Saint John’s Episcopal Church Guide Book & DirectorySaint John’s Episcopal Church Guide Book & Directory 4 Who to Call You can reach our staff by calling (901) 323-8597. To make

Saint John’s Episcopal Church Guide Book & Directory

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Saint John’s Episcopal Church3245 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38111

(901) 323-8597stjohnsmemphis.org

Facebook: facebook.com/stjohnsmemphisYouTube: youtube.com/stjohnsmemphis

From the RectorWhoever you are, and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at this place!

We hope that this Guide Book is but one way that we at Saint John’s introduce you to this wonderful parish. In it you will find names, phone numbers, addresses, and perhaps other information that will help you find your way deeper into the life of this parish

As with all who worship, sing, eat, pray, learn, and serve the world in Christ’s name, we hope that you find the Spirit of Jesus through the people of this wonderful parish!

Grace and Peace to you,

The Rev. C. Dean Taylor, Interim Rector


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Worship at Saint John’sSunday

8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite II Nursery available, 0-4yrs

10:30am Holy Eucharist with Chancel Choir, Rite II Nursery available, 0-4yrs 5:30pm Holy Eucharist, Rite II A simple, spoken service.

Wednesday12:10pm Eucharist Service with Healing and Anointing

For information about special services and liturgies, such as Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, etc., please check our website at stjohnsmemphis.org or call the church office.

Quick ReferenceChurch Office

Hours: M-F 8:30am-4:30pmPhone: 901-323-8597Fax: 901-327-9032

Parish Life Center (PLC)Hours: M-F 6:00am-8:00pm; Sat. 9:00am-noonPhone: 901-323-8560

Parents’ Day Out (PDO)Hours: T-F 9:00am-2:00pmPhone: 901-324-4716

Diocese of West TennesseePhone: 901-526-0023www.episwtn.org

Clergy The Rev. C. Dean Taylor ...................................................Interim Rector [email protected] ..................................................... ext. 15The Rev. Robert L. Van Doren, Jr. ................... Senior Associate Rector [email protected] ................................................ ext. 14The Rev. Miranda Cully Griffin ................................................. Curate [email protected] .................................................. ext. 17


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Staff Stephanie T. Brown ...............Associate to the Rector for Administration [email protected] ................................................. ext. 16Dr. Brian Campbell ...................................................... Director of Music [email protected] ................................................ ext. 26Marcia Noordemeer ................................... Director of Parents’ Day Out [email protected] .................................................... 324-4716Kristin Crocker ........................................................ Registrar - Secretary [email protected] ...................................................... ext. 10Marietta Haaga ......................................................Director of Recreation [email protected] ................................................... ext. 31Deborah Hubbard .................................Head Sexton/Cemetery Director [email protected] ................................................... ext. 25Allison Pace ................Director of Children’s Ministry & Communications [email protected] ...................................................... ext. 18Leigh Robinson ......................... Financial Assistant/Nursery Coordinator [email protected] ...................................................... 262-3141Dr. Bruce Smedley ...............................................................ChoirmasterPenny Vincent ............................................................. Financial Manager [email protected] ..................................................... ext. 11Mary Thacker ................................................................................ SextonKenny Turner ................................................................................ SextonStanley Ward ................................................................................. Sexton

VestrySr. Warden ............................................................................ Mike KeeneyJr. Warden ........................................................................Buddy Dearman

Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Class of 2021Mike Keeney Buddy Dearman Horace CarterMichael Calhoun Kat Gordon Ed CurrySissie Griffin Abbay Milnor Courtenay McAllisterSusan Peeples Clyde Stephenson John RyderScott Trammell Henry Stratton Laurie Thornton

The Rev. C. Dean Taylor, Interim RectorEx-Officio Member ..... The Rev. Robert L. Van Doren, Jr., Senior Associate RectorEx-Officio Member .......................Stephanie Brown, Associate to the Rector ................................................................................. for AdministrationEx-Officio Member ............................................ Glynn Alexander, TreasurerEx-Officio Member ....................................Martha Flowers, Clerk/Secretary


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Who to CallYou can reach our staff by calling (901) 323-8597. To make an appointment with the clergy, contact them directly.

Pastoral EmergencyThe Rev. C. Dean Taylor ................ [email protected] ............ ext. 15The Rev. Robert L. Van Doren, Jr .........................................rvandoren@stjohnsmemphis.org ............. ext. 14

Prayer RequestThe Rev. Robert L. Van Doren, Jr .........................................rvandoren@stjohnsmemphis.org .............ext. 14

Altar Flowers/Memorials Kristin Crocker [email protected] ............ ext. 10Financials/Pledges/Donations Penny Vincent .................. [email protected] ............ ext. 11Baptism Dates/Scheduling The Rev. Miranda Cully Griffin ...................................... [email protected] ............ ext. 10Event Reservations Stephanie Brown ......... [email protected] ............ ext. 16PLC Reservations/Sports Signup Marietta Haaga .............. [email protected] ............ ext. 31Membership Update/Transfer Kristin Crocker [email protected] ............ ext. 10Parish Email/Communications Kristin Crocker [email protected] ............ ext. 10Cemetery Deborah Hubbard [email protected] ............ ext. 25Music/Choirs Dr. Brian Campbell ..... [email protected] ............ ext. 26Parents’ Day Out Marcia Noordemeer [email protected] ............ ext. 30EYC/Youth Miranda ......................... [email protected] ............ ext. 17Children/Communications Allison Pace ...................... [email protected] ............ ext. 18Nursery Leigh Robinson ..................... [email protected] ........ 262-3141


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Opportunities for ServiceThe church is a living, breathing space built by loving hands who serve as the body of Christ. They volunteer time inside and outside the church buildings to make our community a vibrant place. The list below includes opportunities to play your part in many different ways and points you in the right direction to get started. Some opportunities are led by staff. They can be reached at 323-8597 and the extensions listed below.

MINISTER TO THE CHURCH AND ITS MEMBERSDeliver bread to newcomersNew visitors to the church receive a delivery of fresh-baked bread. Join the team as a baker, deliverer, or both. Stacy Sims ......................... [email protected] ........ 277-4744

Deliver flowers to the homeboundEach Sunday’s altar flowers are delivered to sick and homebound friends of the church. Sign up to deliver on a rotating basis. Pam Van Doren ............................................... 340-5154

Pray with the Daughters of the KingOur local chapter of prayer warriors seeks to know Jesus Christ and make him known to others through prayer. We offer intercessory prayers, Bible studies, and fellowship for women of all ages. Laura Dearman .......................... [email protected] ........ 832-5171

Work with Saint John’s TeensAssist with Teen Ministry on Sundays, chaperone an event, etc. The Rev. Miranda Cully Griffin ...................................... [email protected] ............ ext. 17

Assist with Children’s MinistryVolunteer as a teacher for Sunday School or VBS, host a family event, etc. Allison Pace ...................... [email protected] ............ ext. 18

Arrange Altar FlowersServe on a team that prepares altar flowers for Sundays and other occasional services. Some training available. Myra Ann Kelso ...................................................................... 258-1527 Mary Ann Lee ......................................................................... 685-2886 Kate Trammell ........................................................................ 550-1065 Sissie Griffin ........................................................................... 683-9390

Prepare the Altars for Church, Preserve the Sacred VesselsServe on a rotating team that cares for the brass and silver used at the altar and prepares the supplies for all church services. Carol Calame ...................... [email protected] ........ 634-7891

UsherServe as the face of Saint John’s on Sunday mornings and at other services by passing out bulletins, helping guests navigate, and collecting the offering. Hugh Mallory .................... [email protected] ........ 497-9756


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GreeterPartner with ushers to welcome people into the Church on Sunday mornings. Dee Bradley .......................... [email protected] ........ 458-1667

Medical GuildRotation of physicians serving as “on-call” help during Sunday Service. Andrew Morgret [email protected]

Chalice Bearer/LectorAdult Chalice Bearers serve communion (bread or wine) at the altar rail during one of three Sunday services. They are robed and in the procession. Lectors come from the pews to read the Old & New Testament Readings from the eagle lectern. One Chalice Bearer also serves as a Lector each Sunday. Both groups serve on a rotating basis. The Rev. Robert L. Van Doren, Jr. ................................... [email protected] ............ ext. 14

Acolyte/VergerYouth Acolytes assist in procession, carrying crosses, banners, and torches, and help at the altar. They serve on rotating “teams.” Adult Vergers lead the procession and act as “stage managers” during the service. Susan Peeples [email protected] ........ 581-5362

Guild of St. Hubert (for hunters)This group gathers for fellowship, food, and mutual support throughout the year. They also serve up their wild game at several local institutions for homeless Memphians. Barry Bridgforth ............... [email protected] ........ 848-4250

MINISTER TO GOD’S PEOPLE IN MEMPHISEmmanuel CenterSpend time with kids 5-18 yrs. old at an after-school program in South Memphis. Assist with homework, summer camps, and more. Clair Bradley [email protected] ........ 210-9232

Neighborhood Christian CenterServe in after-school programs with children and young adults. Provide helping hands for events or work with mentoring, job training, and more. Kimberly Tayloe ............................ [email protected] ........ 685-8232

MIFA Meals on WheelsBrighten the day of a homebound senior by delivering hot, nutritious lunches on weekdays or boxed non-perishable food on Saturday. Lesley Dillon [email protected] ........ 493-5649

St. Luke’s UMC Kitchen & Food PantryPrepare and serve meals for Saturday and Sunday Soup Kitchen. Drop off non-perishable foods for the Food Pantry. Lesley Dillon [email protected] ........ 493-5649


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Manna HouseVolunteers serve coffee, food when available, help in clothing the poor, visit with the guests, and provide a kind listening ear to homeless Memphians. Lucy Blackwell ............................ [email protected] ........ 581-5501

Salvation ArmyParticipate in special events, contribute food, clothing, money. John Peeples ............................ [email protected] ........ 497-2218

Kairos Prison MinistryBake cookies, support financially, pray or take the love and grace of our Lord and Savior into the prison in West TN. Henry Stratton [email protected] ........ 486-1397

Room at the InnPrepare meals, host neighbors, and assist with logistics for this ministry that provides emergency shelter and meals to homeless in Memphis. John Peeples ............................ [email protected] ........ 497-2218

Pastoral ServicesBaptism - Holy Baptism is the sacramental rite of full initiation, by water

and the Holy Spirit, into membership in the Christian church. All members of the congregation renew their own Baptismal Covenant and welcome the newly baptized into the community of faith on baptismal days. Baptism is administered in the context of the Eucharist on a Sunday or one of the following feast days: The Great Vigil of Easter, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. For more information or to schedule a baptism, contact The Rev. Miranda Cully Griffin, [email protected] or 323-8597 x70.

Confirmation - Confirmation is a public affirmation of faith when a mature Episcopalian chooses to live out their baptismal vows. To become a voting member of Saint John’s, one must have received the Rite of Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. At Saint John’s, we have confirmation classes in the spring and a service with the bishop. To enroll in confirmation classes, contact the church at Rev. Robert L. Van Doren. Jr., [email protected] or 323-8597 x14.

Weddings - A wedding is a joyous and holy occasion. In the Episcopal Church, we believe marriage to be a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. Saint John’s offers a beautiful worship space for your marriage ceremony, and has additional spaces available for your reception, if you desire. If you are interested in celebrating your marriage ceremony at Saint John’s, contact Kristin in the church office: (901) 323-8597 or email [email protected]. You can also read the guidelines concerning our expectations and requirements, available at stjohnsmemphis.org/services/weddings. Our guidelines are based on the fact that the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage is a service of worship for the Church and a sacrament, just as Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion are sacraments.


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[email protected]

901.359.1208 (phone)Mike Kopp

I N T E R I O R S H U T T E R • B L I N D S • S H A D E S

Physical TherapyMassage TherapyPersonal Training

•••

Poplar & Highland80 S. Prescott

(901) 25-REHABwww.momentumrehab.com


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Funerals - The end of our physical life in death is a reality we all must face. Our hope in everlasting life is based on our trust in Jesus’ resurrection and our belief that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Please contact our clergy as soon as possible in times of sickness or death of a loved one. We want to be present for you whenever you face loss or grief. If you need to reach a priest after office hours, call the pastoral emergency number, 323-8597 x14.

Marital/Pre-Marital Counseling - Counseling is available with our clergy for personal and couples’ needs, especially in the context of a marriage and preparation for marriage. Contact the church office at 323-8597 to inquire further.

Servant Ministrystjohnsmemphis.org/serve

Servant Ministry grows from our baptismal promise to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” and to “respect the dignity of every human being.” We must answer God’s call to action and work to spread his joy and love with gratitude, becoming the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

Our vision for Servant Ministry is driven by eight core ideals that guide where we commend our volunteers’ time and energy. These ideals also guide our financial support, so that we create harmony and focus in our work. In other words, we wholeheartedly support a targeted investment of ongoing Christian service in both volunteers and financial support to promote the greatest impact.Direct Interaction

Prioritize organizations that offer direct service, rather than funding middle-men.

Parishioner Hands-on InvolvementWhen we say we want to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the world, we mean it! We choose to commit time and money to organizations that place our parishioners directly into the work.

Opportunities to Work TogetherPrioritize two-way relationships and working together to promote the dignity of “Christ in all persons,” rather than “drop-off” or “give and receive” relationships which foster dependency and separation.

Movement of the Holy SpiritDoes the organization or ministry have clear signs of the Holy One moving through it? We prioritize such ministries to help maximize our impact and team-up with God.

Neighborhood MinistryFocus first on local ministries, especially those near Saint John’s, both in time given and money granted. Then branch out into city-wide partnerships and beyond.


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Impact of ContributionWhat effect will a gift of time and money from STJ have on the organization? Will it be a small donation for a well-established fundraising machine or a difference maker that enables an important ministry to blossom?

Verified TransparencyOrganizations we support need to have an established accountability structure and transparent use of funds. This is not exclusive to large-scale, corporate non-profits, but we seek to avoid those groups which do not demonstrate good stewardship of their resources.

Emergency NeedSome needs we encounter are truly emergencies and merit direct intervention on a short-term basis. This includes individual emergencies and disaster relief. However, such assistance is given careful consideration and not available to walk-in requests.

We are currently involved in a spectrum of ministries and services in Memphis that are built on relationships and service by those who follow the example of Jesus and call Saint John’s their home.

Find your next opportunity to join in and read more about our guiding principles at stjohnsmemphis.org/serve.

Music at Saint John’sstjohnsmemphis.org/music

memphisboychoir.org

Director of Music: Dr. Brian Campbell 323-8597 x26 ..................................... [email protected]: Dr. Bruce Smedley

Saint John’s music program consists of several choirs and many dedicated volunteer musicians. We strive to enhance the Sunday worship service and to work together with the Memphis community to create music of great value. We maintain high standards in our music and worship, and all our work is to the glory of God.

Chancel ChoirThe mixed choir supports our liturgy with musical leadership for the 10:30am Eucharist every Sunday. The music encompasses everything from eighth century plainsong to sixteenth century motets and modern choral arrangements. We rehearse Wednesdays at 7pm and Sunday mornings before the 10:30am service. New members are always welcome!


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The Memphis BoyChoir, Inc.The Memphis BoyChoir, Inc. incorporates three choirs. The Memphis BoyChoir program started as an outreach of Saint John’s in the fall of 1988 and continues to educate elementary school aged boys from all over the mid-south. In 2010 the program opened up to girls of the mid-south and now is a formation of a BoyChoir and a GirlChoir. The Memphis Chamber choir is an outstanding ensemble of mixed adult voices. It began as a companion to the Memphis BoyChoir in 1989 and performs in conjunction with the BoyChoir and GirlChoir, as well as independently. Together, we develop leadership skills, encourage community, and install an appreciation of music. The adult musicians of the Chamber choir are exemplars for the children in our program through their commitment to excellence and musical leadership.

Health, Fitness, and SportsParish Life Center (PLC)

stjohnsmemphis.org/rec-fitness323-8560

Director of Recreation: Marietta Haaga 323-8597 x31 ........................................ [email protected]

Saint John’s Episcopal Church offers a wide variety of activities for parishioners and the community. Through our Recreation Ministry we provide a place and avenues where the mind, body and spirit can be nourished and strengthened.

• The Parish Life Center (PLC) is open to parishioners and the community.

• The PLC has meeting rooms, gym, indoor track, fitness rooms with weight machines, free weights and cardio equipment.

• Rental of facilities for birthday parties, receptions, dinners, recreation events or overnight stays Contact us for availability and fees.

Fitness Rooms and Track• Open to parishioners and community – NO FEE (Donations

accepted)• Requirement to utilize – MUST present a photo ID to be copied

and put on file with contact information• MUST be 18 to register as a visitor• Personal Trainers available• Indoor Track: 17 Laps = 1 Mile

Youth and Adult Sports• Check the website for registration and deadline dates

Pickle Ball• Pickle ball courts (2) are open for free play on Monday (1:00pm-

3:00pm), Wednesday (12:00pm-2:00pm), and Friday (1:00pm-3:00pm).

• Paddles and balls available.


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AUSTIN’SAIR CONDITIONING & HEATING, INC.

682-9589Residential and Commercial

4460 Cleo • Memphis, Tennessee 38122Email: [email protected]

Chad Austin

PLUMBING COMPANY

Albert Cook Plumbing Company2101 Central • 272-2507


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Fitness Classes• Ongoing classes, times, and fees are offered that address a wide

variety of fitness needs.• Check the website for current information

Parents’ Day Outstjohnsmemphis.org/parents-dayout

323-4716

Director, PDO: Marcia Noordemeer 324-4716 ..................................................marcia@stjohnsmemphis.org

Saint John’s Parents’ Day Out is open Tuesday through Friday from9:00am to 2:00pm. (Extended care available).Children 6 weeks-5 years may attend two days per week, maximum.

The Parents’ Day Out program at Saint John’s provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can develop the self-confidence they need in order to feel positive about school. We encourage our students to follow their natural curiosity as they explore the educational toys, arts and crafts materials, and books in their classrooms. We also engage students ages one and older in structured activities so that they can learn important socialization skills such as sharing, following directions, and working as a team. As they learn about the world around them through stories, songs, science experiments and dramatic play, our students are also learning about themselves and how they relate to others. These are lessons that shape children’s sense of self — perhaps the most important element in whom they will become as life-long learners.

Children’s Ministrystjohnsmemphis.org/ministries/childrens-education

Director of Children’s Ministry: Allison Pace (901) 323-8597 x28 ................................. [email protected]

Children’s Sunday School: Saint John’s offers a wonderful environment to grow in faith for children ages Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade during the 9:15-10:15 Sunday School hour. Children meet on the 2nd floor above the Parish Hall and classes are grouped according to ages: Early Childhood, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary.

Saint John’s offers a wonderful environment to grow in faith for children ages Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade during the 9:15 Sunday School hour. Children meet on the 2nd floor above the Parish Hall and classes are grouped according to age level. Early Elementary & Kindergarten students participate in Godly Play, while Upper Elementary students dive into a scripture-based bible study customized for their learning level.

Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language: parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.


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Godly Play is an interpretation of Montessori religious education, which means it is more like spiritual guidance than what is typically thought of in the church as children’s education. It involves children and adults, as guides or mentors, moving together toward fluency in the art of knowing how to use Christian language to know God and to make meaning in our lives.

Children’s and Family formation: Throughout the year, various opportunities for fellowship and family formation are offered in celebration of Church seasons, special holidays and feast days. These programs are intentionally structured and modeled after the family of God to encourage fellowship within the Episcopal Church. We also follow the model of the Holy Eucharist in the order of our activities: Gather together, tell the sacred story, prayer, share and send forth.

Some of our most anticipated events of the year include the Family Advent luncheon, Small Hands Big Hearts Service Project, Christmas Eve Nativity Pageant, Highlander Games, Children’s Maundy Thursday Service, Donuts with the Donkey on Palm Sunday, Flowering of the Cross and Hanging of the Eggs on Easter Sunday, Pre-YC and Vacation Bible School.

Children’s Ministry news and special events are announced in a Parent Email each week. Sign up to receive the Parent Email by [email protected].

Vacation Bible SchoolEach Summer, we continue learning and practicing the truths of faith that connect with children on their age level while having lots of fun in the process. Vacation Bible School at Saint John’s is the largest children’s formation event of the year and takes place each June. We welcome all! Children Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to participate as campers while teen “Shepherds” and parent volunteers assist and support in the classrooms and small group activities. To learn more, contact Allison Pace, Director of Children’s Ministry for updates, or visit stjohnsmemphis.org/ministries/vacation-bible-school.

Saint John’s Teensstjohnsmemphis.org/ministries/youth-ministry

Weekly Parent Email available through the website

The Rev. Miranda Cully Griffin (901) 323-8597 x17 .............................. [email protected]

Sunday School - Each week we study together in Sunday School. Sunday School lessons are a mixture of spiritual formation, practical theology, and life applications. These are at 9:15 on Sunday mornings in the Youth Room on the second floor of the Parish Life Center.

Acolytes - Serving as Acolytes allows our teens to be a part of the overall fabric of the worship life at Saint John’s. This is for 6th-12th graders. To become part of the Acolytes please contact Susan Peeples (see Opportunities for Service).


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EYC Events - EYC stands for Episcopal Youth Community. Once a month we get together for a fellowship event. These are a great way for our teens to get to know each other, and to bring friends. These are announced through the parent email. Subscribe at stjohnsmemphis.org/youth.

Family Events - At Saint John’s, we do our best to plan events specifically for entire families. Things like the Advent Wreath Making and Manna House Toiletry Packing are specifically planned to bring our families closer together in serving in the Kingdom.

Summer Missions - Each summer we will take part in a Summer Mission Trip. This will be a way to introduce our students to their mission, give them a chance to explore their spiritual gifts, and introduce them to a world beyond their realm of experience.

Diocesan Events - Several times during the year, we will join other teens in the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee for special events. Sometimes these events are for spiritual formation and others are just for fun. These events connect teens from throughout the Diocese and show them a broader Christian community.

Happening - Happening is a spiritual formation retreat for 10th-12th graders. The Diocese holds two of these events each year. Saint John’s has a long history of participation and leadership in this event.

Adult Christian Formationstjohnsmemphis.org/ministries/formation

The Rev. C. Dean Taylor .........................................................Interim Rector [email protected] ..................................................... ext. 15The Rev. Robert L. Van Doren, Jr. ............................ Senior Associate Rector [email protected] ................................................ ext. 14The Rev. Miranda Cully Griffin ...........................................................Curate [email protected] ................................................... ext. 17

“Wherever two or more of you are gathered in my name, I will be with you.”

Adult Formation is more than just Sunday School. At Saint John’s, it is people gathering together to find spiritual nourishment, to gain deeper understanding, to build real relationships, and to develop the tools to live Christian lives in community. We meet in groups large and small – sometimes over dinner and a lecture, sometimes in a hunting camp, sometimes in service of others in the community, and yes, even during Sunday School.

At their best, these gatherings are easy to find and hard to leave. They are welcoming but also challenging. They leave us excited to go out and share what we have learned and eager to come back and do it again. We keep coming back, because we know that when we look for Jesus together, we always seem to find Him.


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Church BenefactorsKimbrough B. MullinsFamily Law & Family Mediation

668 Colonial Road, Suite 1Memphis, Tennessee 38117

(901) 527-2000

Uptech Computer700 Mt. Moriah Rd. #1

Memphis, TN 38117(901) 818-9988

www.uptechtn.com


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Guiding Principles for the Vision Group• Adult Formation is well communicated, easy to find.• Adult Formation helps us build authentic relationships• Adult Formation is integrated with our children and youth programs• Adult Formation encourages small groups to form• Adult Formation is nourishing (piety), deepens our understanding

(study), and gives us tool for a Christian life (action).

Recovery MinistryFor more information, contact the church office, 323-8597

For those in recovery from loss, addiction, or pain, finding a community of peers and a safe place to struggle through it can be a critical part of the process. Saint John’s has a long history of recovery ministries and assisting those struggling with addictions of many kinds. We have hosted recovery meetings at our church for over 40 years, including AA, AlAnon, and grief support groups. The “Happy Destiny” AA group meeting held in the PLC three times per week is one of the oldest in the city of Memphis, and, more than 25 years ago, Saint John’s was the site of the formation of a national group for clergy in recovery that continues to this day. These traditions continue each week. Meeting Times: (all meetings in PLC) AA .............................................................5:30 MWF; 8:00pm Monday Men’s Big Book ......................................................... 10:30am Saturday AlAnon ...............................................................................5:30pm TTh ACA ............................................................................7:00pm Mondays

Murals of Saint John’sThe eight murals in the sanctuary of Saint John’s were designed and executed by John Henry DeRosen in 1951-53 after consultation with The Rev. Alfred Loaring-Clark, rector, Lucian Minor Dent, a parishioner and the church’s architect, and donors. Two murals are of abstract composition while the other six are illustrations of events in the Bible and in the early history of the Christian church. The murals not only beautify the church, but also glorify God and serve to remind us that God in the person of Jesus Christ is ever present with us. The cover art for this Guide Book isSt. Michael, from the High Altar mural.

Christ Triumphant (High Altar) Based on a favorite hymn of Saint John’s first rector, The Rev. Alfred Loaring-Clark, “Christ, the Fair Glory of the Holy Angels.” (The Hymnal 1982, no. 282) It depicts a risen Christ in front of the cross, surrounded by Seraphim and Cherubim. Below Christ stands St. John the Evangelist, patron saint of the parish, flanked by Archangels, who are shown with signs and symbols of particular moments in scripture. This mural was unveiled during The Rev. Loaring-Clark’s funeral, after a team worked through the night to complete the mural as the rector’s body lay in state, following a fatal heart attack.


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The Annunciation (South Transept, East mural) Based on a 2nd century fresco found in the Roman catacombs, this early Christian image depicts the Archangel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she is to become the Mother of Our Lord. Golden rays of light representing the Holy Spirit descend on her.

The Visitation (South Transept, West mural) This mural depicts Mary, in white, visiting her cousin, Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. According to the Gospel of Luke, the baby leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, and she exclaims a blessing for Mary. Mary replies with a song, known as the Magnificat.

Holy Mother Enthroned (South Transept, above altar) The Incarnation of Jesus is represented by Mary, enthroned against an immense night sky, with baby Jesus seated in her lap. Madonna and Child are posed in symbolic fashion, Mary presenting Jesus to the world, and a maturely-posed Jesus mirroring the depiction of “Christ the Judge” on the west wall of the nave.

The Baptism of Priscilla the Martyr (North Transept, East mural) Banished to Corinth by Emperor Claudius, along with the other Jews, Priscilla and her husband Aquila met St. Paul and worked with him developing the Christian church in Ephesus. The mural depicts St. Paul baptizing Priscilla in the waters from the fountain at her home. Priscilla and Aquila later returned to Rome during Nero’s reign and were martyred there.

The Baptism of St. Augustine of Hippo (North Transept, West mural) The scene presented is of a young Aurelius Augustine kneeling before St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, following his baptism on Easter Eve, 387 AD. His mother, St. Monica, looks on. The background is a reproduction of a painting from around the sixteenth century depicting St. Augustine’s ordination by Bishop Ambrose, surrounded by presbyters, and an archangel figure from a painting of the same period. There is strong Byzantine influence in this mural.

The Baptism of God’s Son, Jesus Christ (North Transept, above altar) John the Baptist is met by Jesus at the Jordan River, where Jesus asks to be baptized by him. Jesus is baptized with water, and the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove (on the ceiling above). Just as Jesus is baptized with water, in acknowledgment of sin and death, he will baptize with the Holy Spirit and grant eternal life.

The Crucifixion (Sacristy Wall) North of the chancel and behind the organ console is the Working Sacristy. Above the linen chest is a mural that is a gift from John de Rosen to the women of Saint John’s. The subject is Jesus on the cross, flanked by his mother, Mary, and John the Evangelist, the namesake of our church (John 19:25-26).


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Christ the Judge (West wall) Seated on a throne above the entire universe, surrounded by Archangels, Christ is robed in rich red, symbolizing love, power, and bloodshed. Grace radiates out in all directions, lighting both the Moon and Earth, where a tiny white spot represents Memphis. Gabriel, who announced Jesus’ birth to Mary, is pictured with a trumpet in readiness of the Day of Judgment. Michael holds the scales of justice, with eyes closed, not because justice is blind, but because he himself is not the judge. Raphael holds up the Book of Knowledge, containing equations from Einstein’s Unified Field Theory, indicating a common source of theology and science—God.

Each mural has a brass plaque near it with a brief description. A more detailed version of the descriptions given here, including the names of those who posed for the murals, info on the artist, and other details of the process are available from the church office.

Saint John’s Cemeterystjohnsmemphis.org/about/cemetery

Cemetery Director: Deborah Hubbard 323-8597 x25 ........................................ [email protected]

Sitting at the corner of Central and Lafayette in the shadow of the Pink Palace, Saint John’s Cemetery is a beautiful space nestled in the heart of Memphis. Large crape myrtles and towering oaks cover the landscape, and red brick walls provide a backdrop for this restful setting. We invite all Episcopalians looking for more information to request a walkthrough tour. Please contact the Cemetery Director, Deborah Hubbard. Our costs are much lower and our process much simpler than any cemetery in town.

Saint John’s Cemetery offers both inground lots and columbarium niches. There are single depth lots and double depth lots available, the latter offering significant savings. All inground lots have concrete vaults already installed, which further reduces the price for lots, compared with other cemeteries in the area. Purchase of inground interment rights includes the preinstalled vault, opening/closing expenses. Niches are also available in the columbarium, which are appropriate for cremains and provide a simple, smaller scale option. Perpetual care and beauty of the cemetery grounds and lots are assured by a permanent trust.

Sale of lots is open to all Episcopalians. We currently house family lots from across the Diocese of West Tennessee and beyond. As we remember those from our parish who have gone to God, it is comforting to know we have a calm, sacred space to commemorate them together in community so near to the church.

Special Services: Each year, on All Souls’ Day, the clergy hold a memorial service on the cemetery grounds for all those who have died in the previous year and before, a s requested by their families. To have a family member’s name read at this service, contact the Cemetery Director at the number listed above.

Documents

Saint John’s Episcopal Church Guide Book & DirectorySaint John’s Episcopal Church Guide Book & Directory 4 Who to Call You can reach our staff by calling (901) 323-8597. To make