In addition to worship, the Vestry and the Clergy-Staff Team invite all able-bodied individuals to identify at least one way to get involved in the sustainability of Grace-St. Luke’s, and have released “Parish Life Ministry Areas” online (download pdf) and for pickup in the public spaces. For more about ways to invest in life at GSL, contact Stewardship Associate Chapman Morrow (901.252.6328, cmorrow@gracestlukes.org).
PLEASE NOTE: Soon to be updated for 2021.
MISSION OF THE CHURCH
The Mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ, and the church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. The Vision of Grace-St. Luke’s Parish is to be a thriving community of hope, belonging, and healing through worship, parish life, and service, and who rejoices in the love of Jesus to transform the world. In addition to worship, the Vestry and the Clergy-Staff Team invite all able-bodied individuals to identify at least one way to get involved in the sustainability of Grace-St. Luke’s. Learn more about Parish Life Ministry Areas below. To connect with area leaders or teams, contact either Stewardship Associate Chapman Morrow at the Church Office (901.252.6328, cmorrow@gracestlukes.org) or the Vestry Commissioner listed with said area.
ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNICATIONS
Administration/Communications – Simon Wadsworth (Senior Warden)
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on the roles and responsibilities related to overall parish administration including staff development, personnel committee, operations, and membership; and provide support necessary to effectively and efficiently communicate all aspects of parish life both within and beyond the parish. Roles include assisting staff with special projects and receptionist substitution.
ATHLETICS
Athletics – Mike Davis
Supports, along with Parish Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders, the Grace–St. Luke’s School Athletics Program, an offering of athletic opportunities for children ages JK through 4th grade; provides athletic competition in a Christ-centered environment and development of players’ sports fundamentals all while teaching sportsmanship through meaningful playing time and coaching leadership, developing deeper friendships with players, parents and coaches, and valuing the safety and wellbeing of all sports participants. Roles include coaching, mentoring, field and court maintenance, and uniform-sorting.
CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Congregational Development – Jimpsie Ayres and Anna Robbins
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on a comprehensive approach to the development, engagement, and growth of parish ministries: to invite, create, and incorporate new members and to explore ways for the parish to spread the Gospel and engage the wider community. Roles include evangelism, name tag administration, newcomer engagement, member incorporation, and worship and event hosts (greeters).
FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship – Wight Boggs (Clerk)
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on the offering of fellowship opportunities in the way of ongoing and seasonal events that support a parish commitment to building community among its members, newcomers, and visitors, including receptions after all worship offerings of the parish. Roles include hospitality, providing food and beverage, decorating, setup, and cleanup for events.
FORMATION
Formation – (Adult) Sandra Ireland sanrere at aol.com (Youth), Patrick Burnett patrick at burnettcs.com, (Children) Ben Cowan ben.d.cowan at gmail.com
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on the educational and discipleship ministries of the parish by planning, implementing, and evaluating Christian formation programs for all ages, as well as special and seasonal offerings to engage the wider community. Roles include facilitating small or large groups, teaching or co-teaching adults, youth, and children, and hosting/hospitality for special events.
OUTREACH
Outreach – Jonathan Large
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on creating and maintaining ways for parishioners to serve others through charitable parish in-house initiatives (Food Pantry, More Than A Meal) and non-parish initiatives and agencies that focus on those in need and respect for the dignity of every human being, including GSL “Servant Ministry Partners” who receive GSL Outreach Grants to perform their ministries to the wider community. Roles include assisting an initiative according to its needs or serving on the Outreach Team.
PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral Care – Nina Callan
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on assisting and enhancing ministries that express the love and concern of the parish to members and newcomers in times of sickness, suffering, loss and celebration. Roles include serving on a Pastoral Care Team that shares duties (calls, cards, emails, flowers, food) every 4-5 weeks.
PROPERTY
Property – Charlie Pazar (Junior Warden) Pazar at aol.com
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on the overall stewardship and management of parish buildings and grounds entrusted to support parish operations. Roles include serving on the Buildings and Grounds Committee or occasional assistance with special property-care projects.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Social Justice – Stinson Liles
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on creating and maintaining ways for parishioners to serve others through advocacy-focused parish and non-parish initiatives and agencies, including any GSL grant-recipient “Servant Ministry Partners,” committed to understanding, addressing, and reforming the systemic causes for the challenging, dire, and inequitable circumstances of fellow members of the human family. Roles include assisting an initiative according to its needs or serving on the Social Justice Team.
STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship – Tom Stephenson
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on leading the people of GSL into generous responses to God's love by offering gifts of time, money and talent, caring for parish facilities, and sustaining our natural environment. Given that the financial wellbeing of the parish is directly related to Christian discipleship, stewardship ministry recognizes worship, formation, and outreach as key sources for discovering what it means to be faithful stewards of God's abundance. Roles include serving on the Stewardship Team and assisting with special initiatives such as a parish recycling program.
WORSHIP AND LITURGY
Worship and Liturgy – Grant Adams and Jim Greer
Supports Staff, Clergy, and lay leaders on offering and supporting worship opportunities that reflect parish needs and styles within the context of the Episcopal/Anglican traditions as well as assisting with recruitment of the variety of persons. Roles include Acolyte, Altar Guild, Choir, Bread Baker, Eucharistic Minister, Flower Guild, Lector, Usher; hospitality at funerals and seasonal services.