The MessengerGrace-St. Luke’s Episcopal ChurchVolume 60, No. 10 October 2013

What’s Inside? Pet Blessing • Youth Activities Wednesday Evening Classes • and More!

Inside This Issue20-30@GSL ................................................... 439ers ............................................................ 5Altar Flowers................................................ 11Athletics ........................................................ 5Blessing of the Animals ................................... 5Calendar Highlights ....................................... 12Christian Education .................................... 9-10EYC News ...................................................... 6Food Pantry Sunday ........................................ 4From the Rector ............................................. 3Looking Towards Sunday ............................... 11Member News .............................................. 11Memorials/Honoraria ..................................... 11Needlework Guild ........................................... 4Nursery Update .............................................. 7Outreach Ministries ......................................... 7Pastoral Care Corner ....................................... 8School News .................................................. 6Third Thursday ............................................... 4About the cover: EYC is off to a grand start with our new Youth Miniister, Mary Margaret Winn, as you can see from the fun time everyone was having at a recent Redbirds Game.

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

Messenger DeadlineThe deadline for the November issue of The Messenger is 9 am, October 15! Contact Lucy at 272-7425 or lucy@gracestlukes.org with any questions.

Support Groups at GSLMeeting from 12:20–12:40

AA meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30 pm

Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays, 8 pm

Al Anon: Thursdays, 10:30 am

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

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The Messenger | October 2013 | 3

During the Q & A at a recent Rector’s Forum, the Reverend Dr. Robert MacSwain summarized the difference between two of C. S. Lewis’s

famous books, saying that Mere Christianity was “an explanation” of the Christian faith whereas the Narnia books were “an experience” of the faith. I believe this distinction is true with regard to Lewis and is a very helpful distinction as it relates to the Christian faith in general.

For example, I received holy communion for the first time during college at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church near the campus of Auburn University. In this moment, the Christian faith became so much more than an explanation or idea. In the sacrament, I received something tangible yet mysterious. Using the Prayer Book, I felt like one small, newer part of a larger, older tapestry of prayer. For all of these reasons and many more, I think that I will always associate becoming an Episcopalian with learning to pray. In the stately cadence and ritual of Episcopal prayers, I learned to put my heart into it, not just my head.

The Christian faith at Grace-St. Luke’s is unmistakably an experience before it is an explanation. I am often asked by visitors to our church or newcomers to describe what we are like or what we believe. I find it next to impossible to describe our parish without telling stories about real people—stories about actual experiences of grace and community. I do hope we have some good explanations for why we pray the way we do. The Nicene Creed is a crucial framework for how we see and, to some degree, explain the world around

us and the life of faith. Nevertheless, it is the experience of faith that is primary.

During the Rector’s Forum (9:30 am on Sundays) in October, I am going to teach three classes on prayer that—God willing—will help us to understand why it is that prayer is more of an experience than an explanation. On October 6, I will teach a class entitled, “The Body Language of Prayer: the Eucharist.” On October 20, I will teach a class called, “Prayer at the Edges of Life: the Pastoral Rites.” Pastoral Rites are marriage, ordination, confession, and a few other rites. On October 27, my class is titled, “Prayer in Ordinary Time: the Daily Office.”

Whether you are looking to renew your prayer life or learn how to pray in new ways, I believe this series will help. As always, friends and guests of the parish—in addition to members—are most welcome to join us for any class.

The Reverend Richard Lawson

From the Rector: Explanation or Experience?

Rector’s Forum The Rev. Richard Lawson

Sundays at 9:30 am in Trezevant

Oct 6 The Body Language of Prayer: the Eucharist

Oct 13 NO CLASS: Fall BreakOct 20 Prayer at the Edges of Life: the Pastoral RitesOct 27 Prayer in Ordinary Time: the Daily Office

Grand Old BazaarSaturday, November 16

10 am ~ 3 pm

Lunch 11:30 am ~ 1:30 pm

Volunteers are needed for the day of the Bazaar for 2-3 hour shifts. Your baked and canned goods for our food table are appreciated also, and can be delivered either Friday or Saturday morning (Nov. 15/16) to Trezevant Hall. To volunteer and for more information, contact Janet Wyatt at 276-5662 or tomtwo2@bellsouth.net.

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Needlework GuildGrab your sewing things, or pick out a project and make

plans to join other ladies (and ladies in training) on Saturday, Oct. 12, 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. 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, harriet@gracestlukes.org, or Kim White, kwhite@gslschool.org. Beginners are welcome!

Sunday, Oct. 6, at noon, 20-30@GSL will head on over to Café Eclectic (603 N McLean Blvd) 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 will also be sent out. If you would like to have your email added, please contact Lucy Owens at lucy@gracestlukes.org. Hope to see you on the 6th!

“This round’s on Me” will meet Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Alchemy, 940 S. Cooper, from 6:30–7:30 pm. The guest speaker is Walt Tennyson, Chaplain of Rhodes College.”

The 20-30@GSL Bible Study will meet Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 15, 22 & 29, 6:30-7:30 pm, at Otherlands Coffee Bar, 641 S. Cooper.

Contact Fr. Joseph Wallace-Williams, joseph@gracestlukes.org, for more info. (www.gracestlukes.org/news/20-30gsl-fall-offerings/)

Connecting for Fellowship, Food,

Fun, and God!

20-30@GSL

Third Thursday GroupRob Norcross, Guest Speaker

To all of you out there who love to go out on the town in Midtown Memphis, please come join the Third Thursday Group on Thursday, Oct. 17, to hear Rob Norcross’ update on the latest developments at Overton Square. Rob, a principal at Looney, Ricks, Kiss, has served as an architect, planner and visionary on some of Memphis’ finest private and civic projects. He and other members of his firm seek to heighten the community experience in our public and private spaces through environmentally friendly and pedestrian oriented designs. As we will see, the plans for Overton Square promise to create a vibrant urban experience in the heart of the Theater Arts District. Third Thursday dinners are designed to include empty nesters and anyone else who wants to spend a fun evening with others. If you haven’t been to a Third Thursday event before, now is a good time to join us and to expand your GSL friendships. Our evenings always follow the same format: drinks and nibbles beginning at 6:30 pm in Trezevant Hall, dinner at 7:00, and a speaker to follow. You’ll be home by 8:30 having had a wonderful time for a most reasonable fee. Dinner reservations are a must though, so sign up no later than Tuesday, Oct. 15, by calling Lucy Owens at the church office at 272-7425 or by email at lucy@gracestlukes.org. In keeping with church policy, your reservation is your agreement to pay. You can pay in advance online at www.gracestlukes.org/events/third-thursday.

©2013 LRK I .

Food Pantry CollectionThe last Sunday of the month 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. 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.

The GSL 39ers Welcome Keith Wood on Friday, Oct. 11The 39ers invite you to their next luncheon on Friday, Oct. 11. Social time begins at 11:30 am with wine and cheese and the best conversation in town. A light lunch will be served at noon for only $6.00. Our own Keith Wood returns and will talk about Patrick Henry, American statesman

and orator and twice governor of Virginia (1776-1779; 1784-1786). Keith’s talks on our American historical figures are always interesting and informative. The program will begin around 12:45 and last about 30 to 40 minutes. All are welcome. Come and bring a friend. Reserva-tions to Lucy by noon on Oct. 9, lucy@gracestlukes.org or 272-7425. Looking forward to seeing you there. Mary Virginia Rogers

The Messenger | October 2013 | 5

Bring them one by one, or two by two!

We invite you to bring your dogs, cats, hamsters, lizards, fish, birds, snakes and hedgehogs to Grace-St. Luke’s Church for the Blessing of the Animals on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

We will all gather in the church for a service which will celebrate our pets and our love for them. During the service we celebrate the joy and love that animals bring into our lives and we pronounce the wonder of God’s creation. An offering will be collected during the service and will benefit a local, pet-centric charity.

For everyone’s comfort, we ask that all creatures be leashed, caged or otherwise contained. Each animal will receive an individual bless-ing from the clergy and a certificate of that blessing. Following the service there will refreshments outside under the covered walkway.

October 6 at 4:00 PM

GSL CHURCH YOUTH BASKETBALL 2013-20141ST GRADE-4TH GRADE ASSESSMENT TIME!

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

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

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

When:Saturday, October 261st/2nd Boys: 1:30–2:45 pm

1st/2nd Girls: 3:00–4:15 pm

Sunday, October 213rd/4th Boys: 1:00–2:30 pm

3rd/4th Girls: 2:45-4:00 pm

Where: GSL “Saints” Gymnasium

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

Questions: Contact Christi Authement, GSL Church Athletic Director (825-7353), or a committee member: Allison Cates, Katherine Lawson, or Bruce Williams.

Church Athletics

3/4th tackle football: First home game on 9/17. GSL vs. Binghamton. GSL won 16 to 8!

Football Jamboree

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If you love to cheer on the GSL Saints, please join us for Fall Homecoming on Thursday, Oct. 3. Homecoming is a special tradition at GSL that includes yearbook signing at the afternoon pep rally, followed by volleyball games at the Anchor Gym, football games at Snowden Field, and even a cross-country championship meet at Shelby Farms! Game times are as follows: 7/8 VB Howie @ 4:00 vs St. Mary’s7/8 VB White @ 5:00 vs Memphis Catholic5/6 CC Championship PAA Meet @ 5:00 at Shelby Farms5/6 FB @ 5:00 vs Sacred Heart7/8 FB @ 6:30 vs WoodlandWe look forward to seeing you!

I also want to let you know about the Middle School Speaker Series, launched last year by Head of Middle School Mike Boyer. The purpose of the series is to bring transformational community leaders onto campus to share inspiration and life lessons that will resonate with our 5th-8th grade students. Of course, the speaker series is open to anyone from the GSL community, so please feel free to join us. In September we enjoyed a visit from Ekundayo Bandele, the founder of Hattiloo Theater. Next up are Memphis Flyer columnist John Branston on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 8:00 am in the Anchor Cafeteria and Estella Mayhue-Greer, the President & CEO of the Mid-South Food Bank, on Monday, Nov. 11, at 8:00 am in the church.

School NewsBy Thor Kvande

For those of you with a special little one in your life, please join us for Halloween Story Time on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 9:00 to 9:30 am in the Anchor Center Library. Our school librarian Jan Willis will read several books. This is part of our year-long series of events for toddlers (ages 2 and 3), and since it’s Halloween, costumes are welcome! RSVP: enroll@gslschool.org.

Finally, please tell your friends and neighbors about our Admissions Open Houses next month. These events are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 8:30 am in the Anchor Center and Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10:00 am at Miss Lee’s. It’s a great opportunity for prospective families to come take a look at our facilities and see all we have to offer for students from age 2 to grade 8. We appreciate your help in spreading the word!

Congratulations to all of the students who ran for Student Council offices this year at GSL! Front row: Olivia, Eva Claire, Claire, Max, Benjamin; back row: Grant, Tess, Sloan, Caroline, Edward

Flu Mist/Shots by Shots on the SpotWed., Oct. 16, 7 am, McClure

Mist (for ages 2-49), $35; Shots (any age), $25. Cash, check or CC accepted.

Message from MM

Fall is in the Air…And EYC is in full swing! Our first month went swimmingly at our open-ing pool party and the first few gath-erings. October will bring even more fun events.

Biscuits and Bible: Jr. High Bible StudyMary Margaret hosts a Bible study for students in grades 6–8 every Wednesday morning from 6:30–7:45 am. We have breakfast and discuss how the Gospel affects our lives. For students who do not go to GSL, but still want to attend our meetings, an earlier pick-up time is available.

EYC Newsand Events

Sunday evenings, Jr. EYC meets from 5-6 pm, everyone has dinner together from 6-6:30 pm, and Sr. EYC meets from 6:30-7:30 pm.

“Love of Self as a Child of God” part 2On Sunday, Oct. 6, we will discuss the issue of body image and how each and every one of us was made in the image of God. We will play games and eat dinner too!

No EYC on Sunday, Oct. 13, because of Fall Break. Enjoy!

“Friendships”On Sunday, Oct. 20, we will explore what it means to have a healthy friendship and what we can do to honor those who are closest to us. Dinner will be provided. Come check it out!

“Costumes and Candy”What better way to celebrate Halloween than with costumes and candy? On Sunday, Oct. 27, come dressed up in your Halloween costume and talk about how your candy can make a difference at GSL. You never know what spooky surprises will be in store!

The Messenger | October 2013 | 7

Update on the Nurseryby Sharon Campbell, Director of Nursery

The summer months have brought a whirlwind of change to the Grace-St. Luke’s Nursery. Hours upon hours have been invested into cleaning house, moving out, temporarily storing, and moving into our new nursery rooms. While this endeavor will always be a work-in-progress for me, the most consuming part is now behind us. On August 25, we proudly unveiled a beautiful new space for GSL’s littlest (and cutest) parishioners.

So that our EYC could gain a permanent home, the nursery has been con-densed into Nursery 1, designed for Infants and Toddlers up to 18 months, and Nursery 2, tailored to children 19 months to 3 years of age. Over the summer break, these age groupings will take on some flexibility so that the Nursery can safely accommodate children through Kindergarten age. During the Christian Ed year, children 3-6 years old are invited to attend Atrium I.

Drawing on my own Montessori background, our new nursery space is in-spired by notions of simplicity, order, and independence. Using the best of our furnishings, we have created two attractive and child-friendly set-tings filled with thoughtfully chosen materials that can be easily managed by children, and encourage large & small motor skills, language development, creativity, collaboration, and pretend play. To ensure that these environ-ments stay fresh and engaging, reserves are ready and waiting for rotating new items into the mix. (Which reminds me… The nursery happily accepts gently used toys and books to incorporate into our stash. If your family has items fitting that description in need of a new home, perhaps you might consider donating them to us.)

We have finally added the most important element to this special place—the kiddos – and I am reminded of the very memorable words proclaimed by a very memorable boy named Max.

“LET THE WILD RUMPUS START!”

The rumpus has started indeed, and our reward has been in these moments, watching our little friends explore their new surroundings, reacquaint them-selves with old favorite things, and discover new favorites they may not have noticed before.

I am grateful to all those who gave their energy to help make this happen. Amazing high school youth showed up in force to empty two classrooms plus a storage room, and carry the contents to the Scout room in about two hours flat. Father Joseph and Mary Margaret Winn jumped right in and switched every last piece of two temporary nurseries with every last piece of two Atriums, also in record time. Harriet Roberts did more than I could ever try to itemize here, all while still doing her own job and high-fiving me for mine. Father Richard supported every step of the process (even the ones we sprung on him), and made me feel completely trusted to see it through to the end. Linda Stine and the Church went above and beyond to give me the time I needed, and to make that time as productive as possible. Marie Arkle took my little boy on exciting outings involving lots of cake pops. Beulah Boone conquered the mess that comes with construction and made things sparkle again. Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge the nursery staff, who rolled with the changes and re-committed their time to make our wonder-ful place even better. Thank you so much, everyone! This has been a true Labor of Love.

NurseryNews

OUTREaCH CaLENDaROCTOBER 3 MIFA’S FEED THE SOUL EVENT: Join the fun fundraiser of the year and help celebrate MIFA’s 45 the birthday! Entertainment line-up is awesome & activi-ties range from oxygen bars to a raffle. 6-10 pm at The Warehouse located at 36 East G.E. Patterson. More info at www.mifa.org/feedthesoul.

OCTOBER 4-5 BLUFF CITY OKTOBERFEST: Live music, family activities, food trucks, beer garden & more! All benefiting local charitable agencies such as our minis-try partners, The Samaritan Counseling Centers and the Memphis Food Bank. More info at www.bluffcityoktober-fest.org.

NOVEMBER 7 12TH ANNUAL ART FOR HOPE: Come and enjoy the big fundraiser for Hope House which serves children and families impacted with HIV/AIDS in the Memphis area. Location is the Clark Opera Center at 6745 Wolf River Blvd. For more info, contact Craig at 272-2702 Ext. 216

NOVEMBER 9 30TH ANNIVERSARY MUSICAL CELEBRA-TION for ALZHEIMER’S DAY SERVICES OF MEMPHIS, INC: A night of food, music and live and silent auctions. 7:00 pm at Temple Israel located at 1376 E. Massey Road. More info - call Jon Burchfield at 372-4585 or email at devdir@alzheimersdayservices.org

** Please note that The Church Health Center’s 5K/10K originally scheduled for October 19 has been cancelled. Plans for a new event this spring are in the works and will include a walk. Stay tuned for more info.

Food for the Soul - Caritas Village by the Rev. Gayle McCarty

One of GSL’s partners in ministry is Caritas Village. Here is a brief description from their web site, “A coffee shop and cultural center immersed and wrapped in community, The Village seeks to break down walls of hostility between and among neighboring cultures and build bridges of love and trust between the rich and those made poor.” Much more is offered there than lunch. Caritas provides hos-pitality, hope, classes, art and theater, a free medical clinic, after-school programs such as the Peacemakers and so much more.

If you have never had lunch there, then you have missed out in so many ways. Caritas offers delicious food by a trained chef at ri-diculously reasonable prices in a feel-good atmosphere where your fellow diners come from all walks of life. It is open Mon.–Sat. from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at 2509 Harvard Ave., Memphis, TN, 38112. Go and grab a bite and support a ministry making a difference in the community and city. Your soul will be fed and you just might be led to one of their many ministries! More info at www.caritasvillage.org.

OutreachMinistry

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How about those angels?

by Jennifer Rivera

January 4, 2013—I’m at the airport saying goodbye to my husband. I know it’s the last time I’m go-ing to see him even though we’re not saying it. My eyes are dry and bloodshot. No more tears can fall from them. We embrace briefly and

he walks away. I stand there for a moment frozen. Numb. Paralyzed with fear. Pregnant and alone. I cry out to God as I drive home from the airport, “Why?! Why is this happening to me?! Why are You do-ing this to me God?!” A few days pass and I have more decisions to make. Do I stay in Georgia? Can I raise a child without family close by? What do I do now? I am placed on bed rest so all I could do was think, worry and pray. I pray and pray and pray. No peace is found. No solace. I think, “Are you even listening to me God?” I lose my job because I had to be on bed rest. I move back home to Memphis to be with family. I go to job interviews with no success. Who’s going to hire a pregnant woman? I’m praying. I’m weary. I no longer feel that God is listening. I go to church on Ash Wednesday at GSL where I grew up, receive my ashes and return to my seat feeling hollow. I return to church the following Sunday. The Gospel is about Jesus in the wilder-ness. The angels were with Him. (Matthew 4:11) Rev. Gayle preaches. She repeats the angels were with Him. I think, “Well, they may have been with Jesus but they are nowhere to be found in my wilderness. Why am I even at church? God doesn’t care about me.” Something inside me tells me to speak with Gayle+ after church. Maybe it was my need to tell her she was wrong. I laugh as I think about it today, but on that day there wasn’t anything to laugh about. I was broken mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I approach her after church and can barely keep the tears from falling down my face as I ask her if she could meet for one on one time. She says of course and asks me to email her. I go home that afternoon and send her a novel. I know if I didn’t tell her everything that had happened lately I would never be able to get it out in person. She shockingly replies (you really would be surprised if you had seen the email). We meet one afternoon a few days later. I remember not being able to look up. I was so ashamed.

After that afternoon, my life began to change. I was able to find work at two part time jobs working 6 days a week. I continued to pray. Maybe God was listening. I received a donation of baby items that had been given to PDO. I received not one but two promotions at work allowing me to only work one job. I found an apartment for the little one and me. I formed friendships and relied heavily on my family and friends for support. My mom came to doctor visits and helped me put my house together. I continued to attend church and watch the beautiful people in the pews with smiles upon their faces. I did not dare share my story

Pastoral CareCorner

with them because I still felt shame. I would sit in the back of church alone and worship and say, “Thank you God. Thank you I’ve made it this far.” I no longer kept my head down when I walked to the altar for communion. People began to introduce themselves after church. I would smile and welcome the hugs that were freely given. I made new friendships at church with a few that I would eventually trust enough to share my story. They didn’t run; instead they hugged me tighter.

I walked by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) I could tell you countless stories of little miracles that would happen. Maybe the angels were with me after all. At 35 weeks and 5 days pregnant, I went into preterm labor. My blood pressure was way too high. I thought, “Oh no, things have been going too good. Dear God, please keep my baby safe.” I had preeclampsia. It was decided to induce labor. I remember spending that day in the hospital full of worry. My maternity leave was unpaid and I was on it 4 weeks early which was 3 pay checks short. I worried, “How are the bills going to get paid? How am I going to buy what my baby still needed that I hadn’t gotten to purchase yet?” Gayle+ and Allison King of Pastoral Care came to the hospital and prayed with my mom and me. Peace came. I delivered a healthy baby boy the next day. He was tiny but perfect. I looked down at that pre-cious miracle and knew that God was with us. I thought, “It’s me and you kid—with God. We’re a team now.” I didn’t know how everything was going to be fine but I knew it would. We discharged home with the help of my mom. I am so grateful for all that she and her husband, Gary, sacrificed in order to make sure my little man and I were ok. Suddenly the phone started ringing and the angels of Pastoral Care descended upon us. Diapers, meals, gift cards and those last minute baby items I hadn’t had the chance to buy—all arrived. Those beautiful smiling faces that sat in the pews ahead of me came to welcome my little man into the world and celebrate with us. People I have never met cared enough about us to give freely their time and generosity. The bills were paid thanks to two anonymous donors from GSL. I only had to worry about: is this cry a hungry cry or does he need his diaper changed. To those angels (you know who you are), thank you. Thank you for your unbelievably generous gifts to my son and me. Without you, I would not have had the precious maternity leave time I have had with my son. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough to say.

Fast forward to September. I’m still on the emotional roller coaster but I have God and the angels steadfastly with me. I’m back at work. My little man is not so little almost tripling his birth weight at 12 weeks old. I don’t have everything figured out yet, and that’s ok. I’m still struggling financially and sometimes emotionally but spiritually I know God has everything worked out. I’ve learned that angels are not just spiritual creatures that you don’t see. They are visible and can be hugged. They are with me in the wilderness. My mourning has been turned into dancing. (Psalm 39:11) My church is full of angels that are a shoulder to cry on when times get rough, a listening ear when I need to vent, and a smile looking at what he can do now! In closing, if you are in the wilderness right now and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, just know that it is there. You are not alone in the wilderness. God is with you. The angels are with you. I am with you. I’ll see you Sunday sitting at the back of the church, smiling with my head up, and holding a wiggly little boy who likes to giggle during the sermon. Peace be with you!

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 (sharon@graceestlukes.org).

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

Youth Confirmation ClassLocation: Youth Space, Yellow RoomFrom Sept. 8–Nov. 24, Confirmation class takes the place of J2A.

Other Sunday Morning Offerings Children’s Activity Table (during adult coffee hour)Location: Room 212 or the Lobby of McClure HallDuring coffee hour following the 10:30 am service

Christian Education

Wednesday Fall Small Group MeetingsOct. 2–Nov. 6; 5:30–6:30 pm To sign up, go to http://www.gracestlukes.org/spirituality-and-worship/wednesday-offerings/ or contact Harriet Roberts at 272-7425.

‘A Little Peace & Quiet: Anglican Spirituality for Today’Facilitator: Judy BeairdLocation: The LoungeEnjoy some quiet time in reflection and prayer with a wise leader. J. Philip Newell’s, The Book of Creation: An Introduction to Celtic Spirituality, is the book that will be read during this six week ses-sion. A copy of the book will be provided.

‘Food & Faith’Facilitator: Noah CampbellLocation: Room 212“Eating is an agricultural act.” This pithy observation made de-cades ago by writer and farmer Wendell Berry highlights and underscores the multiple contexts of the food we eat. Eating is more than a biological act. Eating has ecological, economic, and ethical dimensions. Moreover, eating is also a spiritual act! Most exquisitely embodied for the Christian in the Eucharist meal. Join Noah Campbell, director of the Memphis Center for Food and Faith, as he explores the biblical and theological resources that affirm the foregoing, while helping us to more robustly link our eating with our confessions and convictions of faith. Noah is an ordained minister of the Gospel and holds a doctorate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The Memphis Center for Food and Faith helps congregations to connect food practices to cre-ation care and community renewal.

Inquirers’ ClassFacilitator: The Reverend Richard LawsonLocation: The Sanctuary & The Peete RoomThe classes are interesting and informative and are not a com-mitment to be confirmed, but will be the preparation needed for those who would like to be confirmed when Bishop Johnson visits Grace-St. Luke’s on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.

No Sunday School on October 13

We’re Taking a Breakfor

“FALL BREAK”

The Messenger | October 2013 | 9

10 | www.gracestlukes.org

A Trip to FlavortownBy Harriet Roberts

I like to watch the Food Network.

I do.

Not all the shows. Chopped, for example is lost on me. I care not if a person can—in 20 minutes—make something edible out of Red Hots, monkfish, and cheddar cheese. That entire enterprise just flat makes me nervous. They are cooking so fast, they are having to deal with ingredient combinations that are so weird, they look so stressed out, and two of them are going to go home disappointed.

Clearly, there must be people who like Chopped but I am not one of them.

And, don’t get me started about Cutthroat Kitchen: That whole concept just makes me terribly anxious.

But, the Barefoot Countess I love. She is always having fun, she uses simple ingredients (she does not cook anything with Red Hots), and typically she is cooking things for people she cares about. I can identify. A few of her recipes—her chicken piccata and her guacamole for example—are some of my most favorites. I love watching her cook because she knows what she is doing, she cooks delicious food, and she seems to be having fun.

But, Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives is my all-time favorite show on the Food Network. I could watch it all day (and, not just because Guy Fieri drives a candy apple red, 1967 Camaro on his never-ending road trip to Flavortown). But, I am not going to lie, a convertible Camaro does usually improve any situation for me. I have no idea what kind of person Guy Fieri is in real life. I have no idea about his reality, and I am not interested enough to investigate. What I enjoy watching is his TV persona and his apparent willingness to actively enjoy other people and what they do.

I love watching Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives because I love all the enthusiasm. I love that things crack Guy Fieri up and that he laughs out loud so easily. He even laughs at himself on the bloopers at the end of the show because—for example—he has tripped going into a restaurant or has flubbed up his lines. I love the kind things he says when he visits people in their restaurants. I love that he seems to sincerely enjoy and celebrate all the quirky people, the quirky menu items, and the quirky locales.

He just seems to be having a blast.

And, he does such a great job of publically appreciating other people’s gifts.

He even tries some dishes which clearly are not appealing to him and, even then, he manages to say something pretty positive.

I want to endeavor to be more like the Guy Fieri I see on the television. I need to take a virtual trip to Flavortown and just savor what is instead of focusing on how something might be improved.

This can be challenging.

Thinking—as I do—about how to organize things, I catch myself focusing on what could or should be done to make things run more smoothly. Do that day after day, and if you are not careful, it can alter your focus. It is easy to get stuck being a critic.

Guy Fieri reminds me to celebrate what others do and to tell them that what they are doing is wonderful. I don’t have all the funny phrases nor do I have the ability to imitate Arnold Schwarzenegger as he does. But, I can certainly muster some genuine appreciation and enthusiasm and I can verbalize those emotions.

Like I said, I have no idea about what kind of person the real Guy Fieri actually is.

But, if his show were a metaphor for life—each of us running our own diner, drive-in, or dive and if we were visited by somebody (like Guy Fieri) who checks out what we do—then I want to channel my inner Guy and be positive like he is. I want to focus on the good, the innovative, the goofy, the inadvertent successes, the outside-of-the-box thinking, and the odd but spectacular ingredient combinations.

I want to be the person who slows down and marvels at that person who makes fantastic salsa in a 20 year old blender with a broken lid. I want to be the person who celebrates somebody who routinely whips up a top notch meatloaf in an oven which has to be tied closed with a string. I want to be the person who stands in awe of the chef who hand makes beautiful ravioli pasta which is so thin that—when you place it on top of a sheet of newspaper—you can read the newspaper through it.

I don’t want to be the person who says “get a new blender,” “your oven is broken,” or “you might get ink on your pasta.” I want to delight in some quirkiness.

I know, for me, this will take some practice.

Perhaps, keeping a vision of Guy Fieri’s 1967 candy apple red convertible Camaro in my thought bubble will help.

MembershipNews

Faithful DepartedKatherine McCormick, died Sept. 24, 2013, burial Sept. 27, 2013Transfer InPenny Tucker, from Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, OhioTransfer OutNoel Schwartz, to St. George’s, Ashville, NCLillian Elizabeth Coggin, to Calvary Episcopal

Looking Towards Sunday ~ September

Revised Common LectionaryTrack 2 Year C

The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

October 6Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 • Psalm 37:1-10

2 Timothy 1:1-14 • Luke 17:5-10

The Twenty-first Sunday after PentecostOctober 13

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c • Psalm 1112 Timothy 2:8-15 • Luke 17:11-19

The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

October 20Genesis 32:22-31 • Psalm 121

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 • Luke 18:1-8

The Twenty-third Sunday after PentecostOctober 27

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 35:12-17 • Psalm 84:1-62 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 • Luke 18:9-14

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.

Altar Gifts are offered in Memory and Honor of

October 6 Walter P. Armstrong, Mary Frances Statham, Edward A. Wright, Francis Paul Gassner, and Ensley Shelby Oxley

October 13 Susan Burson Taylor, Martha Wharton Jones, Meriwhether Wesley Alvis, Jean Stewart Alvis, Dr. Charles L. Clarke, Jane Alvis Clarke, Charles Alvis Clarke, and William M. Wilkerson

October 20 Jay Turnipseed, Anne Mangum Smith, John Paul Jones, Sr., and Lee Massey Clarkson

October 27 William K. Pearson, Robert Cole Hatzenbuehler, Robbie Hatzenbuehler, and Betty C. McCarson

Memorials& Honoraria

Given in Memory ofGeorge Partin, from Rob & Vickie BairdChuck Wilkinson, from Thad CockrillStephen New, from Julie & Billy DenmanStewart Jones, from Bettye Pittman, Lucy Carrington Jones,

Mary Todd, Sarah Doyle, GSL Bazaar Ladies, Rhoda L. Phelps, Given in Honor ofSusan Clement and Scott Moore, from Mr. & Mrs. Lenard

A. GriceThe Douglass Family: Judy & Doug Douglass, Lauren & Scott

Douglass, Noell & Gene Douglass and Lane & Charles Houston Beaumont, from Betsy & Preston Wilson

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 Nov. 3. For more information and to schedule a baptism, contact Connie Johns, 272-7425, ext. 22, or connie@gracestlukes.org.

The Messenger | October 2013 | 11

NEWS OF BYGONE DaYS50 years ago (1963): Our hatters are not mad, they’re glad! And everyone else is glad, too, that they are having another Hat Sale this year. The Sara Day Snowden Chapter is sponsoring an all-day showing and sale of high quality hats at modest prices. The Trezevant Memorial Auditorium will be transformed into a giant Millinery shop on that day.

25 years ago (1988): The seventh annual convention of the Diocese of West Tennessee met at the Church of the Holy Apostles this past weekend. In addition to the clergy, Grace-St. Luke’s was represented by Dr. Tom Chesney, Jane Clarke, Sharon Taylor and Jim Taylor.

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.

Calendar Highlights

October 2 Wednesday Night Small Groups Begin Inquirers’ Classes Begin Fellowship Committee MeetingOctober 6 20-30@GSL Blessing of the AnimalsOctober 8 Finance Committee This round’s on MeOctober 11 Executive Committee 39ersOctober 13 No Sunday School No Childrens’ ChoirsOctober 14 Church Office ClosedOctober 15 Vestry

October 17 Third ThursdayOctober 27 Liturgy Committee Meeting

Looking Ahead...November 3 All Saints’ Sunday Holy Baptism Ingathering Sunday Daylight Savings Time EndsNovember 10 Bishop’s Annual Visit/ConfirmationNovember 16 Grand Old BazaarNovember 24 Annual Parish MeetingNovember 29 Thanksgiving Day Service

October calendar: www.gracestlukes.org/uploads/files/october2013calendar.pdfYearly Calendar: Go to www.gracestlukes.org/events/ and look for the Master Calendar icon on the left.