The MessengerGrace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Volume 61, No. 12 Dec. 2015

What’s Inside? Christmas Services39ers • 20-30@GSL • Sunday School

Outreach • Pastoral Care • EYCRector's Forum • 75th Bazaar • & More

Inside This Issue20-30@GSL ................................................................ 439ers ......................................................................... 475th Grand Old Bazaar ................................................. 5Altar Flowers............................................................. 11Athletics ................................................................... 10Baptism Dates .......................................................... 11Book Club ................................................................... 4Broderick Greer's Ordination to the Priesthood ............... 12Bygone Days .............................................................. 9Calendar Highlights .................................................... 12Christian Education ...................................................... 9Christmas Altar Flowers .............................................. 12Christmas Services ...................................................... 5EYC News ................................................................... 8First Friday Fellowship .................................................. 4From the Rector .......................................................... 3Lay Schedule ............................................................ 10Lessons and Carols ...................................................... 3Looking Towards Sunday ............................................ 15Luna Nova Concert ...................................................... 5Member News ........................................................... 11Memorials & Honoraria ............................................... 11Outreach Ministries ................................................... 6-7Pastoral Care Corner .................................................... 7Recurring Pledge Payments ........................................... 5School News ............................................................... 8Third Thursday ............................................................ 4This Sunday's Texts ................................................... 11Women's Retreat ......................................................... 5

On the cover: Nativity Window located in the west transcept and given in memory of Maria Cross Fleming.

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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 Jan. issue of The Messenger is 9 am, Dec. 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 | December 2015 | 3

From the Rector: Advent at Grace-St. Luke's

Wesley Emerson, our organist and choirmaster, understands the intimate connection among liturgy, readings, and music. I have heard him speak on many occasions of a "golden thread" that weaves together text, tune, and ritual.

Wesley and I love Advent. Indeed, the older I get, the more I love it. First, I enjoy the change of pace. Fall is packed with incredible events that require adrenaline and organization, such as the five baptisms on All Saints' Sunday followed by the confirmations and receptions at the bishop's annual visit.

Advent, on the other hand, requires a different energy and a more reflective spirit. For example, on the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 20), the Collect of the Day reads, "Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; ... " This prayer invites us to think deeply about how well prepared our souls and bodies are for Christ's mysterious presence. Such a prayer cannot be answered quickly, which is exactly why we pray this collect and observe Advent each year. Indeed, Advent is a perpetual season in life. There is always some part of us that needs preparation and a new perspective. There is always more grace and even more of God's presence in Christ for us to know and to love.

The hymns of Advent are so moving as well. The tunes are often a little darker with more minor chords. The texts are simply thrilling and deep. We will sing, for example, these words from "Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding" (hymn 59 in The Hymnal 1982): "so when next he comes with glory / and the world is wrapped in fear, / may he with his mercy shield us, / and with words of love draw near." The tune is lovely, but these words move us to wonder what the coming of Christ is really like. What if Christ comes as he came? What

if Christ really speaks words of tenderness to all of creation in a future that is unimaginably glorious? Such questions take time to consider, even more to answer.

I invite you, therefore, to come and pray at Grace-St. Luke's during Advent. May our prayers, which symbolize the deepest longings of hearts, be answered by the One who draws near with words of love and actions so tender.

The Reverend Richard Lawson

Advent Lessons & CarolsSunday, December 13at the 10:30 service

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

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Third Thursday Group

Third Thursday will not meet in December, but you can go ahead and mark your new 2016 calendars for the following dates: Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 17, Apr 21, and May 19.

First Friday Fellowship Dec. 4 @ the DavisesFor December's First Friday, we will meet at the Davis house to pack about 100 non-perishaple

meals for GSL's More than a Meal ministry. The Davises will provide Central BBQ and you are invited to bring your own beverages.

You can read more about the More than a Meal ministry here: www.gracestlukes.org/outreach/more-than-a-meal.

Please RSVP on our facebook page so we can get an accurate headcount for food. Alternatively, you can email Mike Davis (mwdavisii@gmail.com) or Natalie Davis (nataliejonesdavis@hotmail.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.

Save the DateGSL Women's Retreat at St Columba

February 26-28, 2016

"Wisdom from the Desert Ammas"Rev. Dr. Stephanie Patton

Presbyterian pastor, spiritual director, and passionate quilt maker.

December 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: Dec. 10—The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. Please contact Harriet Roberts at harriet@gracestlukes.org with any questions you might have.

39ers WelcomeTricia Kerwin December 11All are welcome to come join us on Friday, Dec. 11, for our monthly meeting.

Social time begins at 11:30 am with wine and cheese and the best conversation in town. A light lunch is served at noon for only $6. The program which follows will be our own Tricia Kerwin. She will use her creative talents to show us how to make our own Christmas decorations. Reservations to Lucy by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 272-7425 or lucy@gracestlukes.org. Mary Virginia Rogers, mvarogers@aol.com

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, Dec. 6—Immediately following the 10:30 am service, 20-30@GSL will meet for our monthly lunch with a meal at Local on the Square (2126 Madison Ave.), courtesy of GSL. If you are in your 20s-30s and looking for a little fellowship, whether you are new to GSL or already a member, we invite you to join us for lunch.

Tuesday, Dec. 8—Join 20-30@GSL for food, drink, and conversation for Theology Live at Alchemy, 940 S. Cooper, from 6:30-7:30 pm. Our guest speaker is Pastor Virzola Law. Child care will be provided at the church free of charge. Podcasts from Theology Live gatherings are located at 901theology.com.

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

Connecting for Fellowship, Food,

Fun, and God!

20-30@GSL

The Messenger | December 2015 | 5

Luna Nova Winter Concert

December 7The Luna Nova Ensemble will present its annual Winter Concert on Monday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 pm. Among the Luna Nova players

participating will be Daniel Gilbert (violin), Nobuko Igarashi (clarinet), Sabrina Laney Warren (soprano), Paul Murray (bass), Robert Patterson (horn), and Perry Mears (piano). The concert will be held in Trezevant Hall. It is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.

The 75th "mini"

Grand Old Christmas Bazaar!Sundays, December 6 & 13*

Before and after the morning servicesMcClure Hall Foyer/Hallway

Come & Shop 'til you Drop!Awesome Christmas Goodies

Lovely Hand-knitted Items Beautiful Spode

*Please note date change!

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.

EMMANUEL GOD WITH US

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Christmas Eve

Early Service4:30 pm Christmas Music *

5:00 pm Festive Choral Eucharist *Late Service

8:30 pm Christmas Music9:00 pm Festive Choral Eucharist

The Feast of the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ Christmas Day

10:30 am Eucharist with Christmas Hymns * Nursery available

Christmas Altar Flowers—Honoraria & 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, ATTN: Lucy Owens) listing the names of those you would like remembered. You can also give us your name(s) and donate online at www.gracestlukes.org/onlinegiving. Follow the “make a donation for altar flowers link.” If received by Dec. 15, these names will be listed in the Christmas leaflets. Dec. 15 is also the deadline for any memorials and honorariums that you would like acknowledged before Christmas.

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Outreach Ministry

Church Health Center Grateful for Long-

Standing GSL Support

When the Church Health Center first opened its doors 28 years ago, Grace-St. Luke’s was there with volunteer help and generous financial support. Ever since, parishioners have given unselfishly of their time, talent, and treasure to help the Center flourish. Your support has been instrumental in our evolution from a small “clinic on the corner” to an integrated health ministry that’s closing the gaps of healthcare disparity in Memphis. We’re dedicated to helping our patients and members live their healthiest, most joy-filled lives.

This year, the doors of the Church Health Center opened 170,000 times, and each time, the GSL community was there answering the call to serve. The first time George entered Church Health Center Wellness in 2001, he had just suffered a stroke that left him bound to a wheelchair. He started out using seated exercise machines, but as he regained his strength, he was able to take on more physical challenges. Flash forward to 2015. At 82, George is in fantastic health and can be found at our Wellness facility six days a week exercising on the Sports Court. Whether he’s using the elliptical machine, running on the treadmill, or bicycling, George sees the Church Health Center as integral to his health. “The staff doesn’t push you into anything you’re not comfortable with.”

Grace-St. Luke’s makes it possible for us to serve George and so many others like him. And when we move to Crosstown Concourse in early 2017, we’ll be able to serve more and serve better, all under one roof. Our care will expand and improve, and our services will be featured alongside the complementary work of other organizations, making us that much more effective at realizing our whole-person model of care.

As Grace-St. Luke’s celebrates its 75th birthday this year, we are reminded how central the GSL community is not only to our ministry of hope and healing but to the entirety of Memphis. For all you do, we are humbly grateful.

Sharon JonesDevelopment SpecialistChurch Health Center

Angels Among UsGSL Angel TreeThe Outreach Committee invites you to be a part of this year’s Angel Tree, benefiting the children of The Exchange Club Family Center. We are thrilled to be able to of-fer the children it serves new, wrapped toys and books from the GSL community.

Adoption Day is Sunday, Dec. 6! Look for a Christmas tree and volunteers in Trezevant Hall after the 8 am service and before and after the 10:30 am service. Can’t make it to church those days? Email jmcdonald@cfgm.org to sign up online. Please do not take an angel tag without having the adoption recorded by a volunteer; we do not want any lost angels.

Collection Day is Sunday, Dec. 13. Bring new, wrapped toys and books to the Lounge. Volunteers will be there after the 8:00 service and before and after the 10:30 service.

The mission of The Exchange Club Family Center is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by providing prevention, intervention, educational and support services to families in an effort to replace abusive and/or violent behavior with effective parenting skills. The Exchange Club is a Grace-St. Luke’s grantee.

For more information please contact Julia McDonald, 326-6318 or jmcdonald@cfgm.org.

Visit www.episcopalrelief.org

The Messenger | December 2015 | 7

Pastoral Care Corner

Watching and Waiting by Amanda McGriff

Until seven years ago, the season of Advent had never been especially meaningful to me. Advent was the season of too much to do in too little time. Between Christmas parties and present shopping and family drama, I usually could not wait for it to be over.

But in the winter of 2008, I was pregnant with our son, Darwin. I knew that this was likely to be my only pregnancy, and so I was determined to move slowly through this time, to be mindful of the world around me and the life within me in a more focused way. I wanted to remember every shift in my body, in my relationships, and in my priorities.

During Advent that year, I felt like I was watching and waiting with Mary, anticipating the birth of our sons while savoring each new experience together. I have tried to reconnect with this feeling of joyful patience each year since, and I have found that when I could, even the Christmas parties and the present shopping and the family drama were infused with it.

Advent blessings to all from the members of Pastoral Care.

“I wish that life should not be cheap, but sacred. I wish the days to be as centuries, loaded, fragrant.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

"O Tidings of Comfort and Joy"

Pastoral Care's Annual Christmas

Card Offering Stop by the Pastoral Care table Sunday, Dec. 13, before and after each service, and pick out a lovely card to send to one

of our parishioners or their loved ones who will not be able to attend our Christmas services. There will be a list of names and cards to choose from and all you have to do is inscribe, stamp and mail. Imagine the Christmas cheer and joy you can spread! Let us provide "O Tidings of Comfort and Joy" to others in the name of the Christ child.

Food Pantry Facts by Juan FuentesWith much gratitude and thanks for all your help and support to the GSL Food Pantry ministry, Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

From Dec. 1-15, you can make a contribution to the Food Pantry to celebrate an event or remember someone special. See above for more information. As always, thank you for your generous support to our Food Pantry Ministry!

Year-To-Date (YTD) Statistics:YTD we have served: 492 households—682 adults, 600 children, and 96 seniors.

September Statistics: Number of families served: Number of Families served: 52 households, which include 58 adults, 76 children, and 14 seniors.Volunteer hours: 19.5 hours—which included 9 hours distributing food, 6 hours in food bank pick-ups and shelving, 3 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—Dec. 27—is FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY! We are asking that you bring dry milk, tooth brushes, soap, peanut butter, and jams.

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

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” 1 Peter 4:10

GSL Food Pantry Holiday Honorarium/Memorial Drive

For $20 or more, you can honor or remember loved ones for a special occasion such as Christmas, a birthday, or an anniversary AND help feed those in need at the same time! From Dec. 1-15, honorarium/memorial forms will be available in three ways: at the information center in the hallway, underneath the monitor; online on the GSL website (www.gracestlukes.org/news/food-pantry-drive) or at a table by the gym where we have breakfast (30 minutes before & after each service). Please make your donation at least ten days before Christmas if you wish acknowledgement as a Christmas gift. Please make checks payable to Grace-St. Luke’s Church and designate Food Pantry Drive in the memo line. Bless you for caring and sharing!

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EYC Newsand Events

Sunday, Dec. 6—Christmas CardsJoin us as we make and send Christmas cards to our troops!

Sunday, Dec. 13—All-EYC CarolingWe will join our friends from around the Diocese at Trezevant Manor for Christmas caroling, 3-5 pm. Everyone in grades 6–12 is invited, and Christmas attire is encouraged!

Friday, Dec. 18–Saturday, Dec. 19—Christmas Lock-inCelebrate Christmas and the start of break with a night of fes-tive fun! Everything will be Christmas-themed, from food to games to our gift-exchange. We will begin with dinner on Fri-day night and end after breakfast on Saturday morning. More information and permission forms available online.

Sunday, Dec. 20 & 27There will be NO Sunday School or EYC due to Christmas break. Have a safe and wonderful time!

2016 Ski TripRegistration for the 2016 Youth Ski Trip is now OPEN! All information and the link to register online can be found on the Youth page of the website under EYC and Diocesan Events.

Dates: Jan. 15–17, 2016Location: Hidden Valley Ski & St. Martin’s Church in Wildwood, MOCost: $250 if you sign up by Dec. 20Who: Open to all youth in grades 6–12

Contact Mary Margaret Winn for more information about EYC: marymargaret@gracestlukes.org.

Thank you to the clergy and staff of GSL Church for accommodating us during this year’s Grandparents’ Day Chapel service, held in the Anchor Center Gym. This is a very special event for us, and we are always grateful for the opportunity to share GSL Church with our grandparents, parents, students, and special friends. Also thank you for helping spread the news about our SK and Preschool Open Houses. We had a great number of families attend both events.

Exams are over and we have made it through the first trimester. Basketball games are starting up and off to a great start. We collected 188 pounds of pop-tops for Ronald McDonald House, exceeding our personal goal of 100 pounds. We had two members of our middle school cross country team place at the state meet this fall: Nick Dyer placed 22nd in the Elementary School Varsity 1-Mile, and Max White placed 18th in the Middle School Junior Varsity 2-Mile.

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:

GSL Toddler Sewing and StorytimeTuesdays, Dec. 1, Feb. 9, and March 22 at 9 am, Anchor Center. GSL librarians Jan Willis and Joyce Bruno will celebrate the different seasons by reading stories for toddlers and teacher Amie Plumley will teach a fun sewing lesson. RSVP: enroll@gslschool.org

GSL Storytime at The Art ProjectMonday, December 7, 9–10 am, Overton Square. Join us for a special Storytime at the new Art Project in Overton Square! RSVP: enroll@gslschool.org

Dec. 18 is our last day of school for the year. We will be closed from Dec. 21–Jan. 1. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 4. Merry Christmas!

School Newsby Thor Kvande

The Messenger | December 2015 | 9

Sixth graders received their Class of 2018 hoodies this fall, a time honored tradition that brings the entire class together. Little Lukers dressed in their best 50s attire to celebrate the 50th Day of School.

The Messenger | December 2015 | 9

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 HallDec. 6 Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55) with Dr. Mitzi Minor

Dr. Mitzi Minor is the Professor of New Testament at Memphis Theological Seminary. She is the author of The Power of Mark’s Story, a commentary on 2 Corinthians, and The Spirituality of Mark.

Dec. 13 Parables in Luke 15 with Dr. Mitzi MinorDec. 20 Road to Emmaus (Luke 24) with Dr. Mitzi Minor

(No Classes on Dec. 27)

Sunday Morning 9:30 until 10:15 am

Christian Education Offerings for Adults, Youth, and Children

NEWS OF BYGONE DaYS75 years ago (1940)

From The First Fifty YearsYears of Unification 1940-1946: The early months and years of the life of the new parish of Grace-St. Luke's must have been like a large unwieldy mixed family where everyonehad to get acquainted and sort out roles, responsibilities, and identities. The Reverend Gregg Gehri, as rector, was responsible for coordinating and directing these efforts at unification. Mr. Gehri had come in 1938 as rector of Grace Church from Trinity Church in Morgantown, West Virginia. Much of Mr. Gehri's background was in social services which was a perfect fit for the work Grace Church was doing in the community... In Memphis he continued his deep community involvement being active in the Family Welfare Agency, the Church Mission of Help, chairing its committee on the Study of Alcoholism, the Memphis Interracial Committee, and served as president of the Church and Professional Social Workers Association. For the Diocese he chaired the Departments of Christian Education and Social Service.

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Church Athletics

GO SAINTS!GSL Church 3rd and 4th Grade Football Team ended their season 8 and 0 and Crosscheck Championship Runners-up! We are very proud of the players and coaching staff!

DecemberLay Schedule

December 6Altar Guild: A Crow, N Golden, S Hickey,

C Morehead, B Peyton, E SmithBreakfast Cooks: M Herr, C Mercer, M Crow, D McLemore, K Patton, B Williams, T Brabyn8:00 Acolyte, Reader, Chalice: Rolfes,

Adams, Whitlock, Whitlock10:30 Ushers: M Rowland, J Beaty, D Conaway, G Scott10:30 Acolytes: L Moore, S Callan, K Callan10:30 Verger: G Adams10:30 Lectors: G Wigginson, J Wyatt, N Conaway, J Perdicaris10:30 EM: M Cline, J Jennings, MM Winn,

J Williams5:30: C Jefcoat, D McCanless

December 13Altar Guild: A Crow, N Golden, S Hickey,

C Morehead, B Peyton, E SmithBreakfast Cooks: H Morse, J Mercer, W Ayres, B Morse, I Hendry, D Douglass8:00 Acolyte, Reader, Chalice: McGehee,

Busby, Busby10:30 Ushers: M Tate, R Norcross, W Ayres,

H Wright10:30 Acolytes: JD Huber, B Mellone, G

Ciaramitaro10:30 Verger: S Hickey

10:30 Lectors: TBA5:30: B Black, S Varghese

December 20Altar Guild: K Harper, G Acuff, E & MG

Brewer, N Davis, C Gardiner, R Martin, S Ireland, R Martin, C Wills

Breakfast Cooks: J McCalla, P Burnett, D Brown, A Nix, J Huber, J Hartney, B Orpet, E Hord8:00 Acolyte, Reader, Chalice: Rolfes,

Adams, Brewer, Brewer10:30 Ushers: J Fuentes, B Cowan, D Douglass, J Clay10:30 Acolytes: R Liles, J Liles, B Burnett10:30 Verger: D Pigg10:30 Lectors: S Clark, R Wigginson, P Wilson, J Perdicaris10:30 EM: G Clark, E Hendry, C Nave5:30: J Dowd, S Varghese

December 24Altar Guild: K Harper, G Acuff, E & MG

Brewer, N Davis, C Gardiner, R Martin, S Ireland, R Martin, C Wills

5:00 Ushers: TBA5:00 Acolytes: J McCall, J Sullivan, E Sappington, M Woodmansee, M Sappington, B Taylor, MC Morrow, W Woodmansee5:00 Verger: S Ireland5:00 Lectors: H Stovall, G Wigginson, T Taylor5:00 EM: J Ayres, D Conaway, N Conaway,

E Hendry, S Collier, H Morse

GSL SOCCER Another successful soccer season! Thanks to all of the players and parents for making this a great season and a special thanks to all of the coaches.

Please look at our GSL athletics website (under youth and sports) for current information! www.gracestlukes.org

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

December 249:00 Ushers: TBA9:00 Acolytes: C Rasberry?9:00 Verger: H Rittenberry9:00 Lectors: J Vergos, C Nave, J Wyatt, S Clark9:00 EM: P Barnes, C Nave, C Rasberry, C Wood, T Wyatt

December 25Altar Guild: K Harper, G Acuff, E & MG

Brewer, N Davis, C Gardiner, R Martin, S Ireland, R Martin, C Wills10:30 Lectors: S Baur, S Prewitt10:30 EM: H Jones, J Jennings

December 27Altar Guild: K Harper, G Acuff, E & MG

Brewer, N Davis, C Gardiner, R Martin, S Ireland, R Martin, C WillsBreakfast Cooks: J Clay, A Nave, E Taylor,

R Norcross, H Medling, K Self, R Clark8:00 Acolyte, Reader, Chalice: Edwards,

Edwards, Morse10:30 Ushers: J Shipley, A Nix, J Huber, R Clark10:30 Acolytes: S Collier, D Collier, C Collier10:30 Verger: S Ireland10:30 Lectors: J Clay, J Vergos, A Barton,

J Wyatt10:30 EM: P Barnes, S Collier, L Wardlaw,

T Wyatt, D Conaway5:30: D McCanless, J Dowd

Altar Gifts Offered In Loving Memory of

Dec. 6 Margaret King Strickland, Charles C. King, Jr., and Ruth Jarratt

Dec. 13 William McNeill Ayres, Sr., Mildred Wilkerson Ayres, George Louis Seay, Sr., Charles M. Ozier, Jr., and Bob Rittenberry

Dec. 20 Mary Wright Sullivan Robinson, Evelyn Mitchell Webb, Evelyn McFarland Mitchell, John Vandiver Mitchell, and Earline Mitchell Moorhead, and William Wallace Roberts

Dec. 24-25 To be listed in your Christmas leafletsDec. 27 Virginia Strother Hopkinson, and Jeanne & Mitch

Strother

MembershipNews

Holy Baptism, November 1Ella Kathryn Durham, daughter of Julia & David DurhamOlivia Adele Gooch, daughter of Margaret Wyatt & Patrick GoochGrayson Andrew Hollis, son of Pamela Lindsley & Scott HollisChristopher Watts McGlasson, son of Kristen & Michael McGlassonMiles James Phillips, son of Hannah & Wes Phillips

Confirmations and Receptions, November 8Bailey Dawne Cato Czupryk, Theodore Joshua Czupryk, Pamela Lindsley, Stephanie Varghese, Mary Grace Elizabeth Brewer, Christian Cathcart Hutton, Adaline Elizabeth Lawson, Joanna Ruth McCall, Emily Taylor Richards, Lily Katherine Smith, Shannon Hoffman, Scott Hollis, Jenny Lynn Johnson, and Marlo Carney Zarzaur

The Messenger | December 2015 | 11

Looking Towards Sunday ~ December

Revised Common LectionaryTrack 1 Year C

Second Sunday of Advent: December 6 Baruch 5:1-9 • Canticle 4 or 16 Philippians 1:3-11 • Luke 3:1-6Third Sunday of Advent: December 13 Zephaniah 3:14-20 • Canticle 9 Philippians 4:4-7 • Luke 3:7-18Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 20 Micah 5:2-5a • Canticle 3 or 15 or Psalm 80:1-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 • Luke 1:39-45Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 • Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 • Luke 2:1-14Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10 • Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4 • John 1:1-14 First Sunday after Christmas: December 27 Isaiah 61:10-62:3 • Psalm 147:13-21 Galatians 3:23-25;4:4-7 • John 1:1-18

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 Honor ofBrenda Medling from Jim Drummond & Allison JonesMimi and Jim Taylor for their anniversary from Emily & Harvey

Kay

Gifts of Highly-Appreciated

Stock/Securities Since the stock market has grown this year, many individuals find themselves with handsome gains in individual stocks/mutual funds/exchange-traded funds and they do not want to sell them for fear of a big tax bill. Capital gains taxes range between 0% and 20% based on income levels. Most people pay 15% to 20% tax on capital gains. Higher earners are subject to an additional Medicare tax of 3.8% on investment income, which includes capital gains. If the securities are transferred directly to the brokerage account that Grace St. Luke’s holds, then the donor avoids paying the capital gains tax, most likely gets a tax deduction for the full amount of the gift. Often times the donor has reduced or eliminated the risk of holding a concentrated stock position in his/her portfolio. Please call Linda Stine or Chapman Morrow 272-7425 to get the instructions making gifts of stock.

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.

December Calendargracestlukes.org/uploads/files/december2015calendar.pdf

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

Calendar Highlights

Dec. 2: Fellowship Meeting Dec. 4: First Friday Fellowship Dec. 6: 75th "mini" BazaarDec. 6: 20-30@GSL LunchDec. 8: Theology LiveDec. 8: Finance MeetingDec. 10: Book GroupDec. 18: Executive Meeting Dec. 11: 39ers LuncheonDec. 13: 75th "mini" BazaarDec. 13: Lessons and CarolsDec. 13: PC Card OfferingDec. 15: VestryDec. 16: Outreach MeetingDec. 24: Christmas ServicesDec. 25: Christmas ServiceDec. 27: No ClassesDec. 27: Food Pantry SundayDec. 28: Church Office Closed

God Willingand with the

consent of the peopleThe Rt. Rev.

Don E. JohnsonBishop of

West Tennesseewill ordain

Broderick Greer and Chandler Whitman as Priests in Christ’s One Holy Catholic

and Apostolic Churchon

Saturday, the twelfth day ofDecemberin the year of our Lord

two thousand and fifteenat ten-thirty o’clock in the morning

St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral700 Poplar AvenueMemphis, Tennessee

Your prayers and presence are requested.

Reception following Clergy: Cassock, Surplice, and Red Stole