the messenger, august 2013

The MessengerGrace-St. Luke’s Episcopal ChurchVolume 60, No. 8 August 2013

What’s Inside? Summer Rector’s Forum • Weekend Exodus • DuBose Laymen’s Conference • and More!

Inside This IssueAcolyte Training .............................................. 5Altar Flowers................................................ 11Athletics ...................................................... 10Baptism Scheduled for Aug. 11 ....................... 11Bygone Days ................................................. 6Calendar Highlights ....................................... 12Christian Education ...................................... 8-9DuBose Laymen’s Conference ........................... 4EYC News ...................................................... 8First Friday Fellowship ..................................... 4From the Rector ............................................. 3Little Peace and Quiet ..................................... 4Member News .............................................. 11Memorials/Honoraria ..................................... 11Music News.................................................. 10Needlework Guild ........................................... 4Outreach Ministries ......................................... 5Pastoral Care Corner ....................................... 6School News ................................................ 10Weekend Exodus ............................................ 4About the cover: GSL’s Transfiguration window, located in the east transcept, was given in memory of William Burnell Stevens, senior warden of both St. Luke’s and Grace-St. Luke’s parishes in the 1940s. The Feast of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) is August 6. For more information about this window, pick up a copy of the “Visions of Grace” brochure located at the information center in the hallway.

2 | www.gracestlukes.org

Sunday Service Times8:00 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 HoursSummer hours through August 16:8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday–Thursday8:30 am to noon on FridayRegular office hours:8:30 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 Director of NurseryLucy 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 September issue of The Messenger is 9 am, August 15! Contact Lucy at 272-7425 or [email protected] with any questions.

Support Groups at GSLWeight Watchers: Mondays, Weigh-in at noon,

Meeting from 12:20–12:40AA meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30 pm

Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays, 8 pm

Al Anon: Thursdays, 10:30 am

Suicide Anonymous: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: Mondays & Thursdays, 8 pm

Look for us in cyberspace

facebook.com/gracestlukes flickr.com/gracestlukes twitter.com/gracestlukes

The Messenger | August 2013 | 3

Gerald May is an author whose work I return to again and again. May was a psychiatrist and spiritual director who wrote some real gems about the spiritual life. What I love about his books is the

combination of wisdom and faith. In terms of wisdom, May could analyze the intricate patterns of spiritual struggle and then summarize a dizzying array of thoughts with a few, well crafted words. For example, he writes that recovery from addiction often begins with one identifiable desire: “There are no delicate mysteries here, only the simple, desperate need to stay alive.” This sentence is succinct, clear, and yet it opens up a wide view of human struggle for life.

In terms of faith, May is equally observant and wise. In one sentence, for example, he summarizes a dangerous pattern in the spiritual life: “A helpful rule of thumb is whenever a spiritual experience or the search for spiritual experiences becomes the overriding focus of attention, things have gone astray.” In other words, many of us get hooked on the experience of God rather than God. If one has a favorite class (such as EfM or a small-group) or an experience in prayer (such as Cursillo or a retreat) that has to come to a conclusion, does that mean that God is any less active or real in our lives? Of course not, but we often forget the distinction.

It was May’s Addiction and Grace that really opened my eyes to the heart of the struggle for all human beings. He writes in this book, “The same processes that are responsible for addiction to alcohol and narcotics are also responsible for addiction to ideas, work, relationships, power, moods, fantasies, and an endless variety of other things. We are all addicts in every sense of the word.” This book helped me to realize that addiction is much deeper than a substance. The source of addiction is found not within some thing, but within the human heart and mind.

All adults are knee-deep in a spiritual struggle. For some of us, our struggles are very public. For others, our struggles are quieter and virtually unseen, but nonetheless real. All of us need for God’s grace and wisdom to guide each breath and

each step on the path that leads to life-giving relationships with God in the community of others. Our addictions can get us off the path. Our addictions are that dangerous, even when they are addictions that are not obvious to those around us.

Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is a community which purposefully reaches out to support those among us who struggle with addiction: we do not turn away. Or as the Anglican divine Jeremy Taylor once wrote, we are a “hospital for sinners.” Practically speaking, there are recovery groups (AA, NA, etc) that meet daily in our our parish. Lucy Owens, our director of communications ([email protected]; 272-7425), is the staff liaison for all of our recovery groups and stands ready to help anyone who needs more information about times and meeting places.

On Sunday, August 4, GSL Church celebrates our annual Recovery Sunday. The Reverend Dr. Stuart Hoke will be our guest that Sunday in the Rector’s Forum (9:30 am in Trezevant) and in the pulpit. Stuart is wise, theological, and very funny. He has guided many souls along the path of recovery from addiction. Please join us that Sunday and invite a friend who may be interested in the topic. Last but not least, every Sunday at GSL is really Recovery Sunday. At every Eucharist, we pray for a little more wisdom and companionship so that we may make it one more day and learn to live by faith in the presence of Christ and Christ’s people. The Reverend Richard Lawson

From the Rector: Signs on the Spiritual Path

Rector’s Forum August

Sundays at 9:30 am in Trezevant

Aug. 4: “The Infinite Value of a Painful Past: with the Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke

Aug. 18: “I Want, I Need, I Have” with Heidi Clark

See pages 7-8 for more information about these two Rector’s Forums.

mailto:[email protected]


First Friday Fellowship is a place where parishioners and friends can connect for fun and fellowship, mix and mingle, and enjoy lively conversation, libations, and dinner.

Johnny and Kim Norris are hosting the next First Friday on August 2 at their home (2364 S. Strathmore Circle) from 6:30-10 pm.

Please “like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GSLFirstFridayFellowship, where you can RSVP for the event, and get all the details, or email Kim Norris ([email protected]) and/or Kim Weiss ([email protected]) for more information.

SIGN UP NOW FOR 2013 GRACE-ST. LUKE’S WEEKEND EXODUS

gracestlukes.org/events/parish-weekend/

Registration is now open for the 4th annual Grace-St. Luke’s parish retreat WEEKEND EXODUS scheduled for September 27–September 29. Spend a weekend of fun and fellowship with your GSL family at Camp Bratton Green near Canton, Mississippi.

WEEKEND EXODUS is the perfect event for young and old and all ages in between wanting to connect with other parishioners in a casual, relaxed place. A sampling of activities include swimming in the pool, fishing, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking on the lake, the always popular ropes course and zipline, Bunko, bonfire, Compline, arts & crafts, and yoga.

Sign up before September 13 to get the early bird special. If you have any questions, need more information, or are interested in helping with the retreat, please email Virginia Rowland at [email protected].


First Friday Fellowship

Needlework GuildDo you enjoy needlework or would you like to learn? Is your passion knitting, cross-stitch, embroidery, crewel embroidery, needlepoint, quilting, smocking or tatting? If it is, grab your sewing things, or pick out a project and make plans to join other ladies (and ladies in training) on Saturday, August 10, from 4–8 pm. Please bring a sack supper. You need to be 10 or older and want to spend some time visiting and stitching.

There will be plenty of opportunity to share what you have made and admire what others have created. We will share skills and enjoy being together in Trezevant Hall.

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, [email protected], or Kim White, [email protected]. Beginners are welcome!

Episcopal Laymen’s Conference

August 16-18“Suffering. Endurance.

Character. HOPE.”Speakers:

Papa Joe Bradford founder of Elijah’s Hope

David Ringan evangelist who brings his powerful message of

“I have Cerebral Palsy—what’s your excuse?” Brian Sellers-Petersen

Senior Advisor to the President, Episcopal Relief & Development

For current information and registration, visit www.episcopalchurchmen.net/ or contact GSL Parish

Keyman Jim Beaty at 355-4909 or [email protected].

A Little Peace & QuietLadies are invited to join this small group meeting for reflection and quiet the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of August, 5:30-6:45, in the Lounge.



WANT TO ACOLYTE?TRAINING & REFRESHER

A training session for new acolytes will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, at 9:30 am. The acolyte ministry is open to students in 4th grade and above. At the training, you will receive a manual as well as instruction about how to serve. All new acolytes are expected to attend and current acolytes who seek a refresher training are welcome, too. Acolyting is a great way to learn about the church, to serve at God’s altar, and is an interesting way to learn more about what happens in the Eucharist. Our session should last about thirty minutes. For more information, please contact Grant Adams, acolyte warden, at [email protected] or 527-0083 or Fr. Richard at [email protected] or 272-7425, ext. 18.

Blessing of the Backpacks and Episcopal School Sunday Reception Join the Fellowship Committee for the Blessing of

the Backpacks and Episcopal School Sunday reception honoring the children of the parish and GSL School teachers & staff on Sunday, August 18, immediately following the 10:30 am service in Trezevant Hall.

Save the Date – GSL at the Levitt ShellFifth Sunday comes early in September and not even on a Sunday. Save the date of Friday, September 13, for

a night at the Levitt Shell sponsored by GSL. Join the Fellowship Committee and fellow parishioners for a night of food, music and fun. More details to follow in the upcoming weeks.

Food Pantry CollectionThe youth of GSL sponsor a food basket to collect

items for the GSL Food Pantry. The next collection will take place on Sunday, August 25, and donation baskets will be available at the rear entrance of the church and east vestibule entrance by the sacristy. The most needed items are usually dry milk, canned meats, nutritious cereals, paper products like toilet paper, and toiletries such as soap or toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Save the Date - GSL Women’s RetreatThe Grace-St. Luke’s 2014 Women’s Retreat is sched-uled for Feb. 28–Mar. 2, 2014, at St Columba Retreat Center. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us!

OUTREaCH CaLENDaRAUGUST 17, Party 6 pm; performance at 8 pmLes Miserables One Night Special Benefit for the MEMPHIS CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER at Playhouse on the Square. Live music, catering by Club Windward, and an entertainment-themed silent auction. Call 888-4342 for information. SEPTEMBER 5 - 7 pmROCK FOR LOVE 7, a benefit for The Church Health Center at Ardent Studios, the Young Avenue Deli and the Levitt Shell. More info at www.churchhealthcenter.org/

SEPTEMBER 7 at 9:00 amThe WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S at Shelby Farms. Register at http://goo.gl/81Wg5 or call 565-0011 for more info.

SEPTEMBER 29, 5-8 pm THE SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTERS’ 14th ANNUAL JAZZ, PASTA & MORE PARTY at Memphis Botanic Gardens. Call 729-3900 for more info.

OutreachMinistry

Jazz, Pasta & More - Fundraiser for the Samaritan Counceling Centers

This year’s Jazz, Pasta & More benefiting the Samaritan Counsel-ing Centers and honoring Ann & Dudley Langston is Sunday, Sept. 29, from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Memphis Botanic Garden. You’ll be treated to silent & live auctions, dinner from great area restaurants, and music by the Rene Koopman Band. Call 729-3900 for reservations. Cost: $65 per person or $650 for a table of 10.

Calling all talented Luker’s!Let’s help Samaritan Counseling raise money for much needed counseling services. Did you know they provide counseling services to all in need regardless of their financial situation? Hot items needed for the auction include vacation homes, dinners, art work, jewelry, pottery or gift certificates. To donate contact Heather Godsey at [email protected] or me at [email protected] or 490-3988.

http://www.churchhealthcenter.org/

http://www.churchhealthcenter.org/




The Bakers taking in a Redbirds Game

Powerful Gifts of Pastoral CareBy Austin Baker

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes and could see the light ring shadow from the overhead round hospital light. I could feel the prickles from the gown tugging at me like velcro and the surgical cold that was the standard temp for surgery prep areas. Both of these memories are burned into my memory, however, the most memorable feelings from the last moment I remember before the surgery was my wife’s warm touch and the overriding sense of peace that was pouring through me like hot chocolate on a cold day. A large group of friends had begun praying for me at a designated time before my surgery only moments earlier and I could feel it from the basement surgical prep area of Baptist East Hospital.

About 2 months earlier I had received two unbelievable calls in one day. Early in the day, my younger brother called me from Little Rock with the startling news that his 30 year old wife was in critical and unstable condition in the ICU. I left Memphis almost immediately and was off to support him. It was a hurried and frantic pleading prayer that I was chanting in my car as I crossed the Harahan Bridge from Memphis to Arkansas. She had been admitted less than 24 hours earlier from dehydration and the flu. I never imagined that I would receive a call informing me that she had passed as I pulled into the hospital garage. I also could never have imagined the call I received immediately before that.

I was almost to Little Rock, when I got the 2nd call from my doc-tor. She told me that I had a golf ball sized tumor in my lung and needed to see a specialist for biopsy immediately. I explained my family emergency and said it may be a few days and she promised to pray for me. I followed my brother home and prayed for him in the parking garage.

My next prayer was for strength as I made the decision to wait until I could see my family face to face before I shared my news. The strength came through that day and turned into strange inspiration as I arose from my bed in my brother’s empty and somber home to get ready to help him through the day.

In the next week I attended my sister-in-law’s funeral. We were overwhelmed with support from friends and family and I would see a glimpse of what pastoral care meant for my brother as he prayed with his priest throughout his unbelievable experience.

Pastoral care really hit home with me as the Rev.Gayle McCarty walked through our door the evening before my surgery. We ate dinner and gathered the family along with my wife’s sister and received an anointing prayer. That evening I hugged my two boys James (4) and Asher (3) a little longer and tighter than normal.

Pastoral CareCorner

The next time I would hug them would be as I arrived home 6 days later. That evening we ate a wonderful meal that was brought to our home by a Pastoral Care Team member. Over the coming weeks, we were overwhelmed with grace from the Pastoral Care Team and it made our life so much easier.

I lost about 12 pounds getting ready for the surgery and another 10 in the hospital and during recovery and none of my suits fit me. I am need of a good tailor. I also lost 2 lobes of my right lung and a tumor that needed to go. I gained so much more though. I have a renewed faith, a deeper appreciation for life, and a wonder-ful reminder of how many amazing people I know. I want to say thank you to the Pastoral Care Team for taking time to reach out to me and for including me in your thoughts and prayers.

I will close with this thought as I have spent the past two months learning how to breathe again. Every moment of every day of our mortal lives we breathe. Take a deep breath right now and say the word “thank” and when you exhale say the word “you.” Gratitude is the key to happiness and it happens on a moment to moment basis. The simple act of breathing gives us an opportunity to be thankful for “life” itself. Thank……. You………

NEWS OF BYGONE DaYS50 years ago (1963): Our splendid coterie of acolytes, who are so faithful in their duties, will soon be augmented by an incoming group of reinforcements. The Rev. John Paul Jones, Jr. will begin training boys who wish to be acolytes. Those nine years and upwards are eligible. Charles Clarke, who has served this past year as Acolyte Master, will be leaving for college.

25 years ago (1988): I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the members of Grace-St. Luke’s. My name is Linda Gardner Stine, and I have joined the staff of GSL on June 30th as the new financial secretary.


Recovery SundayAugust 4

With the Rev. Dr. Stuart HokeGuest Preacher (8 & 10:30 am, 5:30 pm)

Rector’s Forum (9:30-10:15)“The Infinite Value of a Painful Past”

Recovery Sunday is a celebration of the deliverance by God’s grace of persons who have been imprisoned by a punishing and bewildering illness. The cost of this disease to our society and our Church, is monumental. It breaks the hearts of those who love the one who is addicted. It wounds the Body of Christ. Please join us Sunday, August 4, and invite your friends and loved ones who are in recovery, and those who have not yet found this way of life, to join you this day to celebrate and to hear this life saving message.

Rector’s Forum: The Infinite Value of a Painful Past In his presentation for the Rector’s Forum, Stuart Hoke will focus on the miracle of Redemption—so visibly and actively at work in circles of Recovery. Twelve-step spirituality emphasizes that our difficult (and sometimes dark) past—in God’s Hands—becomes the best resource we have when it comes to helping others. Interweaving his personal experience as a recovering person with the principles of Christian living, Dr. Hoke will “unpack” the great promise of the twelve-step program: “Showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very thing which makes life seem so worthwhile to us now.”

Stuart Hoke: Born in Memphis and raised across the river in Blytheville, the Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke is a priest of the Diocese of New York who recently retired as staff chaplain at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City and missioner to St. Paul’s Chapel at Ground Zero. Hoke is a frequent retreat and quiet day conductor throughout the Episcopal Church. He also is an adjunct professor at General Seminary where he has pioneered a course on the Church’s role in the treatment of alcoholism and addictive illness. In the very recent past, Stuart served as interim chaplain and dean of Community Life at General Seminary. Dr. Hoke now resides in Fearrington Village, North Carolina.

For information about Recovery Ministries, visit www.episcopalrecovery.org or contact board member, Shannon Tucker, 281-0785 or [email protected].

For more information about our local commission, contact: Lauren Beyer, 428-4023, [email protected] (Holy Communion)Mary Honey, 682-7371, [email protected] (Holy Apostles)Caroline Nave, 452-2468, [email protected] (Grace-St. Luke’s)Lucy Owens, 272-7425, [email protected] (Grace-St. Luke’s)Judy Tucker, 324-1903, [email protected] (St. Elisabeth’s)Shannon Tucker, 281-0785, [email protected] (Calvary)Laura White, 305-6249, [email protected] (Holy Apostles)

Addiction: The Church’s Role in RecoveryFREE ½ Day SeminarDate: Saturday, August 3, 2013Time: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Place: Trezevant HallWho: All people interested in the work of recoveryComplimentary lunch provided by the Diocesan Recovery Commission

Please join us on August 3, 2013, when the Recovery Commis-sion of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee, working with Grace St. Luke’s and Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church, will present a free half day seminar from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at Grace St. Luke’s Church. The seminar will feature the Rev. Stuart Hoke, adjunct professor at General Seminary in New York City, who pioneered a tremendously successful course of study on the Church’s role in the treatment of alcoholism and addictive illness. Over the past 6 years Stuart has shared his expertise and energy with more than 350 students at the seminary and beginning this year, will be adapting that course for an audience in dioceses and parishes across the country. The Diocese of West Tennessee was chosen as a pilot site to develop the training and help form what will be a model for use around the church.

Please call, email or text Shannon Tucker so the Commission can prepare accordingly at [email protected] 901-281-0785.

The Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke

Recovery Repertory Theater

“All the Wrong Reasons”

Friday, Sept. 67:00 pm

McClure Hall

This year’s show, entitled “All the Wrong Reasons,” is a musical comedy recovery play centered around people coming to 12 step programs for reasons other than get-ting clean and sober—i.e. to beat a rap, to get a spouse to drop divorce action, to get a job back, to get family off his/her back, to find a girlfriend/boyfriend, to work a scam, etc., but many stay and get clean and sober!

We will end the evening with a “coffee and cookie” re-ception in Trezevant Hall to honor the cast and allow the audience to interact and meet the stars of the evening.




Message from MMI am delighted to be here at GSL and can-not thank everyone enough for your warm welcome—I already feel at home. I come to you excited and ready to begin planning youth program activities and events that are energetic, contemplative, enriching, and fun. As an active member in my own youth

group, I found an extended family at my home parish as we journeyed through our faith together. I continued this journey at The University of the South in Sewanee, TN (YSR), again finding my place at the chapel. While there, I was blessed to become a part of the Catechu-menate and Sacristans’ Guild. These two groups and the people in them sustained, challenged, and helped grow my faith during the past four years. I eagerly anticipate learning from this outstanding group of young people and growing together in God’s love. I welcome and encourage anyone in the parish to drop by the office to say hello!

Many Blessings, Mary Margaret Winn

Final Summer Lunch, August 6Happy August! Remember to join us for the final EYC lunch at Stone Soup Café (993 S. Cooper) for yummy food and fellowship as we wind down the summer.

Meet on Tuesday the 6th at 11:30 am.Rising 6th–12th graders are welcome. Bring $5 and we will cover the rest!

Be on the lookout for more EYC/Youth news and events.

EYC Newsand Events

Heidi Clark from LeaderResources is

coming back!Heidi Clark will join us on Saturday, Au-gust 17, in the afternoon to train our J2A and Rite13 leaders. Prior to the training, there will be an opportunity for any inter-

ested parents to meet with Heidi and to talk to her about all aspects of the program. She is an excellent and experienced leader and trainer and we are so excited that she will be with us. Details will be coming out in the leaflets, eNews, and on Facebook.

Even if you are not a leader, you are certainly welcome to attend the training. Please let Harriet Roberts ([email protected]) know and she will be happy to accommodate you!

Heidi will also be presenting for our Rector’s Forum on Sunday, August 18, which happens to be Episcopal School Sunday. She will do an abbreviated version of the J2A lesson: ‘I Want, I Need, I Have.’ This lesson is both interesting and thought provoking. Please make plans to join us!

Visit http://leaderresources.org/heidiclark to read more about Heidi and also www.gracestlukes.org/news/ode-to-lynn-cannici/ for “Ode to Lynn Cannici,” an article written by Harriet Roberts.

To Parents of Tweens & Teens On Saturday, August 17, from 9:30-10:30 am Heidi Clark of LeaderResources returns to talk about Rite13 & J2A (our Sunday school curriculum for 6th-12th graders). Heidi is dynamic! Come learn about the program & have all your questions answered.

Please see page 6 for information about our August 4 Rector’s Forum offering with the Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke: “The Infinite Value of a Painful Past.”

Christian Education

Education for Ministry, a four-year distance learning program of the School of Theology at Sewanee, has been a part of adult education at GSL for more than 30 years. Small seminar groups meet weekly for study of Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Theology and Ethics as well as prayer and reflection. Enrollment is now underway for the 2013-2014 classes. The cost is $350 (assistance is available if needed). Michael Rowland and Lee Nix are the mentors. For more information, contact Harriet Roberts at [email protected] or 272-7425, ext. 15.

More pictures from the mission trip can be found on GSL’s Facebook page and on Flickr. (www.facebook.com/gracestlukes, www.flickr.com/gracestlukes) or by scanning the QR code with your smart phone!

GSL youth & adults worship at Trinity Episcopal in New Orleans on their Mission Trip



Life Lessons Learned at Summer CampBy Harriet Roberts (aka Hattie Homeslice)

There is no doubt about it, I learned many an invaluable lesson at Summer Camp.

When I was a teenager, I was fortunate enough to be sent to Brown Ledge Camp, a small, all-girls riding camp in Mallet’s Bay Vermont. My mother worked fulltime and the thought of her two teenaged daughters lollygagging around the house all summer long was clearly more than she could manage. So, she found a gymnastics camp for my Olga-Korbet-wannabe sister and a riding camp for horse-crazy me.

When I arrived with my hard hat and field boots—to my surprise and delight—I found that though there was a superb riding program there were a lot of other activities too: canoeing, sailing, archery, arts & crafts, waterskiing, swimming, riflery, tennis, golf, dramatic arts, and housekeeping. And, there was a wonderful system set up so that campers could attain varied levels of mastery in any or all of the activities. Each camper was free to pursue whatever she chose and she could earn awards as she became more proficient. In order, the awards were The Basic, The Intermediate, and The Vanguard.

Cleverly, the Basic award served as sort of a gatekeeper, if you will. For example, nobody was allowed on a canoe trip if they had not completed the canoeing Basic. So, if you were marginally interested in something you could learn enough to gain a Basic pretty quickly. If, after you got a Basic in canoeing you decided that you hated it, you never had to do it again. But, if discovered that canoeing was the activity for you, you could continue.

In that case, you could learn more and earn an Intermediate. And, if you were really fascinated you could pursue a Vanguard. The Vanguard was a bigger commitment and it was a bit trickier. For example, one might or might not even get a Vanguard even after completing all the requirements: The counselors in your particular area had to caucus and determine that you really had distinguished yourself. Sometimes girls returned for repeated summers to finally reach their goal and it was most certainly not possible to complete all of the requirements for a Vanguard in a four week session. You had to be at camp for eight weeks. The entire summer.

One of the ways the counselors measured the passion necessary to obtain a Vanguard was by the candidate’s completion of a Vanguard Project. I remember a particularly spectacular Vanguard Project completed for dramatic arts by a very talented aspiring actress named Franny. Franny chose to design and make all of the silver-curlered headgear for the scene in Grease when the song ‘Beauty School Drop-Out’ is sung. They were fabulous. Franny had taken toilet paper rolls—hundreds of them—and created these silver spray-painted boufants, which—from the seats in our camp theater—looked amazing. She received her Vanguard at the end of the summer and all of us who had helped her gather all of the toilet paper rolls stood and applauded

when she walked across the stage to get her award. She had worked hard and she had learned so much.

There were other cool projects done for sailing, and riding and tennis. But, from my perspective, the most stunning was Franny’s.

What I took from the whole notion of a Vanguard Project was that once you know something well you have an obligation to take it a step further, to make it your own, to add your own particular talents, and to think and participate independently in something you are passionate about.

It seemed to me the counselors were asking us to—based on our knowledge and passion—color outside of the lines. I just loved that.

And, I think of the big projects that I do for Grace-St. Luke’s as grown-up versions of a Vanguard Project. I spend a lot of time think-ing “How can I take what I know about children and about Christian education and about organization and how can I make our collective spiritual journey cooler, faster, better, smarter?”

I get to live a different Christian Education Vanguard Project every day. And, it is wonderful.

What Vanguard Projects have you completed? What are you so pas-sionate about that you—very naturally—take it to the next level? What about that excites you most? What has surprised you? What have been your spectacular successes? What have you learned from your most magnificent failures?

I wonder about these things.

To be fair, I did learn some other things at summer camp.

I learned that even if you think a sail boat is going too slowly, do not jump out assuming that pushing it will make it go faster: That is not likely. I learned that no eggplant dish should ever be mass-produced. And, by mass-produced I mean made for more than 8 people. I learned that if your mother said she would punish you severely if you ever pierced your ears more than once, she was telling the truth. And, I learned the very best way to get prizes out of a cereal box is to open the box from the bottom.

But, it is the concept of a Vanguard Project that really stuck with me.

Well, that and my multiply-pierced ears.

Blessing of the BackpacksThe Blessing of the Backpacks will take place during the 10:30 am service on Sunday, August 18. Any students—from those who attend Parents’ Day Out programs to those attending Doctoral programs—you are welcome to receive a blessing. So bring your diaper bag or your laptop case! We will bless them all!


Come Sing with Us this Year! To join one of our choirs, simply come to the first rehearsal or con-tact Wesley or Debbie at the church, via phone or email, or see one of them on Sunday

Rehearsal times for 2013-2014

SK-2nd Grade: St. Cecilia Choir Rehearse during sermon time on Sunday, beginning Sept. 15.

3rd -5th Grades: Canterbury Choir Rehearse on Tuesday after school ‘til 4:30, beginning Sept. 10.

Girls 6th Grade and up: St. Elizabeth Choir Rehearse on Sunday right after the 10:30 service, beginning Sept. 15.

Grace-St. Luke’s Chancel Choir: adults, high school and older (by audition)Rehearse on Wednesday 7 pm-8:30 pm and sing on Sunday (other days on occasion) beginning Sept. 11.

Wesley Emerson, Organist/Choirmaster [email protected], 272-7425 Ext.16

Debbie Smith, Music [email protected], 299-9313

Music Ministry

The start of school is around the corner, and we are looking forward to another great year at GSL! The summer here has been busy and productive. We had a great bit of news after the school year ended: Miss Lee’s received its re-accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) through July 2018. NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous process, in which programs must demonstrate adherence to 450+ criteria encompassing areas such as curriculum, staff qualifications, health and safety practices, and more. We are extremely proud to receive this commendation from our national governing organization! (For more information, please visit www.naeyc.org.)

Also this summer, we have been able to complete some much-needed maintenance around our campus. At the Preschool, we repaired a section of the roof that had been giving us some trouble and also did work inside the classrooms on ceilings and cabinets that had shown some water damage. The exterior of Miss Lee’s received attention as well, with power washing and painting on some exterior surfaces. We also are happy to have a newly redecorated Admissions Receptions area on the Peabody-side entrance to Miss Lee’s, thanks to Kristin Vining and Eleanor Halliday, who gave time and talent to help make that space more welcoming!

In Middle School, the risers and the bathrooms in Lass Hall have received a spectacular facelift thanks to the hard work of our Facilities Director Dennis Cain. In Lower School, the SK playground wall has been cleaned and painted along with the existing bike rack and exposed piping, giving that area a fresh look. The interior hallways of Lower School have been painted and the floors have been given a deep cleaning as well.

We look forward to having everyone back on campus full-time, and appreciate the support of Grace-St. Luke’s Church as we prepare for another great year!

Aug. 13: 1st Day of School for SK-Grade 8 (noon dismissal, GAH open)Aug. 14: 1st Day of School for Little Lukers, PreK and JK

School NewsBy Thor Kvande

Seventh grade students from GSL School earned service hours for the upcoming school year by baking cookies to give away and by serving as volunteers at the annual Central Gardens July 4th Parade on Carr Avenue. Student volunteers included (l to r): Charles, Jacob, Jackson, Claire, Maggie, Anna Mercedes, and Olivia, among others.

Athletics Updateby Christi Authement

I hope everyone is having a WONDERFUL summer and is getting geared up for fall sports! Our 2013 fall sports teams include JK, SK, and 1st-4th grade soccer; and a 3rd/4th tackle football team.

Soccer games will be played on Saturday morning and afternoons and will begin after Labor Day weekend. We look forward to having some home football games on a few Monday nights; otherwise, they will be played throughout the city on weeknights and some weekends.

So, please come on by and see all the activities at GSL Snowden Field this fall! We’ll make sure we have plenty of concession items for you to enjoy while watching the games.

Church Athletics


MembershipNews

Transfer InJoan & Gary Gray, from St. John’s Episcopal, Ft. Smith, ARJeanne Napoli, from Grace Cathedral/St. Luke’s Episcopal, San

Francisco, CATransfer OutMarsha Oates Hopkins, to All Soul’s Memorial Episcopal,

Washington, D.C.Jenna Wood Poppe, to The Episcopal Church of the

Transfiguration, Dallas, TXFaithful DepartedGeorge Estes Partin. died June 18, 2013, burial July 3, 2013Gary Ross Gray. died July 3, 2013

Altar Gifts are offered in Memory and Honor of

August 4 Open (If you would like to give flowers in honor or memory of a loved one on this day, contact Lucy in the church office.)

August 11 William K. PearsonAugust 18 Maude Van Fossen, Thomas Van Fossen, Margaret

Van Fossen, Edith Van Fossen, Marshall Van Fossen, Leonard V. Rogers, Mary Ailene Rogers, and Mamie Rogers Young

August 25 Lynn R. Strickland, Grace Ford Waring, Roane Waring, Mollie Strange Ford, Harriet Ford Berry, Grace Waring Hughey, Mary Elizabeth Waring Stone, Elisabeth B. Fauntleroy, Howard Emory Wilson, Nellie Pelter Wilson, Howard Emory Wilson, Jr., William Fitzhugh Murrah, Corinne Falls Murrah, Stewart Bethune Warren, John Fitzmaurice, John J. Wood, Linelle W. Wood, Mary Fitzmaurice, William Fitzhugh Murrah, Jr., and Paul P. Wilson

Memorials& Honoraria

Given in Memory ofJimmy Woo, from Chapman MorrowGeorge Partin, from Wendi E. Sloane, Laverne D. Day, Caren

Karlage, Jane Caffey, Alice & Matt Crow, and Memphis Consumer Credit

Betty Page, from Dorothy Benson, Wynn & Gwin Scott, Emily Woodside & Bill Falvey, Guion A. Parotte, Susan & Charles F. Schadt, Janet & Shep Tate, and Babs & Bob Ducklo

Chuck Wilkinson, from Ruthie Lentz, Babs & Bob Ducklo, Wynn & Gwin Scott, Bettie C. Welsh, and Emily Woodside & William Falvey

Given in Honor ofLouise Catherine Clay, from Jane Clay Cash

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 will be Aug. 11 & Nov. 3. For more information and to schedule a baptism, contact Connie Johns, 272-7425, ext. 22, or [email protected].


Vestry NominationsAt the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, November 24, 2013, we will be electing five new vestry members. Your Nominating Committee (composed of the “senior class” of outgoing vestry members) solicit your nominations for the vestry. To be eligible for the vestry, a parishioner must be 18 years or older and a confirmed communicant in good standing: “faithful in working, praying and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God,” a giver of record, and must have made three Communions in the last year (Title I, Canon 17, ECUSA). Employees of the Diocese, GSL Church, and GSL School are disqualified as are members of the vestry “senior classes” of 2012 and 2011. In addition, household members (spouses, partners, parents, or children) of current vestry members are not eligible. You may nominate yourself if you are eligible as set out above.

Former vestry members ineligible this year are Sandy Baker, John Baur, Jim Greer, Steven Hoover, Candy Jefcoat, Bheki Khumalo, Lucius McGee, Karen Clark, Ann Dillard, Mike Jones, Charles Pazar, Betty Peyton, Barney Rolfes, and Peggy Williamson.

The members of the Nominating Committee are: Ginger Collier, Stinson Liles, Catherine Morehead, Linda Niell, Pete Shearon, Doug Smith, and Nicki Soule.

Vestry Duties: The Vestry act as “agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its Clergy” (Title I, Canon 14, ECUSA). Vestry duties include raising and disbursing moneys and keeping financial records; maintenance and necessary enhancements to all Parish-owned equipment, property, real properties, buildings, and improvements; the operation of all organizations and institutions of the Parish; and, when necessary, the calling of a Rector. In making your nominations, please keep these duties in mind as they relate to your nominees’ skills and experience.

To make a nomination, you may email Nicki Soule ([email protected] ), hand a note to someone on the Nominations Committee or one of the Clergy, or drop one by the church office. If possible, please include your nominees’ contact information (as well as other information you consider important). Also, vestry nomination form will be placed in the service leaflets on Sunday, August 18, which may be filled out and dropped in the plate.

The committee will receive nominations until September 1.

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

August 2 First Friday FellowshipAugust 3 Addiction: The Church’s Role...August 4 Recovery Sunday/Rector’s ForumAugust 13 Finance CommitteeAugust 16 Executive CommitteeAugust 15 Messenger DeadlineAugust 18 Rector’s Forum Episcopal School Sunday Blessing of the Backpacks ReceptionAugust 20 Vestry

September 2 Church Office ClosedSeptember 6 Recovery Repertory TheaterSeptember 8 Sunday School Kick-offSeptember 10 Finance CommitteeSeptember 13 Executive Committee 39ersSeptember 15 Fill the Freezer Sunday Messenger DeadlineSeptember 15 Third ThursdaySeptember 27-28 Weekend Exodus No Sunday School

August calendar: www.gracestlukes.org/uploads/files/august2013calendar.pdfMaster Calendar: Go to www.gracestlukes.org/events/ and look for the Master Calendar icon on the left.

the messenger, august 2013

Documents