Advent and Christmastide 2019 at GSL

The seasons of Advent and Christmas at Grace-St. Luke’s offer a collection of worship services, music, fellowship, and service opportunities to enrich the spiritual journeys of all who might engage as they are able. While the holiday season often tends to speed up and actually demand more from us, the days of Advent invite us to slow down. It is during this time that we are called to wait with great expectation and prepare to be truly awake for Christmas, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. All are invited to any and all of what is offered and encouraged to bring guests to share in each experience. In addition to Sundays, 8:00 and 10:30 a.m., 5:30 pm, and Wednesdays at Noon, please join us.

Download the Advent and Christmastide list of offerings by following this link.

Wednesday Evenings in December, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Trezevant Hall

• 4th (St. Nicholas Festival)
• 11th (Caroling, Cookies, & Cocoa)
• 18th (A Night of Sacred Storytelling)

More information here.

Grace-St. Luke’s Partners with Outreach Grant/Servant Ministry Partner, Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc., for “Compassionate Christmas” Events

Thursday, December 12, 5:30-7 p.m. “Compassionate Kids Evening of Service” offers a unique opportunity for children under the age of 12 and parents to volunteer together. Families assemble 1,500 Christmas Food Baskets to be distributed to our neighbors in need.

Thursday, December 12, 5:30-7 p.m.
Saturday, December 14, 7-9 a.m. or 9-11 a.m. “Compassionate Christmas Food Baskets” volunteers will assist with assembly of 10,000 food baskets for our neighbors in need. Each basket will be filled with enough food to feed a family of four for up to four days.

Location for Both Events: 2934 Fleetbrook Dr. Memphis, TN 38116

Sign up to volunteer: http://ncclife.org/compassionate-christmas
(use Volunteer form)

Christmas Pageant with Holy Eucharist. The children of the parish will present the story of the Nativity through various roles, processions, and carols for the congregation and young choristers to sing. The Holy Eucharist will use an abbreviated prayer form adapted for seasonal use in congregations with large numbers of young children. The pageant rehearsal is on Saturday, December 21, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and is open to all children, 5th grade and younger. During this rehearsal, those who wish to make advanced claims on shepherd, sheep, angel, and assorted animal costumes may do so. On Christmas Eve, costumes also will be available at 3:15 p.m. in Trezevant Hall to involve as many children as possible in the pageant. Childcare is provided beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Festival Choral Eucharist (6:45 p.m. Prelude). This sung service of the Holy Eucharist includes congregational carols and hymns, music offered by the Chancel Choir, organ, and brass quintet, and a sermon by the Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, Rector. Childcare is available beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Festival Choral Eucharist (10:15 p.m. Prelude). This sung service of the Holy Eucharist is Grace-St. Luke’s version of “Midnight Mass,” timed for worshippers to leave the church just after midnight on Christmas morning. The liturgy includes congregational carols and hymns, music offered by the Grace-St. Luke’s Schola, organ, brass quintet, incense (mild and hypoallergenic), and a sermon by the Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, Rector.

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Eucharist, Rite II. This service of Holy Eucharist includes congregational carols and hymns and a homily by the Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, Rector.

8:00 and 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Holy Eucharist. Grace-St. Luke’s will offer its regular services on Sunday, December 30, including nursery care beginning at 7:45 a.m. Breakfast by the Crossmen and Christian formation offerings for all ages resume Sunday, January 5.