the messenger, january 2014

The MessengerGrace-St. Luke’sEpiscopal ChurchVolume 61, No. 1 January 2014

What’s InsideRector’s Forum • Spring SportsWomen’s Retreat • School News

Outreach Ministry • 39ersThird Thursday • EYCFirst Friday Fellowship

Pastoral Care Corner

Inside This Issue20-30@GSL ................................................... 439ers ............................................................ 4Altar Flowers................................................ 11Athletics ........................................................ 6Bygone Days ............................................... 11Calendar Highlights ....................................... 12Christian Education .................................... 9-10EYC News ...................................................... 6Fifth Sunday ................................................ 12First Friday Fellowship ..................................... 4Food Pantry Sunday ........................................ 5From the Rector ............................................. 3Looking Towards Sunday ............................... 11Member News .............................................. 11Memorials/Honoraria ..................................... 11Needlework Guild ........................................... 5Outreach Ministries ......................................... 7Pastoral Care Corner ....................................... 6Rector’s Forum ............................................... 3School News .................................................. 8Third Thursday ............................................... 4Women’s Retreat ............................................ 5On the cover: Photo from La Posada. View other pictures from this annual GSL tradition by visiting http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracestlukes. Special thanks goes to the event photographer, Susan Clement.

2 | www.gracestlukes.org

Sunday Service Times8 am Holy Eucharist8:45 am Breakfast9:30 am Christian Education (Sept.–May)10:30 am Holy Eucharist5:30 pm Holy EucharistNursery available for all services except the 5:30 pm service.

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

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

2014 Vestry Grant Adams, Antoinette Cheney, Juan Fuentes, Edith Heller, Sidney Hickey, Allison King, Hal Medling, Donna Sanders, Cynthia Saatkamp, King Self, Josh Shipley, Bruce Williams, Betsy Wilson, Ken Woodmansee 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 7:45 a.m. 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, [email protected]. Vestry email: [email protected]

Messenger DeadlineThe deadline for the February issue of The Messenger is 9 am, January 15! Contact Lucy at 272-7425 or [email protected] with any questions.

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

AA meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30 pm

Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays, 8 pm

Al Anon: Thursdays, 10:30 am

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

Look for us in cyberspace

pinterest.com/gracestlukes

flickr.com/gracestlukes

facebook.com/gracestlukes

twitter.com/gracestlukes

The Messenger | January 2014 | 3

I love the Rector’s Forum at GSL for so many reasons. We have had some wonderful speakers and intriguing topics in recent years, but I am more excited about our spring program than any we have had. From theological reflections on race to Rabbi Greenstein’s return, this series promises to be engaging. Please bring a friend or neighbor to any one of these forums. I believe each forum offers an opportunity for us to invite someone who may be looking for a Christian community such as ours, an Episcopal Church that engages our minds and our hearts. -Richard Lawson

RECTOR’S FORUM: Spring 2014 with the Reverend Richard Lawson

This photo is a portion of the Evening and Morning Angels in the Tiffany Windows in Trezevant Hall at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

From the Rector: Rector’s Forum in Spring of 2014

Jan. 5 “The Unheard: Reflections on Race & the Church” with Fr. Joseph

Jan. 12 “Yet With a Steady Beat” with the Rev. Dr. Harold T. Lewis. The Rev. Dr. Harold T. Lewis was rector of Calvary Church, Pittsburgh, for 16 years and was named rector emeritus upon his retirement. He holds a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Birmingham (England) and is the author of Christian Social Witness.

Jan. 19 “Black Liberation Theology: Three Generations of Wonderment and Awe” with Br. Reginald Martin Crenshaw, OHC. Br. Reginald, a member of the Order of the Holy Cross, has a Doctorate from Columbia University in Religion and Education. His areas of expertise: American and African American Religious History and Theologies of Liberation.

Jan. 26 “Rest” with Lauren Winner. Lauren Winner is the Assistant Professor of Christian Spirituality at Duke Divinity School. She is the author of many books, including Mudhouse Sabbath and Girl Meets God.

Feb. 2 “Food” with Fred Bahnson. Fred Bahnson is director of the Food, Faith, & Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. He is the author of Soil & Sacrament: A Spiritual Memoir of Food and Faith.

Feb. 9 “Money” with the Reverend Corky Carlisle. Corky Carlisle is an Episcopal priest currently serving as the Interim Rector of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama. Corky travels the country talking about stewardship. Although he is not a published author, he is a storyteller who engages people at the level of the mind and heart.

Feb. 16 “Home” with the Reverend Katherine Bush. Katherine Bush is the chaplain at St. Mary’s School in Memphis. She is also published in the critically acclaimed commentary Feasting on the Word.

Feb. 23 “Work” with the Reverend Sam Portaro. Sam Portaro is an Episcopal priest, having served many years as the Episcopal chaplain to the University of Chicago. He has published many books, including Brightest and Best: A Companion to Lesser Feasts and Fasts and Transforming Vocation.

Mar. 2 “‘Giving Up or Taking On?’ Some Ideas for Lent” with the Reverend Richard Lawson

Mar. 9 Spring Break/No Class

Mar. 16 “Holiness: A Way of Hospitality not Hostility” with Dr. Peter Gathje. Dr. Gathje is the Associate Dean at Memphis Theological Seminary. A recurring theme in the Bible is the call to “Be holy as God is holy.” What does this mean? How do we become holy in a way that is welcoming and hospitable rather than self-righteous and hostile? Each Sunday we will explore a different dimension of holiness.

Mar. 23 “Holiness: A Way of Hospitality not Hostility” with Dr. Peter Gathje

Mar. 30 “Holiness: A Way of Hospitality not Hostility” with Dr. Peter Gathje

Apr. 6 “Holiness: A Way of Hospitality not Hostility” with Dr. Peter Gathje

Apr. 13 “An Introduction to Holy Week” with Father Joseph

Apr. 20 Easter Sunday/NO CLASS

Apr. 27 “The Voice of War, The Voice of Peace” with Rabbi Micah Greenstein. Micah Greenstein is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel in Memphis.

May 4 “The Prophetic and Poetic Voice of God” with Rabbi Micah Greenstein

May 11 “The Voice Between the Lines: Midrash” with Rabbi Micah Greenstein


First Friday Fellowship goes to Wise Acre Brewing (2783 Broad)

On Jan. 3 at 6:30 pm, FFF will meet at Wise Acre Brewing for “food truck fare” and drinks. RSVP for the event and get all the details on the FFF Facebook page at facebook.com/GSLFirstFridayFellowship. You can also email Kim Norris ([email protected]) for more information. FFF is a place where parishioners and friends can connect for fun and fellowship, mix and mingle, and enjoy lively conversation. (If you receive this notice before Dec. 27, there is still time to make arrangements for childcare with Sharon Campbell, [email protected].)

39ers Meeting January 10The 39ers welcome the New Year of 2014 with a kickoff for a refreshing New Year full of great expectations.

We will meet as usual at 11:30 am for wine and cheese and great

conversation of our Christmas blessings and wonderful memories made. A light lunch will be served at noon for only $6.00. The program, following lunch, will be our own Dan Conaway. He will give a talk on the stained glass windows that are in Trezevant, followed by a preview discussion of his book, I’m a Memphian.

This is a not to miss program. All are welcome. Reservation to Lucy by noon on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to [email protected] or 272 -7425.

Happy New Year!

All 20-30@GSL activities resume in Feburary: the 1st Sunday of the month lunch, the Bible Study and “this round’s on Me.”

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

Connecting for Fellowship, Food,

Fun, and God!

20-30@GSL

Claudia Haltom is January Third Thursday Program

Claudia Haltom served for 17 years as a Memphis juvenile court judge handling a host of juvenile matters, as well as paternity cases, child support, and custody cases. In this role, she witnessed the distressing abuse, neglect, abandonment, and delinquency experienced by far too many of Memphis’ children. Today, however, Claudia is doing something about what she perceives to be a leading cause of those problems: unplanned pregnancy. She and others at A STEP AHEAD Foundation are encouraging young women to plan out their lives and pregnancies through education and access to reversible long-term contraception.

So mark your calendars and make your reservations to join us on Thursday evening, Jan. 16, to hear about A STEP AHEAD’s potential for positive change to the educational, economic, and health outcomes for women and children in Memphis.

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. Come socialize over drinks and appetizers beginning at 6:30 pm in Trezevant Hall. Dinner is at 7:00, and the speaker follows. You’ll be home by 8:30 having had a wonderful time for a most reasonable fee.

Made your dinner reservations no later than Tuesday, Jan. 14, by calling Lucy Owens at the church office (272-7425) or by email at [email protected]. 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.

Needlework Guild

Do 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, Jan. 4, 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!


GSL Women’s Retreat 2014“Of All That Is, Seen and Unseen …”

These words from the Nicene Creed remind us to pay attention not only to all that our eyes see, but also to all those bits and pieces of our daily lives which, because of busyness, clutter, distraction, anxieties, worries, and fears, we no longer see. We will gather together in an intentional contemplative container of space and time to practice seeing all that is—seen and unseen—for it may very well be that God is resting quietly there, in these “unseen” corners of our daily lives, hidden in plain view.

The retreat will be led by Ellen Gabardi. Ellen has completed a 2-year training from Shalem, a contemplative spiritual formation institute in Washington DC, in leading groups and retreats. She has also completed an additional 2-year training in spiritual direction from The Center for Ministry at Millsaps College.

February 28 - March 2, 2014St. Columba Retreat Center

Join us as we renew … refresh … and relax …with old and new friends in a beautiful setting !

.Register in Trezevant Hall on February 2 or 9, or go to the GSL website (www.gracestlukes.org/events/womens-retreat/) and print out your registration form (available soon). Single or double occupancy available. Please call Michelle Charbonnet at 831-6170 with your questions.

NEWS OF BYGONE DAYS50 years ago (1963): The Parish Dinner was a complete sell-out (275 were served dinner, and about 25 requests for reservations had to be declined), and more than 300 parishioners attended the Parish Meeting itself on Tuesday evening...The Vestry has adopted unanimously the 1964 budget of the Church in the sum of $112,730.90, the largest in history.

25 years ago (1988): A suggested New Year’s resolution- “I WILL CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AND MAKE MY MEAL RESERVATION.” This simple act would help us greatly in the planning of meals! Thank you for your help.

FOOD PANtrY COllECtiONThe last Sunday of the month (Jan. 26) 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 west vestibule entrance by the sacristy.


GSL EYC has many exciting events during the month of January. Remember to get all forms turned in on time and that friends are always welcome!!

Feast of LightsIt is once again time for the annual Feast of Lights! To celebrate Epiphany, the youth of the Diocese of West Tennessee are invited to St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, Jan. 5, at 4 pm. There will be a youth event, an Epiphany service, and the burning of the greens (if you like fire and the smell of Christmas, you will love this part!). All those in grades 6-12 are invited to one of the most popular DYC events of the year!

Grizzlies GameGSL ❤s the Grizzlies! All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to a Memphis Grizzlies game on Sunday, Jan. 12. We will have a short gathering at the church beforehand at 3:45 pm, then carpool to the game at 4:15. If you would like to attend the game, please turn in a permission form (online or in church office) and payment by Sunday, January 5. Go Grizz!

Youth Ski TripIt’s getting close! From Jan. 17–19, the Diocese of West Tennessee is taking a ski trip to Hidden Valley, MO. All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to ski or snowboard with friends old and new over the long weekend. Forms and payment are due to Mary Margaret no later than Sunday, Jan. 5. All necessary information and forms can be found on the youth page of the GSL website. (www.gracestlukes.org/youth-group)

NewsweekOn Sunday, Jan. 26, EYC will take a look at important current events and news stories (both good and bad). We will explore how these stories affect us and where we can find God in them. We will meet at our regular times, with dinner for all at 6 pm. This is also the final Sunday of the month, so don’t forget to bring a friend and Can Up!

If you have questions, contact Mary Margaret ([email protected]) or stop by her office in the church.

EYC Newsand Events

Spring Soccer GSL Church sponsors spring soccer for JK–4th grades. It is a 6 game “mini-season” with games starting April 1–May 18. The mini-season is designed to enable the players to continue to develop skills they learned in the fall. We strive to keep the teams together from the fall and do not have assessments.

By design there is a Parent Liaison who heads-up this program. The Parent Liaison will be announced as soon as possible. If you are interested in coaching or helping with spring soccer, please email Christi at [email protected].

Spring soccer registration is January 1–31 and can be accessed through the GSL Church website at www.gracestlukes.org/youth-sports/spring-soccer/, beginning Jan 1. Please refer to the website listed above for ALL information regarding spring soccer.

Registration does fill up quickly, so please register sooner than later!

Sincerely,Christi

Church Athletics

Pastoral CareCorner

As we begin a new calendar year, we yearn for a fresh start. To that end, I offer this short but far from simple prayer for us all.

As the new year dawns upon usWe seek your forgiveness for the sins of the past.

May our one resolution for this coming yearBe to walk with you from the first day to the last.

Fill each day with a new awareness of your presenceAnd make us a blessing to those around us.

Joyce Blakney Duerr, from Graces. Prayers and Poems for Everyday Meals and Special Occasions

-the Reverend Gayle McCarty


OutreachMinistry

Guided Hands and Hearts—GSL Crossmen Deliver Thanksgiving Baskets

By Ed Hord

Recently the Crossmen of Grace-St. Luke’s joined together to participate in two activities that helped bring the holiday to those who otherwise may have had very little or none. Thanks to Lance Martin, a fellow Crossmen, and the relationship he has built with Feed the Needy of Memphis, GSL received 25 Thanksgiving baskets to deliver. Each basket consisted of two large boxes of food items needed to create a holiday meal with plenty for leftovers. Additionally, GSL was provided with an abundant supply of holiday food items for the GSL Food Pantry.

On Monday, November 25, the Crossmen traveled together to the Memphis Business Depot and picked up food pantry items consisting of onions, potatoes, sugar, flour, various canned vegetables, cakes mixes, and many other pantry staples. The food pantry staff was overwhelmed and worked hard to find space for everything. All were excited that these items would add to their ability to provide to those in need.

On Tuesday, November 26, the Crossmen again traveled to the Memphis Business Depot and picked up the Thanksgiving baskets which were taken to the Caritas Village in the Binghampton neighborhood. From here, the men divided into teams and delivered the baskets to various families. Three GSL parishioner families were also recipients of Thanksgiving baskets. The experience as a whole made all mindful of ways we can contribute to the betterment of the community. Jim Moore commented that “it is very rewarding to give a little of my time to help another family enjoy Thanksgiving”. Greer Simonton, while noting the “disparity in our city,” was also “struck by the graciousness and thankfulness of those I met.” One young man even called him back to shake his hand. Once all of the deliveries were made, the Crossmen met back at the Caritas Village where director, Onie Johns, spoke about the mission of the community center in this inner-city neighborhood.

The name Caritas means “love for all people” which fits well with one of our faith’s central tenants of loving your neighbor as yourself and to respect the dignity of all people. While both days were cold and rainy, the spirit of Christ was definitely among us as we felt our hands and hearts being guided to do mighty works within our community. Afterwards, several stayed for lunch at the Caritas Café, and Arthur Nave felt that the day was a “wonderful opportunity” and that “the Bingburger was good too!”

The Crossmen look forward to participating again next year and to finding other ways that we can make a difference in Memphis.

Angels Among Us

The Angel Tree benefiting the children of the Peacemakers Youth Ministry at Caritas Village was a huge success! Thank you for your generosity as volunteers and donors of gifts, books, and snacks. The children experienced a truly special party, complete with a visit from Santa Claus! Blessings to you all,Julia on behalf of Katie, Julia, Debbie & Gayle+, the Angel Tree Committee

CurrENt GrANt CYClE rECiPiENtS

Church Health Center • MIFA • Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South, Inc. • West Tennessee Haiti Partnership • Alzheimer’s Day Services of Memphis • Caritas Community, Inc. • The Exchange Club Family Center • Girls, Inc. • Outreach Housing & Community • Voices of the South • Prison Stories

GSL Crossmen gather to deliver Thanksgiving baskets.


Happy New Year! GSL is back in session starting January 6 and we will be off to a busy start. Our first week back kicks off with Basketball Homecoming on Friday, Jan. 10. We will have FIVE games going on in the Anchor and Saints Gyms, plus the presentation of all of our 8th graders and their families. This is a special annual tradition for the graduating class and it will be an exciting night at GSL! We also have admissions testing going on every weekend, so please tell your friends with little ones to email [email protected] to schedule a tour and assessment.

I want to extend a big thank-you to the clergy and staff of GSL for putting together a beautiful Christmas Chapel Lessons and Carols service for all of our students in December. We always look forward to that special service; it’s a great way to end the calendar year and send everyone off for the holidays.

There are several January events to which all parishioners are invited; see details below. I hope you will join us!

Lisa Lassandrello 5K Remembrance Race Saturday, Jan. 25 at 9:00 am at St. Agnes AcademyBenefiting GSL School, St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School, and Wings Cancer Foundation.This event is held in memory of long-time GSL administrative assistant Lisa Lassandrello, who worked at GSL for 19 years until her death in 2004 after a brave, year-long battle with cancer. Register today at www.racesonline.com if you’d like to join us and help celebrate her legacy at GSL. This is a fun family event. Run or walk, all are welcome!

Book SwapJanuary 28-30, McClure HallGreat deals on gently used books, videos and DVDs. Stop by during school hours and shop the Swap!

Italian Dinner Hosted by the Eighth GradeThursday, Jan. 30, 5:30–7:30 pm in Trezevant HallThis delicious dinner is an annual GSL tradition; proceeds help defray the cost of the eighth grade students’ year-end class trip. So please come by and enjoy the fun with your school family and friends. Take-out also available. Tickets on sale this month; call 278-0200 for info.

School NewsBy Thor Kvande

Fourth grader Mary Claire displays an enrichment sewing club project. Club members made more than 50 “On-the-Go Rollups” filled with toiletry items and donated them to GSL church for their various outreach ministries. Each rollup was tagged with the message, “Somebody loves you.”

In December, GSL was featured in ABC 24’s Cool School of the Week segment. Third grader Kylie nominated GSL for this great honor! Fifth graders Sophie and Colin were among students interviewed by anchor Rodney Dunigan.

Junior kindergartners held a bake sale to raise funds to donate to an Exchange Club family in need at Christmas.

Students from GSL’s Grace After Hours after-care program helped decorate the office Christmas tree.


Sunday Mornings, 9:30–10:15 am

Adults on Sunday MorningsRector’s Forum (Schedule on p. 3)Facilitator: The Reverend Richard LawsonLocation: Trezevant; All ages are welcome to attendThroughout the year, we will have various guests who help us to think and experience what God’s voice sounds like. To make a long story short: God speaks in different kinds of language in the Bible—from questions to demands to stories. Additionally, we will consider ways that we hear God’s voice in more surprising places, such as literature, movies, and even ordinary conversations with friends and strangers. Class presenters listed at www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-classes/.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christian Education

The Lord’s Prayerby Harriet Roberts

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. BCP page 54

This past summer, because he runs cross country, our son—Matthew—needed to have an EKG as part of his required and routine sports physical at Christian Brothers High School.

I scheduled one, Matthew had it, and we went home. I heard nothing.

I called two weeks later on a Monday afternoon to get a copy of the tracing for the school. Our pediatrician had not hear anything and said that he would have to track down the tracing and the report. Tuesday morning—bright and early—I got a phone call on my cellphone asking me to bring Matthew in the next morning to see a pediatric cardiologist and have an echocardiogram.

Having been a medical practice manager, that they wanted to see Matthew that fast made my own heart begin to beat in a not so healthy way.

“What is wrong?” I asked as I simultaneously sat down in a chair no longer trusting my legs to function.

“Well, the Doctor will talk to you about that tomorrow” said the appointment secretary.

Um. No. I felt like I needed more information instantly. A lot more information, and even getting it tomorrow was simply not going to cut it.

continued on p. 10


To make a long story short, I drove (quickly) over to Baptist East (with Linda Stine riding shotgun for support), collected the tracing, scanned it, faxed it to my best bud, Michael, who is a (very smart) physician in Boston, and I did the only thing I knew to do: I began to pray.

Because I had the tracing, I read that the primary diagnosis was ‘bradycardia’ which is a slow heartbeat. This is totally to be expected and is normal for a runner. The secondary diagnosis was ‘right ventricular hypertrophy’ which is a problem. That finding was the one I knew they were concerned about, and which was the reason for all the fuss.

I prayed. I called and talked to more friends who are doctors. I prayed some more.

That evening, Matthew asked why he needed to have the test. “To make sure that everything in your body works the way it should” I said. In that moment, I was grateful for the years I spent riding spirited horses—some of whom had very bad manners. I had learned not to let them know I was terrified because it gave them a power that I neither wanted nor needed them to have. Because of the various conversations I had had that day, I did truly feel like things were going to be fine. And, Matthew had exhibited not one single cardiac symptom. But, then, I would begin to doubt, and my mind would race to terrible places. There was no point for Matthew to experience any of that reality.

The next morning we went to the pediatric cardiologist and the technician did the test. I sat quietly in the corner on a stool and I prayed.

As we waited, I prayed the Lord’s Prayer over, and over again.

Sometimes, as I sat there, my fear completely overwhelmed me. My mind would be yanked away from the Lord’s Prayer and every unlikely worst case outcome would materialize in my thoughts. For a moment, I would not be able to find the words to the Lord’s Prayer, though I do know them by heart. At times, I was so fearful during the 30 minutes that the sweet (but poker-faced) technician used her wand on my baby boy’s neck and chest that I actually felt paralyzed. Sometimes I even lost the words to

the Lord’s Prayer. But, in a moment or two, I found them again. With the test done, we retreated to the exam room and we waited for the physician.

I prayed some more.

“You heart is perfectly healthy” the cardiologist announced as he opened the door and came into the room. My prayer had been answered. I exhaled—it seemed—for the first time in 24 hours.

Apparently, sometimes in runners the heart can actually rotate and the rotation of the heart, combined with the leanness of my boy, could have made the EKG leads measure not exactly what was expected or desired. It was thought that could have been the cause of the wonky secondary diagnosis.

Moments later—as we waited to be checked out—I overheard a conversation between a nurse and a patient and the patient’s mother. They were also there that day for an appointment. It was clear to me that they were dealing with a lot and it seemed that their prayers had been overlooked. What about the prayers that had been said for that child?

In that moment I was grateful, but I was distressed too. Clearly, not all of our earnest prayers have fabulous outcomes: I have a friend whose child is thankfully recovering from a bizarre pneumonia; but I also have a friend whose child’s recovery from a horrible car accident has been very, very slow and seemingly full of setbacks.

I pray for both of them. I pray for both of them to know grace and peace. And, I pray for them to heal.

Obviously, sometimes one outcome will be better than another.

There are times when prayer is all I have to offer. And, wrapping a specific family or person who aches in loving prayer is huge.

I have learned that prayer is not about the outcome. Prayer, for me anyway, is about the process and about an intimacy with God.

What does prayer mean to you? I wonder about these things.

continued from p. 9

Looking Towards Sunday ~ January

Revised Common LectionaryTrack 1 Year A

Second Sunday after Christmas: January 5

Jeremiah 31:7-14 • Psalm 84:1-8Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a • Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

First Sunday after the Epiphany: January 12

Isaiah 42:1-9 • Psalm 29Acts 10:34-43 • Matthew 3:13-17

Second Sunday after the Epiphany: January 19

Isaiah 49:1-7 • Psalm 40:1-121 Corinthians 1:1-9 • John 1:29-42

Third Sunday after the Epiphany: January 26

Isaiah 9:1-4 • Psalm 27:1, 5-131 Corinthians 1:10-18 • Matthew 4:12-23

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.

Holy Baptism Scheduled

Baptism is the entry point for The Episcopal Church for adults, children and infants. If you have not been baptized or would like to schedule a baptism, we are happy to make arrangements for you. The next date for baptism will be Jan. 12. For more information and to schedule a baptism, contact Connie Johns, 272-7425, ext. 22, or [email protected].

Altar Gifts are offered in Loving Memory of

January 5 Florence Boyce Battle, Walter Preston Battle, and James McGowin Rowland

January 12 Robert Couch, Jr., Cecil R. Whitlock, Mary Ruth Whitlock, John Wesley Long, Florence Rose Long, Delbert Spurlock, Meacy Spurlock, James W. Whitlock, and Dorothy L. Whitlock

January 19 Pat Reid, Bill Reid, Tannen Reid, Deborah Conn, Arliss Hederick Tuttle, James Charles Rowland

January 26 John Ethridge McCall, Edith Washington Bailey, Ernest Eugene Bailey, Mary Chunn Wilkinson, Charles Locke Wilkinson, Edith Bailey Wilkinson, William Neilson Wilkinson, Ernest Bailey Wilkinson, Chunn Wilkinson Babendreer, James Sprague Washington, Ella Washington Schaefer, William Neilson Wilkinson, Jr., James Charles Rowland, and John Ethridge McCall

Memorials& Honoraria

Given in Memory ofJohn Peyton from Stephen & Chalmers ValentineMillicent Peyton from Stephen & Chalmers ValentinPeggy Rolfes from Nancy & Martin EdwardsKatherine McCormick from Mattie EdwardsDorothy Lee Miller-Watt from Denise Taylor, Parrish & Lorraine

Taylor, & Burson Taylor SnyderIda Lynn Means from Mackie & Jane GoberJimmy Woo from Mary Virginia RogersGeorge Partin from Mary Virginia RogersStewart Jones from Mary Virginia RogersMary & Ira Hall Cummings from Mary Anne KoeppelFred Acuff from Walter D. Wills III, Nancy & Rodgers Menzies,

Mary J. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Rembert III, Mr. & Mrs. Walker E. Morris, Jr., Stevenson T. Waler, Mrs. Wilson Carruthers, Karl V. Erdman, Dr. & Mrs. G. R. Turner, Margaret & Bill Craddock, Sandy Frazier, Madelline Jehl, Jane M. Genette Twist, Parrish & Lorraine Taylor, Burson Taylor Snyder, Karen Harper, Mackie & Jane Gober, Ivy Koster, and Barney Rolfes

Given in Honor ofBishop Henry Parsley from Edward & Ruthie TaylorSusan & Tom Stephenson from Jimpsie & Warren AyresMitch & Kelly Jo Graves from Wynn & Gwin ScottGeorge & Alice Burrruss, Preston & Betsy Wilson, Ed & Patty

Wiley, Tom & Beth Claybrook, and Merilyn Mangum from Bob & Corinne Adrian

Richard & Katherine Lawson, Bob & Corinne Adrian, Preston & Betsy Wilson, Sonny & Nancy Golden from George & Alice Burruss

Ginger Acuff, Elizabeth & Mary Grace Brewer, Caroline Gardiner, Sandra Ireland, Carolyn Wills & Janet Tate from Karen Harper

Preston Willson & George Burruss from Mackie & Jane Gober

MembershipNews

Transfers OutPrice Smith to Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas

DeathsFred Acuff, died 12-6-13, burial 12-11-13David Sanford, died 12-9-13


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

January 3 First Friday FellowshipJanuary 3-4 Vestry RetreatJanuary 4 Needlework GuildJanuary 10 39ersJanuary 12 Holy BaptismJanuary 14 Finance CommitteeJanuary 16 Third Thursday

January 17 Executive CommitteeJanuary 17-19 EYC Ski TripJanuary 21 VestryJanuary 26 Rite 13 Liturgy Food Pantry Sunday

Upcoming...

February 28-March 2 Women’s Retreat

January calendar: www.gracestlukes.org/uploads/files/january2013calendar.pdfYearly Calendar: Go to www.gracestlukes.org/events/ and look for the Master Calendar icon on the left.

5th Sunday is December 29th!

Please join the Fellowship Committee for College Bowl Countdown on Sunday, Dec. 29, immediately following the 10:30 am service in Trezevant Hall. The menu will include dishes that we are sure will become fan favorites. The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children for lunch. There will be supervised activities for the children.

the messenger, january 2014

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