|
|
|
|
Pastor’s Pen - July 2019
A major part of our church’s mission is to use our facilities in ways that establishes the character and faith of the congregation and furthers our values of justice and inclusion. We live into these values and mission by hosting PRIZM, the Our Own Voice theater group, and countless groups focused on support, health and well-being, and community organizing. This month, we are able to open our doors for two groups and events that I want to highlight.
This coming Tuesday, July 9, Shady Grove is hosting an Immigration Action Meeting organized by Mismo Sol 901 and Indivisible Memphis. This community meeting, similar to the one we hosted last year, will focus on the ongoing immigration and humanitarian crisis at our southern border. Other organizations from around Memphis who are actively involved in advocacy and assistance for immigrants, former detainees, and asylum seekers will be present to share their stories. There will also be a panel discussion via video conference with leaders tackling this issue on the national stage.
The event is from 5:30 - 8:30p. RSVP-ing is encouraged. Contact me for information on that.
On Sunday afternoon, July 21, we will host an Ice Cream Social organized by the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP). TEP is a statewide organization dedicated to promote and sustain the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the state of Tennessee through the establishment of fair and equitable laws protecting these rights. They also work for the elimination of laws that would seek to counter this effort.
Their annual Ice Cream Social - held on National Ice Cream Day! - began in Shelby County in 2010, and has since expanded to other parts of the state. The event is both a fundraiser for TEP and, perhaps more importantly, a time to build community and relationships within the LGBTQ community and allies.
The event is from 2-4p in the Fellowship Hall. $10 for individuals and $25 for families; cash or credit at the door. All proceeds support Tennessee Equality Project to advance equality in our state.
I am regularly reminded of how proud and honored I am to be the pastor of a congregation that is so dedicated to open doors, full inclusion, and justice for all of God’s children.
Blessings,
Rev. Will
|
|
|
Community
Sunday School
Adult Sunday school will not meet in July.
Children's and Youth's Sunday school meets every Sunday during worship.
Join a Team
Team meetings are Sunday, July 7th after church. Please consider getting involved!
Session Meeting
Will meet Monday, July 8, at 6pm here at the church
MICAH
Monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, July 9, at 7pm at Teamsters Local 667 located at 796 E. Brooks Rd., 38116. For the July meeting, we'll evaluate our Vigil of Lamentation for Frayser, hear wins and next steps from MICAH’s three task forces, and look ahead to our September 15th Public Meeting with municipal election candidates.
The Education Equity Committee gathers again on Monday, July 15, for the joint discussions with Stand for Children and 9-0-One Memphis at 6:00 p.m. at the MCUTS building, 2181 Union Ave.
Lights for Liberty - Memphis Immigration Court
On Friday, July 12th, from 7-9pm at 80 Monroe Ave., The Tennessee Poor People's Campaign with local organizations will stand with Lights for Liberty to shine a light on the horrific conditions and human rights abuses inside America's Immigration industry. We are partnering with national, regional and local communities and organizations who believe that fundamental rights are not negotiable and who are willing to protect those rights.
Hear from those who have personally experienced confinement in immigration detention centers! Let's come together in unity and solidarity to bring light for liberty of ALL people.
Sausage Biscuits
The Formation Team will offer sausage biscuits for sale to raise funds for the annual St. Luke's Christmas Dinner. They will be offered Sunday, July 14th and will cost $3.00. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Saturday Supper
On Saturday, July 20th, 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.
Knitting Group
Will resume in September. Happy Summer Break!
Tai Chi for Health
Every Monday, at 6pm, in the fellowship hall. Free, open to the community. Suitable for all levels and can be done seated. Call Cynthia Mealer for questions at 833-1746.
Choir Practice
Choir will resume the Wednesday after Labor Day, at 7:30 PM, so make plans to join us then!
Mustard Seed
Don't forget to stop by the store after worship. Lots of goodies await!
Please remember Shady Grove in your will.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Easy Ways to Support Outreach at SGPC
1) Link your Kroger Plus card to Shady Grove Presbyterian Church
Through Kroger’s Community Rewards program, a percentage of Kroger’s quarterly community contributions are allocated to our church. Be sure to use your Kroger Plus card each time you shop, and to ensure your card is linked to the church, look at the very bottom of your receipt which should say “Shady Grove Presbyterian Church.
2) When shopping at Super Lo, use the church’s phone # (901-683-7329) at check out.
3) Shop online at smile.amazon.com and select Shady Grove as the recipient.
By shopping at smile.amazon.com rather than simply amazon.com, SGPC receives .5% of all sales. Doesn’t sound like much, but combined together it can grow rather quickly.
Contact Shelley, Angie, or Rev. Will for more information or assistance.
|
|
|
|
St. Luke's Food Pantry
Cans of main dish items with meat are needed.
Your donations make a huge difference!
|
|
|
Prayer List
Prayers for Healing and Wholeness
Roy Shirkey
Barry Gilmore (King Family friend)
Phil Smith
Regina Rastall
Jessica Keith
Colleen Whirley
Gloria Zotkiewicz
Carol Bizot
Claudia Rutkauskas
Sandra and Ned Smith
Laura Flippin
Teresa Robinson
Steve Alsobrook
Janet Baldwin (Susan Baldwin’s mother)
Chuck Cambell (Friend of Sonny)
Anges Sanders (Avalon’s sister)
Jane Sohm (Sarah Strong’s mother)
George and Darlene Gray (Nancy Gray)
Sandy Smith (Ned and Sandra Smith)
Polly Heimburg
Lynn Douglas (Shelley Gray)
DeAnn Pace (Ann Miller)
Rosalind Walker (Ann Miller)
Amy Waddell (Ann Miller)
Marie Johnson
Gaye Hazel (Angie Wagner's aunt)
Darrell Willis (Carolyn King's friend)
Prayers for Peace and Comfort
Meredith Walsh and Kyle Tingley
Prayers for the Human Condition
All affected by gun violence
Immigrant communities and families seeking asylum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
