The Messenger, December 2013

The MessengerGrace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Volume 60, No. 12 December 2013

Inside This Issue20-30@GSL ................................................... 439ers ............................................................ 55th Sunday .................................................... 5Altar Flowers................................................ 11Athletics ........................................................ 8Bazaar Thank You ......................................... 12Bygone Days ................................................. 4Calendar Highlights ....................................... 12Christian Education ......................................... 7Christmas Memorials/Honorariums Deadline ....... 5Christmas Services ......................................... 5Diocesan 12-Step Euchairst at St. E’s ................ 6EYC News ...................................................... 8Food Pantry Sunday ........................................ 8From the Rector ............................................. 3Grand Old Bazaar Thank You .......................... 12La Posada ...................................................... 4Lessons and Carols ......................................... 4Looking Towards Sunday ............................... 11Luna Nova Winter Concert ............................... 6Member News .............................................. 11Memorials/Honoraria ..................................... 11Ordination of John Burruss ............................... 6Outreach Ministries ......................................... 9Pastoral Care Corner ....................................... 6School News ................................................ 10

2 | www.gracestlukes.org

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 Hours8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday–Friday

StaffThe Rev. Richard Lawson, RectorThe Rev. Gayle McCarty, Associate RectorFr. Joseph Wallace-Williams, Associate RectorChristi Authement, Activities & Athletics Dir.Beulah Boone, SextonBeth Claybrook, Financial AssistantWesley Emerson, Organist/ChoirmasterSharon Campbell, Nursery DirectorConnie Johns, Membership & NewcomersEva Loftin, Assistant Nursery DirectorLucy Owens, Communications DirectorHarriet Roberts, Christian Education DirectorDebbie Smith, Music AssociateLinda Stine, Finance & AdministrationMary Margaret Winn, Youth Minister

2013 Vestry Grant Adams, Antoinette Cheney, Ginger Collier, Edith Heller, Sidney Hickey, Allison King, Stinson Liles, Hal Medling, Catherine Morehead, Linda Niell, Donna Sanders, King Self, Pete Shearon, Doug Smith, Nicki Soulé, Bruce Williams, and Hal Wright.

Vestry and Executive Committee The vestry meets the third Tuesday of each month in Trezevant Hall. The Executive Com-mittee meets the Friday before vestry at 5:30 pm in the old school science lab on the 3rd floor of the Evans Building. 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 15! 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 2013 | 3

Chronologically, the season of Advent leads to the season of Christmas. On a deeper level, however, the season of Advent is about a kind of disposition or posture that is needed throughout the year, especially in those times when we are tempted to believe that we can save ourselves through our own effort and hard work.

The great figure of Advent is the Virgin Mary. Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, writes in Tokens of Trust about Christmas and Mary:

All that God has to give to his chosen community is gathered to a point as Mary is asked if she will take responsibility in a unique way for God in the world; she is asked to breathe in the breathing of God and to nurture God’s embodiment in her body and in her commitment of emotion and thought and care. Jesus begins to beas a human being because of this meeting of God’s free grace and Mary’s grace-filled human readiness and openness.

In some mysterious sense, Mary said ‘yes’ on our behalf, on behalf of the whole of creation. Just like when anyone does something for us, first and foremost we need to be grateful, not feeling like we need to return the favor in some endless cycle of quid pro quo. Mary says ‘yes’ on our behalf, and for that I am so grateful, having no idea how I could ever return the favor.

And yet we do rightly think about the ways in which we are called to be like her. What if an angel comes our way with an invitation that invites our own thoughtfulness, commitment, and care? What will we think, say, and do? Mary is an example of what a reasonable faith looks like and feels like in daily life, a daily life that needs to have enough space for the angels to appear and speak.

Only three people are mentioned in the Creed, and Mary is one of them. As such, she is a vital figure within the Christian imagination and faith at all times, not just during Advent. She is the one who reminds us that the Incarnation is no abstraction, but an actual encounter between God’s Son and our actual humanity. She is the one who answers faithfully and reasonably on our behalf at the first Christmas, even as she is now a friend in the communion of saints who encourages us through prayer.

Please join us for the Eucharist at Grace-St. Luke’s during Advent. This is the season to remember that we are not alone in the communion of saints and that salvation in Christ is a sheer gift.

The Reverend Richard Lawson

From the Rector: Mary’s Thoughtfulness & Faith

The Angel Gabriel and Mary


Advent Lessons & CarolsSunday, December 15at the 10:30 service

Join us for this traditional favorite offamiliar readings and beautiful music.

La Posada: A Celebration of the Nativity Wednesday, December 11Service and Music in the Nave at 5:45 pm

Followed by a Traditional Mexican Feast at 6:30 pm in Trezevant Hall

Please join your parish family for a celebration of La Posada, a traditional Hispanic celebration of the Nativity and a recreation of the search by Joseph and Mary 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, and we end with 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 a procession, a Mexican feast will be served in Trezevant Hall complete with a Mariachi band and a piñata for the children. Everyone is invited!

There will be 20 poinsettias available for purchase for $6 after the event - white, marble or red- please consider helping recoup decorations’ cost and reserve your poinsettias NOW!

To make reservations for this wonderful holiday event—and Grace-St. Luke’s tradition—please call or email Lucy at 272-7425 or [email protected], or sign up on line at 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, De-cember 9. Late sign-up requests MAY be possible, if there is space, $12 adults and $7 children.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Donna Sanders at 276-5512 or [email protected] ASAP to volun-teer - actors, musicians, decorators, piñata supervisors, set up and clean-up crew are all VITAL to this fun, festive, family event!

Sunday, Dec. 1, at noon, 20-30@GSL will meet at Alchemy Memphis (940 S. Cooper) courtesy of GSL. If you are in your 20-30s and looking for a little fellowship, whether you are new to GSL or long-time members, we invite you to join us for lunch. An evite has been sent as usual. If you would like to have your email added, please contact Lucy Owens at [email protected]. Hope to see you on the 1st!

“This round’s on Me” will meet Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Alchemy, 940 S. Cooper, from 6:30–7:30 pm. The guest speaker is the Very Rev. Andy Andrews and his topic will be “Don’t Miss Out.”Sign up for childcare: gracestlukes.org/events/this-rounds-on-me/.

The 20-30@GSL Bible Study will meet Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30–7:30 pm, at Otherlands Coffee Bar, 641 S. Cooper.

Contact Fr. Joseph Wallace-Williams, [email protected], for more info.

Connecting for Fellowship, Food,

Fun, and God!

20-30@GSL

Third Thursday &First Friday Fellowship

Third Thurday will take a break from our regular meetings in De-cember. But we hope you will schedule our upcoming January 16, February 20, March 20, and May 15 gatherings on your new 2014 calendars. We’re working on a great speaker line-up!

First Friday is also taking a break for December and will see you in the new year!

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.” These names will be listed in the Christmas leaflets if received by Dec. 15.

The deadline is also Dec. 15 for memorials and honorariums that you would like acknowledged before Christmas.

NEWS OF BYGONE DAYS50 years ago (1963): The Order of the Silver Beaver, the highest award in Scouting, was awarded this week to Mr. S. Shepherd Tate, who has long been active in Boy Scout work. Mr. Tate was a member of our Troop 34 when he was a boy, and has continued to give outstanding leadership to the Scouting movement in the midsouth.

25 years ago (1988): A special treat for the whole parish will be a program by the Church School in Trezevant Hall on Sunday, December 18, during the Church School hour. This “production” is called the Paper Bag Christmas Pageant and involves costumed children and the singing of carols by the audience.


All are Invited to the 39ers Christmas Meeting

Merry Christmas to one and all!

On Friday, Dec. 13, we will gather at 11:30 am for wine and cheese and wonderful conversation. In lieu of gift exchange, we will make a monetary contribution to our own Food Pantry. With cash, the people in charge of the pantry can purchase the items of food needed at a discount better than we can as individuals alone. (Remember that no amount is too small or large.)

A light lunch will be served at noon for only $6.00.

The program to follow will be Christmas Arts and Crafts presented by our own Pat Kerwin. She will demonstrate how to make our own Christmas decorations. If you have a glue gun, please bring it, as we will need them to complete our decorations. Reservations to Lucy by noon on Dec. 11, [email protected] or 272-7425. Looking forward to seeing you there.

EMMANUEL GOD WITH US The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Christmas Eve Early Service

4:30 pm Christmas Music *5:00 pm Festive Choral Eucharist *

Late Service8:30 pm Christmas Music

9:00 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

5th Sunday is December 29th!

Please join the Fellowship Committee for College Bowl Countdown on Sunday, Dec. 29, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service in Trezevant Hall. The menu will include dishes that we are

sure will become fan favorites. The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children for lunch. There

will be supervised activities for the children.


John Bailey Burruss Ordination

God willing and with the consent of the people the Rt. Rev. Don E. Johnson, Bishop of West Tennessee,

will ordain John Bailey Burruss as a Priest in Christ’s One Holy Catholic

and Apostolic Church on Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 10:30 am

at Church of the Annunciation, 8282 Macon Rd, Cordova.

The Luna Nova Ensemble will present a concert on Monday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 pm, of British chamber music from the first half of the 20th century. Among the composers represented are Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughan-Williams, Ivor Gurney, George Butterworth, and John Ireland. Performers are Wesley Emerson (organ), Andrew Drannon (piano), Daniel Gilbert (violin), Nobuko Igarashi (clarinet), Sabrina Laney Warren (soprano), Paul Murray (bass), and Perry Mears (piano). The concert is free and open to the public. It will be followed by a reception in Trezevant Hall.

Diocesan Recovery 12-Step EucharistSaturday, Dec. 14, 5 pmSt. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church6033 Old Brownsville Rd.

For many years, the recovery community in the Episcopal Church has been celebrating recovery in a unique way, by incorporating each of the 12 steps into the Holy Eucharist. Please join us for an Advent 12 step service at the newly consecrated St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church in Bartlett. It will be an entirely unique experience, including fresh grapes at the table representing wine, an open sharing session in place of a sermon and a chance to meet others walking a recovery path across the Diocese.

Sponsored by the Addiction and Recovery Commission of the Diocese of W TN. For more information contact Shannon Tucker [email protected] 281-0785 or Lucy Owens [email protected] 497-0691.

Pastoral CareCorner

Annual Christmas Card Offering

by Pastoral CareOn Dec. 15 there will be a table set up in Trezevant Hall before and after Sunday services for all who wish to send a card to those on our current Pastoral Care list. Pick the name(s), choose a card, inscribe and mail! Send some holiday cheer! Thank you!

The Pace And Peace Of Christmasby the Reverend Gayle McCarty

We can count on it. Every December, we declare that it will be different this year. Yet, as the holidays approach, we find our schedules spiral-ing out of control with added activities and demands and our stress skyrocketing as we try to have the perfect Norman Rockwell Christmas season. It is so very easy to become overwhelmed by the busyness of the Christmas holidays. I pray that this year will indeed be different for us all; thus, I offer this modern version of the 23rd Psalm in hope that it may bring peace and comfort in the days ahead.

23rd Psalm written by Toki Miyashina

The Lord is my Pace Setter, I shall not rush.He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity.He leads me in ways of efficiency, through calmness of mind;and his guidance is peace.Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here.His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance.He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity, by anointing my head with his oils of tranquility.My cup of joyous energy overflows.Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours, for I shall walk in the pace of my Lord, and dwell in his house for ever.

Reception following Your prayers

and presence are requested.

Clergy: Cassock, Surplice,

and Red Stole


No classes on December 1 & 29.

Sunday Mornings, 9:30–10:15 am

Adults on Sunday MorningsRector’s Forum: The Sound of God’s VoiceFacilitator: The Reverend Richard LawsonLocation: Trezevant; All ages are welcome to attendThroughout the year, we will have various guests who help us to think and experience what God’s voice sounds like. To make a long story short: God speaks in different kinds of language in the Bible—from questions to demands to stories. Additionally, we will consider ways that we hear God’s voice in more surprising places, such as literature, movies, and even ordinary conversations with friends and strangers. Class presenters listed at www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-classes/.

Children and YouthNurseryBirth–18 Months; Location: Church Nursery;Children may be picked up in the Nursery prior to Communion, or at the conclusion of the service.If you have any questions about our Nursery, please feel free to contact Sharon Campbell, our director of Nursery ([email protected]).

Little Lambs Pre-Atrium19 Months to Young Threes; Location: Church Nursery

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd–Atrium IPre-K, JK and SK; Location: Atrium I (green)Catechesis of the Good Shepherd–Atrium IIFirst, Second, and Third Grade; Location: Atrium II (purple)The children remain in their Atria and continue their work until being picked up by parents for Eucharist.

‘Holy Men, Holy Women’Fourth and Fifth Grade; Location: Room 212Children will join their parents in Trezevant Hall at the conclusion of the Sunday school hour.

Journey to AdulthoodRite 136th–8th Grade; Location: Youth Space, Yellow RoomJ2A9th–12th Grade; Location: Youth Space, Red Room

Other Sunday Morning Offerings Children’s Activity Table (during adult coffee hour)Location: Room 212 or the Lobby of McClure Hall

Christian Education

Margaret: My One-Woman Community of Faithby Harriet Roberts

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed [my husband and me] with the joy and care of [a child]: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as [my husband and I] bring [him] up, that we may teach [him] to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

I met Margaret about 15 years ago when, at the time, I was very involved in the Junior League of Memphis. I believe we must have had a placement together although, to be honest, my memory fails me. But, I do remember meeting her at some meeting or other. The moment I met Margaret, I liked her. Friendly, open, and cheerful—what was not to like?

We struck up an easy conversation and I found out she had two sons who were both a bit older than mine who was—at the time—eensy-weensy. As we talked, we discovered that we had a bunch of slightly strange things in common. For example, we had both lived in the same subdivision in Ridgeland, MS before we both—a couple of years apart—moved to Memphis. Margaret grew up in Vicksburg but spent a lot of time in Jackson where my husband and I had lived and worked.

Continued at www.gracestlukes.org/harriet/margaret

Rector’s Forum The Rev. Richard Lawson

Sundays at 9:30 Am in Trezevant

Dec 1 No Class

Three-week series with with Dr. Mitzi Minor, Memphis Theological Seminary

Dec 8 Story in the NT- Connecting with Our Stories

Dec 15 Parable & Poetry in the NT- Creating “Cracks” in Our Stories

Dec 22 Apocalyptic- Word Pictures of What God Dreams Can Yet Be

Dec 29 No Class


Slow Down. Keep Quiet. It’s Advent. Despite the appearance of Christmas decorations in October and holi-day music on November 1st, December has once again snuck up on us unsuspecting folk like my cat on an unsuspecting shoelace. With what seems like only hours until Christmas, we no longer have time to prepare ourselves for the preparation ahead. No time to make that perfectly detailed shopping list, find the best deals, plan the perfect holiday party, or create a study schedule for final exams. All of a sud-den, we are in the midst of the “Christmas season;” what is supposed to be a time of preparation and quiet anticipation has turned into its very own event. Christmas shopping could be an Olympic sport. We tend to forget for what we are actually preparing. Everyone may have a different answer (opening presents, in-laws, colder weather), and most Christians will know to say “we are preparing for the coming of Christ.” But what exactly does that mean? It is hard to imagine wait-ing for an event that happened 2000 years ago. If we take a moment, however, to think about everything that the birth of Jesus began, it is a bit easier to understand the importance of anticipation. So this year as we fly through the whirlwind of December, let’s try to remember to Slow Down…Keep Quiet…It’s Advent.

Take it Slow: The Importance of AdventOn Dec. 1, the first Sunday in Advent, EYC will discuss the mean-ing of this special season as well as decorate our own Advent calen-dars. Dinner will be served and games played! (5 Jr, 6 dinner, 6:30 Sr)

Angel TreeThis year, the GSL Youth are participating in the Pastoral Care Angel Tree by providing gifts for children at Caritas Village. On Dec. 8 after Nut ReMix, EYC will have a gift-wrapping party for all of the youth donations.

EYC Newsand Events

Nut ReMixThis is an exciting an energetic event performed by the New Ballet School and Ensemble, and includes some of our very own youth! On Dec. 8 at 2:30 pm, come out to support your friends at a great performance, then join EYC for a gift-wrapping party (see Angel Tree below), dinner, and fellowship. If you missed the November 24 deadline to reserve a seat with Mary Margaret, please visit the New Ballet website for ticket purchasing and more information (www.newballet.org/events/nut-remix/).

DYC CarolingThe Diocesan Youth Council will be hosting a caroling event at Trezevant Nursing Home on Dec. 15 at 4 pm. Youth in grades 6-12 and their leaders will first gather to practice the songs then regale the wonderful folks at Trezevant with our Christmas spirit. GSL will then head to our Christmas party!

Youth Christmas PartyOn Dec. 15 from 6:30-8 pm, all youth in grades 6-12 are invited to attend a Christmas party hosted by the Collier Family (1785 Harbert Ave). There will be delicious cookies, warm holiday drinks, and a gift exchange. Please bring a gift that costs no more than $8, and one that you would like to receive. With the white elephant gift ex-change, you may end up with what you brought! Please RSVP to Mary Margaret by Dec. 8.

Movie NightTired of studying, planning, shopping, stressing? Come hang out at EYC and just relax with your best buds. On Dec. 22, we will watch a Christmas movie and enjoy dinner. Both Jr. and Sr. EYC will meet at 5 pm, we will take a break for dinner at 6, and then finish the movie by 7:30 pm. Don’t forget to bring a friend, as this is the last EYC of the month!

A BIG Thank You to all of the Fall Soccer Coaches!

Joanna Byrnes, Matt Whitaker, Wilson Clements, Hilary Chipley, Joe Carney, Drew Mascolino, Johnny Norris, Posey Cochrane, Chris Warner, Donnie Sappington, Julie Richardson, Aaron Prather, Matt Morice, Jonathan Jacobs, Scott Woodmansee, Cameron Taylor, Waring Porter, and Patrick Hough.

Church Athletics

FOOD pANtrY COllECtiON

The last Sunday of the month (Dec. 29) is Food Pantry Sunday! The youth of GSL sponsor a food basket to collect items for the GSL Food Pantry. Donation baskets will be available at the rear entrance of the church and east vestibule entrance by the sacristy.

OutreachMinistryAngels Among Us

GSL Annual Angel TreeIt’s almost time! Our annual Angel Tree benefiting the children in the Peacemakers youth ministry program at Caritas Village is near! Look for the Angel tree in the southeast corner of Trezevant Hall with three choices of Angels: an Angel per child; Angels for books; and Angels for Christmas party food.

Angel adoption date is Dec. 1. A volunteer will record your name, phone number, and Angel chosen. Please do not take an Angel with-out having the adoption recorded; we do not want any lost Angels. No monetary donations please. The collection date is one Sunday only, Dec. 8, 30 minutes before and after each service. All are wel-come to the Christmas party, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the Caritas Village located at 2509 Harvard Avenue.

For more information, please call Juli Hurdle at 482-1851, Katie Savage at 219-5673, or Julia McDonald at 326-6318.

Bikes For Christmas

Is a new bike on your list for Santa this year? If so, please consider donating your “old” bike to the Oasis Bike Shop, one of the 2013 grantees of GSL Outreach. Better yet—have Santa provide a new one for a less fortunate child or youth. The goals of the bike shop include providing affordable transportation, educating the commu-nity about bike safety, and mentoring youth through bicycle repair and exercise. Contact Bill Jurgens directly @ [email protected] for more info about donations.

Outreach Housing & Community:An instrument of healing

in our broken worldby the Rev. Gayle McCarty

Imagine having no place to lay your head at night. Imagine being subject to the elements—freezing temps in the winter and life threatening heat in the summer. Imagine the fear for self and one’s few possessions. THEN—imagine all this while being disabled. While difficult and painful for us to even begin to imagine, it is the unconscionable reality for far too many within our city. One agency working to address this injustice is Outreach Housing & Community (OHC), the brainchild and heart of GSL parishioner, June Averyt. OHC provides housing and social services to people with disabilities who live on the streets or in homeless shelters. Guiding and supporting individuals from homelessness to integration into a healthy community setting, OHC is a mighty ministry making a difference and changing lives. While housing is certainly critical; OHC is a more wholistic ministry providing an array of services, tailored to the needs of each unique individual. June shared that the birth of OHC was out of her work of another agency that focused on housing only, saying, “. . . it became evident that more was needed than housing if people were going to become who God meant them to be.” June explained that “The more that was needed” that OHC provides includes making medical, mental health or substance abuse treatment appointments, providing transportation to such, acquiring furniture and household items needed when individuals are first newly housed and providing opportunities and support to help people re-integrate into the mainstream community. “The Gathering Place” located at 135 N. Cleveland houses the offices and support center for OHC. Great things are happening in this little building. I would call it the lifeblood of the ministry—the life-giving, vital element to that requisite re-integration. It is a place of hospitality where one can find a sense of belonging—a sense of community—while gaining socialization and life skills. Activities range from Bible study to crafts, games to sewing. Outings include a Wednesday walking group that goes to the Church Health Center Wellness, field trips to the zoo and other local attractions, and more. How can we help? OHC’s immediate short term goal is to provide wheelchair access to “The Gathering Place.” Funding is halfway there. An ongoing need is a list of volunteers with trucks who could be called upon to assist with pick up &/or delivery of large donated items and to help on moving day when someone becomes newly housed. Hands-on volunteer opportunities abound for us at GSL! June shared the following: helping people with shopping, accompanying individuals to appointments and staying with them to talk with the doctor or attorney (training provided), assisting with Social Security Disability paperwork, sponsoring and joining an outing, providing a potluck and leading 20 minute talks on topics of interest. I can think of dozens of others, such as pledging to bake or provide birthday cakes for OHC clients as needed, leading an art class, providing hats and gloves for the winter season, throwing an ice cream sundae party, and on and on. Contact June about specific items needed or for more info about volunteering (725-9005 or [email protected]) For it is only by helping and loving others that we become who God meant us to be—an instrument of healing in our broken world. Please pray for OHC and how you can help!


OHC clients busy preparing for open house.

Many thanks are due to the clergy and staff of GSL Church for all the effort that went into planning our annual Grandparents’ Day Thanksgiving Chapel. This is a very special service, and we are always grateful for the chance to show off beautiful Grace-St. Luke’s Church to the hundreds and hundreds of grandparents who attend. It is nice to be able to share a glimpse of what chapel is all about, so our visitors can see for themselves where their grandchildren spend so much time and where they receive their spiritual sustenance during the week!

At this writing, our students are in the middle of their annual Canned Food Drive to benefit the church Food Pantry. Our goal is to get a minimum of five donated items per student to benefit those in need. The students are always excited about this project!

We have survived exams in Middle School and the end of the first trimester, and we are about to make it through 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. 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:

Middle School Speaker Series Presents Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir: Wed., Dec. 11, from 8–8:45 am, Anchor Cafeteria. For 5th–8th students and any other members of the GSL community.

Holiday Story Time for 2s and 3s: Wed., Dec. 11, 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].

All-School Christmas Chapel Service in the Church: Thursday, Dec. 19, 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.

Dec. 20 is our last day of school with noon dismissal. We will be closed from Dec. 23–Jan. 3. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6. Merry Christmas!

School NewsBy Thor Kvande


Left: Third graders Kai, Bruce, and Kayla help collect cans for the school’s annual canned goods drive to benefit GSL’s Food Pantry.

Grace-St. Luke’s Pastoral Care Committee hosted a luncheon for the Bazaar ladies Tuesday after the Bazaar. Back: Betty Underwood, Dee Sheats, Gayle McCarty, Lucy Owens, Lynn Stockley, Janet Savage, Candy Jefcoat. Middle: Kim Weiss, Janet Wyatt, Margaret Wyatt, Betsy Tate, Carol McCrudden. Sitting: Edith Heller, Virginia Darlington, Jackie Brown, Paula Barnes

Above: Toiletry roll-ups made for the homeless by GSL’s sewing club and pre-sented to the Rev. Gayle McCarty for blessing after today’s school chapel service.

Looking Towards Sunday ~ December

Revised Common LectionaryTrack 1 Year A

First Sunday of Advent: December 1

Isaiah 2:1-5 • Psalm 122Romans 13:11-14 • Matthew 24:36-44

Second Sunday of Advent: December 8

Isaiah 11:1-10 • Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19Romans 15:4-13 • Matthew 3:1-12

Third Sunday of Advent: December 15

Isaiah 35:1-10 • Psalm 146:4-9 or Canticle 3 or 15James 5:7-10 • Matthew 11:2-11

Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 22

Isaiah 7:10-16 • Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18Romans 1:1-7 • Matthew 1:18-25

Christmas Eve

Isaiah 9:2-7 • Psalm 96Titus 2:11-14 • Luke 2:1-20

Christmas Day

Isaiah 52:7-10 • Psalm 98Hebrews 1:1-12 • John 1:1-14

First Sunday after Christmas: December 29

Isaiah 61:10-62:3 • Psalm 147:13-21Galatians 3:23-25;4:4-7 • John 1:1-18

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 will be Jan. 12. For more information and to schedule a baptism, contact Connie Johns, 272-7425, ext. 22, or [email protected].

Altar Gifts are offered in Loving Memory of

Advent candles and wreath Thomas Hogan, Sr., Thomas Hogan, Jr., F. M. Hogan, J. M. Pigg, and Wendell Pigg

December 1 Margaret King Strickland and Charles C. King, Jr.December 8 William McNeill Ayres, Sr., Mildred Wilkerson Ayres,

George Louis Seay, Sr., Ruth Jarratt, Charles M. Ozier, Jr., and Bob Rittenberry

December 15 Mary Wright Sullivan Robinson, Evelyn Mitchell Webb, Evelyn McFarland Mitchell, John Vandiver Mitchell, and Earline Mitchell Moorhead

December 22 William Wallace RobertsDecember 24-25 listed in your Christmas leafletsDecember 29 Virginia Strother Hopkinson and Jeanne & Mitch

Strother

Memorials& Honoraria

Given in Memory ofMary Cummings, from Mary Anne KoeppelKatherine McCormick, from Mary Taylor Spooner, Seiko Igarashi,

Mrs. Polly Boyd, Molly & Dustin HunterKaren Ann Paine New, from Nancy & Rogers MenziesIda Lynn Means, from Jeremiah & Grace Upshaw, Diane & David

Morse, and Warren & Jimpsie Ayres

MembershipNews

New MembersStephanie Turnbull Cheney, from Church of the Holy CommunionBaptisms on November 3, 2013William “Smith” Callaway Collum, son of Dabney & Richard CollumMadeline “Maddie” Reese Harris, daughter of Whitney & Matthew

Harris“Auli” Akuba Abroba Kuusisto, daughter of Karen & Kyle Kuusisto“Nicholas” Edward McGlasson, son of Kristen & Michael McGlasson“Andrew” Chilton Phillips, Jr., son, & “Louise” Carol Phillips,

daughter, of Maggie & Andrew Phillips“Hartford” Charles Manuel Rivera, son of Jennifer Elizabeth Hartford

Rivera“Jade” Elizabeth Sledd, daughter of Elizabeth & JD Sledd“Matthew” Alexander Tate, son of Angela & Michael TateBaptisms on November 10, 2013Isabella Eastland HaddockThomas Anthony Barnes II, son of Toni & Tab BarnesEmily Taylor Richards, daughter of Amy & William RichardsConfirmed on November 10, 2013Nathaniel J. Cagle, Audrey Bledsoe Garrett, Hannah Victoria Goodfellow, Sophie Elizabeth Goodfellow, David Graber, Madeline Rose Haddock, Sklyer Nathaniel Ashe Hannifin, Margo Huber, Grayson Maye Lusk-Hussong, Marion Morris McGehee, Conner Alexander Rasberry, Matthew Scott Roberts, Margaret Stovall, Charles Russel Wiener, Katie Allison Compton, Natalie Jones Davis, Keeley James Greer, Elizabeth Ann Haddock, Matthew Lee Harris, James Matthew Hollon, Jeffrey Scott Rust, and Thomas Robert Stephenson Received on November 10, 2013Mary Frances Arnold, Andrew Harrison Gregory Carroll, Andrew Wesley Patrick Chamness, Michael W. Davis II, Rachel Dawn Mary Elrod, Cynthia Rodriguez Goodfellow, Andrea Whitney Harris, Robert Lee Horn, Alexander Wills Neale III, Paul Francis Owens II, Amy Rust, Kenneth F. Savage, Susan Stephenson, Thomas R. Stephenson, Daniel K Swanson, Robin Ann Swanson, and Lowell O. Winston III


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 Memphis, 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

December 1 20-30@GSLDecember 4 Fellowship CommitteeDecember 9 Luna Nova Winter ConcertDecember 10 This round’s on Me Finance CommitteeDecember 11 La PosadaDecember 13 Executive Committee 39ersDecember 14 John Burruss Ordination

December 15 PC Christmas Card Offering Advent Lessons & CarolsDecember 17 VestryDecember 24 4:30 Christmas Music 5:00 Festal Choral Eucharist 8:30 Christmas Music 9:00 Festal Choral EucharistDecember 25 Christmas Day EucharstDecember 26 Church Office ClosedDecember 29 5th Sunday

December calendar: www.gracestlukes.org/uploads/files/december2013calendar.pdfYearly Calendar: Go to www.gracestlukes.org/events/ and look for the Master Calendar icon on the left.

A Bazaar Thank You!The Grand Old Bazaar wishes to thank all the Bazaar ladies and volunteers for their dedication and hard work and a special thank you to all who came to the Bazaar and spent their time and money with us. Around $3,700 was raised to support local charities. A grand time was had by all!

ThankYou

ThankYou

Documents

The Messenger, December 2013