|
|
|
|
|
Just Around the Corner - October 2017
Pastor’s Pen
Most of you all are already aware, but for those who are not, Shady Grove has been fortunate enough to secure an opening in the Rev. Dr. J Herbert Nelson’s schedule for Sunday, October 8. Rev. Nelson will preach during Sunday morning service, and following worship, will offer a talk on “The View from Here: The Future of a Church Being Reformed”.
As the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), J Herbert is the chief eclairs officer of the General Assembly, our highest ecclesial body. In this role, he is often called to serve as the face and voice of our denomination on the national and international stage. Recent actions include speaking out against the President’s order ending the DACA program, condemning the ban on trans gender individuals serving the the US military, and accompanying members of Marturia Indonesian Presbyterian Church facing raids from ICE agents.
The idea of inviting J Herbert to Shady Grove arose back in the spring as I began setting goals for the congregation based on individual and session discussions. One topic that stood out to me was the desire to better understand ‘who we are at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church’.
From my vantage point, our congregation has a distinct identity that differs from many other Presbyterian churches. We have many members who have a long history in the PC(USA) and many who are rooted in the Southern, American, or Cooperative Baptist tradition. We have members who grew up in conservative evangelical churches and others whose faith journey began in the Catholic or Episcopal church. Whether rooted in a faith tradition, or even coming from no faith tradition at all, we are an eclectic group that God has seen fit to call together into one community, rooted in love and with an abiding desire to proclaim an open and affirming message of faith.
While we hold our diverse faith backgrounds as a beautiful part of who we are, Shady Grove is a Presbyterian church. We are a part of the Presbytery of the Mid-South, govern ourselves by the Book of Order, and proclaim the key tenants of the Reformed faith. I remain convinced that we can both celebrate our diverse faith traditions and enthusiastically support the future of the PC(USA).
It is my hope that the upcoming visit from J Herbert will serve as a beacon for this part of our journey together, and will move us to a greater excitement and deeper engagement with the denomination as a whole. In his role as the Stated Clerk, J Herbert has an unmatched view of the church and an intimate knowledge of the church’s current mission. I’m eager to hear his vision for the future path that lies ahead, and how our congregation can discover how we are called to be apart, if not on the leading edge, of a church always being reformed.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Rev. Will
Will@shadygrovepres.org
269-512-2018
|
|
|
Parish Nurse Notes
An article in the NYTimes, 09/26/17 states "hearing loss can speed cognitive decline leading to increased risk of dementia". Hearing loss corrected with hearing aids is less likely to lead to this condition. So, what can you do to prevent this? Here's one tip: if you use a hairdryer you are exposing yourself to 85 or > decibels of noise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, hearing loss can occur with repeated exposure to noises at or above 85 decibels. So, put in ear plugs when you use your hairdryer or invest in a new quieter version hairdryer!
submitted by Janet Bartosch, Parish Nurse.
|
|
|
Community
Mid-South Pride Festival and Parade
Shady Grove is invited to join Idlewild and Evergreen and (hopefully) other Presbyterian churches across Memphis at the annual Mid-South Pride Festival and Parade tomorrow, September 30.
The festival will be in Robert Church Park on the east side of the FedEx Forum from 10-5 and the parade kicks off down Beale St at 1pm. Idlewild and Evergreen will have booths set up for fellowship and fun both before and after the parade. If folks can just come for the parade, we are encouraged to gather at the Idlewild tent by 12:30 and we will be directed to our parade line up location.
Anyone coming down is encouraged to wear a shirt from their home congregation if available. Help us spread the love and welcome to all found in our faith communities.
Welcome Your Neighbors
Shady Grove is now offering ‘Welcome Your Neighbors’ yard signs for $10.00 each. The original idea for these signs grew out of Immanuel Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Their faith compelled them to choose to reach out to their neighbors and neighborhoods, welcome those who come from different backgrounds and places, and practice hospitality through the open doors of their community. Posting these signs is a way to show deep commitment to sharing God’s love in the world, to welcoming the stranger, and to getting to know your neighbors across all divides.
Alumni from the PRIZM Ensemble will be joining us during worship this Sunday. Don't miss this opportunity to hear local classical musicians perform.
Join a Team
Team meetings are this Sunday, October 1st after church.
Blessing of the Animals
All of God's creatures are welcome to join us this Sunday, at 3pm, for a blessing of the animals.
PW Day and Night Circles
The Day Circle will meet here at the church on October 3, at 10 am. The Night Circle will meet at the home of Elaine Williams at 1067 Welchshire Place at 7 pm. We will discuss Lesson 2.
Choir
Do you sing? Sing in choir! Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:30pm. (Note new later start time.)
Sausage Biscuits
The Formation Team will be offering sausage biscuits (and plain biscuits) for sale to raise funds for the annual St. Luke's Christmas Dinner. They will be offered next Sunday, October 8th and will cost $3.00. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Women's Birthday Luncheon
It will be on October 11, 12:00pm, at Interim.
Wednesday Night Dinners
The next dinner is October 11, at 6pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be Karen Spencer from World Relief Memphis. Their Mission is to empower the local Church to serve the most vulnerable; their Vision is in community with the local Church, envision the most vulnerable people transformed economically, socially, and spiritually; and a few of their key values are partnership, prayer and empowerment. Please click here to RSVP.
Fall Work Day
We will meet October 14 at 9am to help spiff up the church campus. Please sign up in the
narthex or click here if you will be able to help. Lunch will be provided.
Saturday Supper
On Saturday, October 21st, come serve at St. Luke's United Methodist Church on Highland @ Mynders. Plan to stay from about 3:00 pm to about 5:30 pm. Call Susan Baldwin with questions 605-7704.
Free Legal Advice
Midtown Legal Clinic will provide free assistance on Saturday, October 21, from 10am til noon at Idlewild Presbyterian Church located at 1750 Union Avenue.
Knitting Prayer Shawls
Our SGPC Knitting Group will meet Sunday, October 22 from 2:00 to 3:00 here at the church.
Book Club
Maxine led a very thought-provoking discussion of A Gentleman in Moscow at our last meeting. We will meet Thursday, October 26, at 6:00, to watch Un Padre no Tan Padre. Dinner will be served. Pat Walker will lead that discussion. It's a fun movie!
MICAH (Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope) is a newly formed organization concerned with pursuing social justice in Memphis and Shady Grove has become one of their charter partners. The group, formed through the Gamaliel Foundation, is focused on better outcomes for youth, economic equity, and criminal justice reform. The purpose of MICAH is to amplify our voices and impact by working together for a common goal. On Saturday, October 28, from 9a-3p there will be a ‘One Day Community Organizing for Power’ training session at Lindenwood Christian Church. If you would like more information on the group or are interested in adding your voice and would like to attend the training session, please contact Rev. Will.
2017 Pledge Progress
As of September 28, Shady Grove is at 86% of reaching our goal of $305,000!
Mustard Seed
Come check out the new products from Thistle and Bee!
Food Pantry
Most needed items are cans of main dishes with meat (not tuna), soup and cans of green
vegetables. August statistics: 318 households served totaling 572 individuals.
Thank you for your gracious giving to the Workers Interfaith Network picnic. We raised $550 to support advocating for living wages and worker's rights.
Hurricane Disaster Assistance
We are accepting donations for ongoing disaster relief. Donations made out to Shady Grove and noted ‘Disaster Assistance’ will be directed to PC(USA) groups offering emergency response and long-term recovery for affected areas. As of last Sunday, we have raised close to $14,000!
Welcome Our New Children and Youth Directors
Director of Children’s Ministry - Carolyn King will oversee all ministries for young children with the primary focus being to create and implement a worshipful time and space for young children during the Sunday morning worship hour. The DCM will also be responsible for special events based on the church calendar and other activities based on the church’s needs.
Director of Youth Ministry - Chris Williams will oversee all ministries with our middle and high school youth with the primary focus being to build a vibrant and active youth group. As part of this goal, the DYM will build relationships with churches of similar mission and purpose, create programs that align with Shady Grove’s theological and social beliefs, and lead our youth in efforts for justice and peace.
Want to share?
If you would like to contribute to the monthly newsletter, please submit the details to Angie by the 20th of each month. Weekly email and bulletin information by Thursday at 12 pm. Please include this information: date, time, location, and the who, what, and why for the occasion. Angie@shadygrovepres.org We look forward to hearing from you!
Please remember Shady Grove in your will
|
|
|
Race for Grace is just around the corner! We would like to
encourage everyone to support shady grove's values of fitness, community and charity by either volunteering or running in the race. Also, please encourage your friends, neighbors and
co-workers to participate in this fun, family friendly event.
Adult non-runners can walk the course and children 12 and under can either run the
5k or the 1 mile fun run.
The race benefits Shady Grove Elementary School.
To register, go to: raceforgrace.org
A popular Couch to 5K Training Plan is:
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/50933/5K-Novice-Training-Program
|
|
SHADY GROVE PRAYER LIST
Don and Charlotte Haynes and Family
Kimberly Baker
Courtney Cook (Rev. Will)
Sharon Harrison
Thord Nyberg (Carina & Lecolion Washington)
Rev. Don Wilson & Mary Ann Wilson (Curt & Peggy Wilson)
Mary Fischer (Henry & Janet Bartosch)
Sandy Smith (Ned & Sandra Smith)
Sherry Morrison (Pam Hinds)
Chuck Campbell (Sonny & Avalon Robinson)
Agnes Sanders (Avalon Robinson)
Bob and Kathy Farmer (Sarah Strong)
Polly Heimberg
Mike Hastings (Jeanine Akers)
Adam Cruthirds (Connie Cruthirds)
Kevin McDevitt (Meghan McDevitt-Murphy)
Maria Julia Garcia-Brake (Mary Alice Brake)
Ruth Ingram and Family
Okan Demirmen (Elizabeth McFadden)
Oliver Pace (Ann Miller)
Connor Boyd (Elizabeth Boyd)
Juliana Judge (Carolyn King)
Patrick Herrington and family (Kay & Anna Ericksen)
Lynn Douglas (Shelley Gray)
The Family of Jere Morris (Bob Isgren)
Avalon and Sonny Robinson
Frierson Graves
Garland Smith
Helen Wofford & Family (Kay Ericksen)
Ned and Sandra Smith
Nancy Gray and Family
Marie Johnson and Family
DeAnn Pace (Ann Miller)
Rosaline Walker (Ann Miller)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
