine and cheese and great conversation. A light lunch will be served at noon for only $6, followed by the program. Our guest speaker will be Earnie Smith with The Assisi Foundation of Memphis. We're looking forward to a great program. All are invited!! Reservations to Lucy by noon on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 272-7425 or lucy@gracestlukes.org. Mary Virginia Rogers, mvarogers@aol.com

January Book GroupRed Room, Youth Space

11:30 Am–1 pm Bring a lunch

The Book Group meets the 2nd Thursdays of the month. Make plans to attend as many sessions as you would like.

And, of course, bring a friend! Friends are always welcome!

Our next date and book is: Jan. 14—Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons.

Please contact Harriet Roberts at harriet@gracestlukes.org with any questions you might have.

Recurring Pledge Payments

Did you know that once you make your 2016 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 lucy@gracestlukes.org.

Needlework Guild

Grab your sewing things, or pick out a project and make plans to join other ladies (and

ladies in training) on Sunday, Jan. 31, from 3–5 pm. You need to be 10 or older and want to spend some time visiting and stitching. We will share skills and enjoy being together at GSL (exact location TBD).

If you need help selecting a project, with knowing what to bring, or if you would like to reserve a table for your larger project, please contact Harriet Roberts, harriet@gracestlukes.org, or Kim White, kwhite@gslschool.org. Beginners are welcome!

Third Thursday Group

On Jan. 21, we will hear from one of our younger parishioners: Noah Campbell, an ordained minister committed to food justice and a community based food economy. He will speak on “Food, Faith,

and Farming: Structures to Promote Church-Supported Agriculture.”

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, Jan. 19, by contacting Lucy Owens at the church office (272-7425 or 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.

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Goodbye from Father Russ Snapp

In Isaiah, chapter 6, the prophet describes his amazing encounter with God in the Jerusalem Temple, which

included his calling to go and speak in the Lord’s name. He feels unworthy, but God makes him worthy and sends him forth.

In reflecting on this passage, author and theologian Frederick Buechner finds it significant that Isaiah sets this event not only in a particular place but at a particular time—“in the year that King Uzziah died.” God calls people to go forth, not in a general sense, but specifically (as Buechner put it) “into the pain of a world where people die.”

This is a crucial mission for all Christians, in one form or another, to proclaim healing and hope among people who live in the shadow of death—death in its many forms. By what we say and do, we proclaim that the Light has come and that this Light has overcome, is overcoming, and will overcome all darkness.

I have seen this mission going on especially in my involvement with pastoral care at Grace-St. Luke’s, but more generally as well. As I shift my part of the Church’s mission across the Mississippi after January 3, I will continue to pray for your vital ministry here in Memphis and beyond. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

My heartfelt thanks for your love and support, and many blessings on Grace-St. Luke’s.

Russ Snapp

Church Athletics

Basketball SeasonBasketball Season began Dec. 5 for 3rd & 4th grade boys and will begin Jan. 9 for 1st & 2nd grade boys/girls and 3rd & 4th grade girls!

The JK & SK Harry Arnold League begins Jan. 9.

Spring SoccerGSL Church sponsors a Spring Soccer Program for JK–4th grades. It is a 6 game “mini-season” with games April 1–May 14. The season is designed to continue soccer skill development during the spring. We strive to keep teams together from the previous fall and no assessments are needed.

By design, a Parent Liaison directs this program. Please email Christi at christi@gracestlukes.org, or call (825-7353) if interested in volunteering for this position.

Spring soccer registration is Jan. 1-31 and can be accessed through the GSL Church website at www.gracestlukes.org/youth-sports/spring-soccer beginning Jan 1. Please refer to the website listed above for ALL information regarding Spring Soccer. Registration fill up quickly, so please register sooner than later!

If you have any questions, please contact Christi Authement at 272-7425, ext. 20, 825-7353, or email christi@gracestlukes.org.

IMPORTANTThe directory will arrive

early to mid-January. Watch your eNews and Sunday

announcements for details!

Take a TasteBy Harriet Roberts

You hear stories and you think to yourself “I won’t become that person.” But, sometimes, that person is exactly who you become.

When my husband, Stephen, and I got married I paid the bills. At that time, I was an office manager and I managed the finances for my firm in addition to the finances for my home. It was long before Quicken, so it involved writing checks and balancing a checkbook the old fashioned way. I did that for years without a mishap.

When Quicken came out, I eagerly loaded it on our home computer and recorded all our transactions: I marveled.

(Continued at www.gracestlukes.org/harriet/take-a-taste)

The Messenger | January 2016 | 7

Christian EducationSharon Campbell, Director of Children's Education

Harriet Roberts, Director of Adult Education

CHILDRENNewborn-Potty Training, Church Nursery, Little Lambs Pre-Atrium; Potty Training-Atrium Ready, Church NurseryCatechesis, Atrium I; Pre–K, JK & SK, Green RoomCatechesis, Atrium II; 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade, Purple RoomHoly Men, Holy Women, 4th and 5th Grade, McClure HallChildren’s Activity Table, McClure Hall During Coffee Hour after the 10:30 am service

YOUTHMiddle School, 6th–8th Grade, Youth Space, Yellow RoomHigh School, 9th–12th Grade, Youth Space, Red Room

ADULTSRector’s Forum, Trezevant HallJan. 3 The Feast of the Epiphany: History and Meaning for Today with the Rev. Dr. Russ Snapp Jan. 10 Food & Culture: the Short Films of Joe York with Joe YorkJan. 24 Food & Mystery: What the Poets—not the Prayer Book—Say with the Rev. Katherine Bush Jan. 31 Living Prayer with the Reverend Sam Portaro

(No Classes on Jan. 17)

Sunday Morning 9:30 until 10:15 am

Christian Education Offerings for Adults, Youth, and Children

A Letter to GSL 75 Years from NowDear Grace-St. Luke’s, We are so thrilled that you have opened this strange aluminum cylinder. If you called in the bomb squad only to find out it is full of harmless paper, my apologies. When the 75th Anniversary celebration was being planned, an idea popped into my head, with no real source other than pure inspiration from the Holy Spirit (I’d like to think)—a time capsule to be placed somewhere in the church during the renovation, not to be opened until another 75 years had elapsed. This seems a foolish thought, given the uncertain future of any building, the Episcopal Church, and the sealant used to close up this time capsule. But I would like to think that, whether or not this building belongs to Grace-St. Luke’s, the Episcopal Church, or even still stands in 75 years, the person opening the capsule will treat its contents with the same care and respect with which they were placed.

There are many letters, pictures, news items, invitations, etc, a list of which is in another envelope. I do hope that we have done an adequate job in explaining each item. If not, well, tough luck.

In this letter however, I want to express just how special this project has been for me. As a young adult (I am currently 24 years old), it is easy to feel invincible. As I grow up though, I have had several experiences which remind me of my own mortality and relative impact on this earth. There is a fine line between humility and insignificance, faith and arrogance, which we must balance. This project has given me a unique perspective about how small and large I am. I feel blessed to understand my own finite being but also be surrounded by a love that allows me to know the mark I have made in this world.

My hope for this time capsule is to give a snapshot of what life is like for us at Grace-St. Luke’s in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2015. Things will change even between the time I write this and when it goes in the ground. I also hope that this will serve as a connection for families. I tried to include pictures of little ones so that, if you are able, you may share with them or their relatives.

That being said, it would mean to the world to me if you could share this with my own family. It might be impossible to track them down, which I understand. But if you can, please let them know that I love them from afar, no matter what. Memphis and Grace-St. Luke’s will forever be in my heart as one of the most special places on the planet, a place where I truly know joy and pain and how God works in the world.

So whoever you are, don’t mess it up.

All my love, Mary Margaret Winn, Youth Minister

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EYC Newsand Events

Happy New Year! Jan. is a busy month for youth, so stay up-to-date on our many offerings and events!

Sunday, Jan. 3—Feast of Lights: Begin the new year with a candlelight Epiphany service of lessons and carols. Hosted by St. Mary’s Cathedral, we will join friends from around the diocese for the youth event (4:30 pm), Epiphany service (6 pm), and burning of the greens (7 pm). There will be food and games before the service.

Sunday, Jan. 10—Grizzlies Game: If you would like to attend the game, please turn in a permission form (online or in church office) and payment. We will meet at GSL at 4:15 pm to carpool to the game. Go Grizz!

Friday, Jan. 15–Sunday, Jan. 17—Diocesan Youth Ski Trip: We are going back to Hidden Valley, Missouri, for another fun week-end of skiing and fellowship! We are staying at a local Episcopal Church, skiing for two days, and spending time with youth from all over the diocese. For information and forms, please visit the website or email Mary Margaret. The final deadline for registration is Wednesday, Jan. 6. (www.gracestlukes.org/youth-group)

No EYC on Sunday, Jan. 17

Sunday, Jan. 24—TBA

Friday, Jan. 29—High School Event at Skyzone: 9th-12th grad-ers are invited to a night at Skyzone! Information and permission forms available online.

Sunday, Jan. 31—Video Game Night: Come join us for a night of your favorite old school video games! We will be playing the actual games and live versions. Costumes are encouraged!

Contact Mary Margaret Winn for more information about EYC & any of the above events: marymargaret@gracestlukes.org.

Happy New Year! GSL is back in session starting January 4, and we hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas holiday. I want to thank the church clergy and staff for the special all-school Christmas Chapel service held before we closed for the break in December. That is always such a wonderful way for us to celebrate Advent together and help our students focus on the real reason for the season.

Our first week back at school is a busy one and kicks off Basketball Homecoming on Friday, Jan. 8. We will have five games going on in the Anchor and Saints Gyms, plus the presentation of all of our 8th graders and their families. This is a special annual tradition for the graduating class and it will be an exciting night.

We are also still in admissions season, so please continue to help us spread the word about our exceptional program here at GSL. So tell your friends with little ones to email enroll@gslschool.org if they would like to take a closer look at GSL.

There are also some important January events that are open to the public, and I hope you will join us! See details below.

11th Annual Lisa Lassandrello 5K Remembrance RaceSaturday, Jan.23, at 9 am at St. Agnes AcademyThis event is held in memory of long-time GSL administrative assistant Lisa Lassandrello, who worked at GSL for 19 years until her death in 2004 after a brave, year-long battle with cancer. This is a fun family event benefiting GSL, St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School, and Wings Cancer Foundation. Register today to join us. Run or walk, all are welcome!

Italian Dinner Hosted by the Eighth GradeThursday, Jan. 28, in Trezevant HallThis delicious dinner is an annual GSL tradition, and proceeds help defray the cost of the eighth grade students’ year-end class trip to Nantahala. So please come by and enjoy the fun with your school family and friends. Dine in or take-out will be available. Tickets on sale online; see our website for more info.

School Newsby Thor Kvande

The Messenger | January 2016 | 9

GSL School had a great time cheering on the runners in the St. Jude Marathon with our Central Gardens neighbors at mile 20.

Little Lukers learned about Environmental Stewardship by building bird feeders and birdhouses and placing them around campus for birds to use and enjoy.

The Messenger | January 2016 | 9

Outreach Ministry

Outreach Funding for 2015

The Outreach Committee recently met to review grant requests received over the summer during the grant submission period. Many applications were received, and the members prayerfully reviewed and discussed each one. Memphis is blessed to have an abundance of extraordinary individuals and organizations working to better our community and world. The funds that the committee is able to provide are meant to be meaningful, useful, and 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 2015 grant process are:

Alzheimer's Day ServicesChurch Health CenterCommunity of St. Therese of LisieuxDoor of HopeDorothy Day House of HospitalityEmmanuel Episcopal ChurchFriends For LifeGSL More Than A MealHospitality HubIntegrity of MemphisMemphis Child Advocacy CenterMemphis Exchange Club Family CenterMemphis Library FoundationMemphis Teacher ResidencyMetropolitan Inter-Faith AssociationOutreach Housing and CommunitySamaritan Counseling CenterShelby County Books From BirthSoulsville Music AcademySt. George’s Independent SchoolWest Tennessee Haiti Partnership

The Outreach Committee is interested in learning about new organizations and opportunities for parishioners to be involved. Questions can be directed to either Ed Hord (edwardhord115@gmail.com) or Erin Shoughrue (eshoughrue@bellsouth.net).

The West Tennessee Haiti Partnership and Bishop Don Johnson announce an upcoming Diocesan-wide event being planned for the evening of Friday, Feb. 19, at Church of the

Holy Communion (4645 Walnut Grove Road) in Cheney Hall. WTHP is hosting Father Frantz Cole with St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children, our partner in our Companion Diocesan relationship with Haiti. Father Cole will share wonderful stories and photos of the school and children we serve along with Dr. Susan Nelson and the Rev. Drew Woodruff who lead our exciting mission trips. The evening will begin at 5:30 pm with a wine reception, and dinner will follow from 6 to 8 pm. Our special Haitian meal will cost $30 per person or $50 per couple. There will be a live auction with plenty of Haiti artwork and souvenirs plus information for getting involved in this important ministry. You may RSVP either to wtnhaitipartnership@gmail.com or 820-4438 and direct any questions to Ruthie Lentz (rlentz@comcast.net or 278-5361), Liaison to the WTHP.

Thanksgiving Basket DeliveryOn Tuesday, November 24, members of

the Crossmen participated in the distribution of Thanksgiving food items provided by Feed the Needy of Memphis. This year we reached out to many of the community organizations with whom the Outreach ministry partners, and were able to expand the areas of the city to which we delivered. The ability to personally deliver the food to families provided not only a blessing to them, but to the volunteers as well. Hand-made Thanksgiving cards were created by some of the GSL young children, and included with each basket of food.

The Outreach Committee looks forward to keeping this tradition with Feed the Needy. It not only helps us fulfill our mission, but offers fellowship and volunteer opportunities for parish members that help us stay connected with the needs of our community. Our participation was only a small part of the larger initiative which helped feed about 8,000 people in the MidSouth.

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Thank You, GSL Lower and Middle Schools!

Our thanks to the GSL Lower and Middle schools for the great food-drive! They always do a great job collecting non-perishable food items. The GSL Food Pantry is well-stocked with tuna, peanut butter, fruit, soups, etc. Our gratitude to the parents, students, faculty, and administration for all their effort in getting this event organized. The students seem to always enjoy helping and we say THANK YOU!

Food Pantry Facts by Juan FuentesThank you for the generous support with the Food Pantry Holiday Drive. As always, your generous support helps us continue to feed those in need in our community

Year-To-Date (YTD) Statistics (as of November, 2015):YTD we have served: 556 households – 779 adults, 671 children, and 107 seniors.

November Statistics: Number of families served: Number of Families served: 64 households, which include 97 adults, 71 children, and 11 seniors.Volunteer hours: 17.5 hours—which included 9 hours distributing food, 4 hours in food bank pick-ups and shelving, 2 hours shopping and shelving, 2.5 hours cleaning, organizing, and restocking. (Not including the hours spent by volunteer packers).

Mark your calendar! The last Sunday of the month—Jan. 31—is FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY! We are asking that you bring dry milk, tooth brushes, soap, peanut butter, and jams.

We need volunteers to help with food distribution on Monday & Tuesdays 1-2 pm. We also need volunteers with Food Bank pick-ups, Mondays around 9 am for about an hour and a half. To volunteer, contact Happy Jones at happyfred@comcast.net or 276-2136.

“If we always helped one another, no one would need luck.” – Sophocles

Gayle Evans, Happy Jones, & Juan Fuentes

stock the FP shelves

Pastoral Care CornerThank You!

A huge thank you to Mary Elizabeth Partin, who handmade over 150 Christmas cards for Pastoral Care. These beautiful and intricate cards are a labor of love for Mary Elizabeth, and we appreciate her continued support of and dedication to those in need in our parish.

Pastoral Care transformed the Peete Room into a lovely space for a thank-you luncheon for the Bazaar workers who made $1500 at their "mini Bazaars" on Dec. 6 and Dec. 13. The proceeds benefit local charities. Thank you to all who worked to make this 75th Anniversary Bazaar happen in the midst of obstacles, and thank you to all who shopped!

Be sure to read Fr. Russ Snapp's good-bye letter on page 6!

Altar Gifts Offered In Loving Memory of

Jan. 3 Florence Boyce Battle, Walter Preston Battle, and James McGowin Rowland

Jan. 10 Robert Couch, Jr., Cecil R. Whitlock, Mary Ruth Whitlock, John Wesley Long, Florence Rose Long, Delbert Spurlock, Meacy Spurlock, James W. Whitlock, and Dorothy L. Whitlock

Jan. 17 Pat Reid, Bill Reid, Tannen Reid, Deborah Conn, Arliss Hederick Tuttle, and James Charles Rowland

Jan. 24 Edith Washington Bailey, Ernest Eugene Bailey, Mary Chunn Wilkinson, Charles Locke Wilkinson, Edith Bailey Wilkinson, William Neilson Wilkinson, Ernest Bailey Wilkinson, Chunn Wilkinson Babendreer, James Sprague Washington, Ella Washington Schaefer, William Neilson Wilkinson, Jr., and Charles Chunn Wilkinson

Jan. 31 John Ethridge McCall

MembershipNews

Holy Baptism, December 6, 2015Henry Mark Tucker, son of Jennie & Aubrey Tucker

Faithful DepartedJeno Sebes, died Dec. 14, 2015, burial Dec. 19, 2015

The Messenger | January 2016 | 11

Looking Towards Sunday ~ January

Revised Common LectionaryTrack 1 Year C

Second Sunday after Christmas: January 3 Jeremiah 31:7-14 • Psalm 84:1-8 Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a • Matthew 2:1-12First Sunday after the Epiphany: January 10 Isaiah 43:1-7 • Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 • Luke 3:15-17, 21-22Second Sunday after the Epiphany: January 17 Isaiah 62:1-5 • Psalm 36:5-10 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 • John 2:1-11Third Sunday after the Epiphany: January 24 Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 • Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a • Luke 4:14-21Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: January 31 Jeremiah 1:4-10 • Psalm 71:1-6 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 • Luke 4:21-30

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

Go to the link above to access Sunday lectionary readings online at your convenience, and then reflect and pray over them at any time. Also offered is an overview, scripture backgrounds, a reflection and prayer starter to enhance your worship experience.

Memorials& Honoraria

Given in Memory ofTom Claybrook from Nancy & Rodgers MenziesMary Mulherin from Nancy & Rodgers MenziesThomas W. Twele from Aylmarie TweleKyle Knox Anderson from Minje & Randy RameyRobert Smith from Emily Woodside & Bill Falvey

Given in Honor ofHam & Katherine Smythe for their 60th Anniversary from Gilbert & Janice McSpaddenMimi & Jim Taylor for their Anniversary from Mary & Corey

Trotz, Wynn & Gwin Scott, Jim & Bond MooreAmanda McGriff from Sandra Garner IrelandPastoral Care committee from Sandra Garner IrelandWesley Emerson and Debbie Smith from Breen Bland and Jeanie

Mercer

Given to the Food Pantry in Memory ofJim Evans from Dan & Nora Conaway

Given to the Food Pantry in Honor ofGayle Evans from Dan & Nora ConawayJim Evans from Dan & Nora ConawayAll Ministers of GSL—both Lay & Ordained—from Russ Snapp

Given to the Food Pantry fromPaula Barnes

LaySchedule

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

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 dates for baptism are:

• January 10• March 26, and • May 15.

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

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.

January Calendargracestlukes.org/uploads/files/january2016calendar.pdf

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

Calendar Highlights

Jan. 1: Church Office Closed Jan. 3: Feast of Lights @ St. Mary's Jan. 6: Fellowship MeetingJan. 8: 39ers LuncheonJan. 8-9: Vestry RetreatJan. 12: Finance MeetingJan. 14: Book GroupJan. 15-17: EYC Ski TripJan. 15: Executive Meeting Jan. 15: Stephenson RehearsalJan. 16: Stephenson WeddingJan. 17: No ClassesJan. 18: Church Office Closed Jan. 20: Outreach MeetingJan. 21: Third ThursdayJan. 31: Food Pantry Sunday

Feast of Lights Sunday, January 3

Begin the new year with a candlelight Epiphany service of lessons & carols

at St. Mary’s Cathedral

Epiphany Service (6 pm)Preacher: The Rev. Broderick Greer

Burning of the Greens (7 pm)