A diversity of Sunday and weekday formation programs and events are offered to support faith journeys and discipleship growth. In addition to offerings presented by the parish clergy and lay ministers, guest speakers are from the Memphis community and beyond. The following Sunday Parish Hall Forum events take place from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. in Trezevant Hall, accessible from the 1720 Peabody Avenue "Church Offices | Trezevant Hall" entrance to the Parish House (west/left of the church building from the parking lot with two flagpoles). Small Group Bible Study Classes are offered on most Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. in the Peete Room, just off of Trezevant Hall, on most Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
Visit gracestlukes.org/life-at-gsl and download a copy of Life at GSL Program Guide (Winter-Spring 2023 | January 1-June 4) Worship, Formation, Community, Music & More.
Small Group Bible Study Class, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Would you like to learn more about Scripture and dive deeper? Then, join a conversation in the Peete Room led by faithful GSL members to study the Sunday’s bible readings to unearth the wisdom and insight waiting to be discovered. We invite you to bring your own bible, but we also have extras on hand for any who need to use one. Facilitators include Anne Ayres, Lee Nix, Dana and Murray McKay, Dan Pigg, Robbie Weinberg, Charlie Pazar, and Jon McCalla. | Location: Peete Room
April 2
Palm Sunday: Palm Cross Making in Trezevant Hall, 9:15–10:15 a.m. Join fellow parishioners of all ages for a time of learning about the tradition of making palm crosses. Tables will be set up with workstations, supplies, and instructors to lead participants through this annual custom of many Christian traditions. All are welcome for what always is an enjoyable community experience.
Small Group Bible Study, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Join a discussion about the Sunday’s bible readings led by faithful GSL members. | Location: Peete Room
April 9
Easter Day: Community Fellowship. Formation classes suspended and resume on April 16.
April 16 & 23
The Second Sunday of Easter and Youth Sunday: Resurrection, God, and the Believers in Rome according to Paul with Dr. Mitzi Minor, Week One, 9:15–10:15 a.m. Longtime GSL friend and a biblical scholar, Dr. Minor will offer a two-week presentation and conversation based on the letter to the Romans in which St. Paul discusses what resurrection says about God and about how we live as children of such a God. Minor is the Mary Magdalene Professor of New Testament at Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS), where she joined the faculty in 1993, and holds a Ph.D. and M.Div from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a B.A. from Auburn University.
Small Group Bible Study, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Join a discussion about the Sunday’s bible readings led by faithful GSL members. | Location: Peete Room
April 30
The Fourth Sunday of Easter: Holding on to Hope with the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, 9:15–10:15 a.m. Christian adults, youth, and children are called to embrace hope in all things and times. In his 2020 book, Love Is The Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times, Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry offers that love is the way to discover deep reservoirs of hope and resilience, simple wisdom, the discipline of nonviolence, and unshakable regard for human dignity. What better teaching can there be in Eastertide for all ages especially children “growing up in an unsteady and confusing world”? Join Father Ollie Rencher and guests including a child psychologist for a conversation that intends to empower participants with practical tools for holding on to hope.
Small Group Bible Study, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Join a discussion about the Sunday’s bible readings led by faithful GSL members. | Location: Peete Room
May 7
The Fifth Sunday of Easter: Church Health Partnering with Memphis and the GSL Food Pantry with Dr. Scott Morris, 9:15–10:15 a.m. Celebrating 35 years (September 2022) of caring for one another, Church Health provides medical services through partnerships with healthcare providers, diagnostic centers, hospitals, and nutrition experts. Last year, the GSL Food Pantry (founded 1975) started an evolving partnership with Church Health to provide meals that promote health and prevent illness to patrons through frozen healthy meals prepared by a growing number of GSL cooking teams. Join GSL friend Scott Morris, MD, M.Div., and other Church Health team members for a conversation to learn more about the power of God’s work being done throughout our community.
Small Group Bible Study, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Join a discussion about the Sunday’s bible readings led by faithful GSL members. | Location: Peete Room
May 14
The Sixth Sunday of Easter: The Challenges and Joys of Intergenerational Ministry with Anthony Calzia, 9:15–10:15 a.m. The church has gone through many seasons in its long life. One recent season has seen a growing gap between the generations. Terms like Gen X, Gen Z, the Baby Boomers and Millennials have become common, but what does the generational gap mean for parish life and spiritual formation? There is a growing energy around an old idea: intergenerational ministry! Research and experience suggest one productive way forward is to structure parish life around bringing the church’s youngest, oldest, and everyone in between together for meals, play, study, and worship. Join our Director of Children and Family Ministry Anthony Calzia for an introduction and some practical possibilities for GSL in the years to come!
Small Group Bible Study, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Join a discussion about the Sunday’s bible readings led by faithful GSL members. | Location: Peete Room
May 21
The Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Spiritual Meaning and Power of Shalom with Rabbi Micah Greenstein, 9:15–10:15 a.m. What does the Hebrew word “shalom” or “peace” mean at a deeper level? Offered for centuries in a myriad of ways from one to another including during the worship services of many faiths, this substantial word conveys a spiritual meaning and power worth unpacking. For the last Spring 2023 Sunday forum, join Rabbi Micah in Trezevant Hall for a presentation and conversation. Rabbi Micah serves as Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel, a Reform congregation and spiritual home for more than half of the affiliated Jewish community in Memphis and the Mid-South that holds a pre-eminent role in Reform Judaism nationwide..
Small Group Bible Study, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Join a discussion about the Sunday’s bible readings led by faithful GSL members. | Location: Peete Room
May 28
The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday includes Baptisms: No Forum or Bible Study: Community Fellowship
June 4
June 4, The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday: No Forum or Bible Study. Community Fellowship, switch to one summer service 10 a.m.
Previous formation offerings that were video recorded are available here.
Previous audio recordings are available here.