All Saints' Episcopal Church

1508 South White Station Road.   Memphis, TN 38117

Adult Christian Formation - 9:00 am

Holy Eucharist Rite II - Sunday - 10:00 am

Coffee Hour following the service

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A Message from the Rev. Deacon Nancy O’Shea

TWO WONDERFUL WEEKENDS

The first and last weekends of May were truly meaningful for our diocese and especially for All Saints’.  On Friday, May 3, at Hope Church, Cordova, a huge rehearsal was held for the next day’s Consecration of our new Bishop, The Rev. Phoebe Roaf.  To name some of the crowd, there was a large diocesan choir including Lyn Joyner and Kris Grauel from All Saints’, many local and out of town Bishops and other clergy, acolytes, vergers, altar guild members, musicians, Roaf family and friends, and former colleagues of Phoebe Roaf in her previous parishes and careers  of law and real estate. Somehow, everything went smoothly, and we were ready for Saturday’s solemn festivities. 

Saturday’s rain did not dampen the exultant mood in the huge space which is Hope’s worship center.  The congregation started coming in well before the 11:00 start, and the procession of clergy.  The sound system and lighting at Hope provided a professional setting for this ceremony of Consecrating the fourth Bishop of West Tennessee.  I was privileged to be at the altar with Bishop Phoebe, as one of two deacons; along with the Rev Richard Fletcher, of Immanuel, Ripley.  The service was very impressive and touching, to watch as the new Bishop received her Episcopal vestments and ring, her pectoral Cross and her Crozier.  It was a joyous occasion!

Then on Saturday, May 25, our new Bishop came to All Saints’ for the first time, to meet with the Vestry and spouses, and parish leaders.  She is a very tall, very poised woman, who has stepped into her new role with grace and intelligence.  She led us through some of her concerns, including attendance and finances, but also took the time to listen to each person.  She does not plan to make any major decisions involving property during her first year, preferring to use the time getting acquainted with our diocese inside and outside of Shelby County.  

Sunday, May 26, marked her official visitation to our parish, and she was vested in white for Easter.  Kim Johnson was received from the Roman Catholic Church, and Iris Groh reaffirmed her Baptismal vows. Beverly Holmgren, Kim Johnson and Joyce Skerritt were admitted to the Order of the Daughters of the King, an organization for women which has vows of prayer, service and evangelism. Afterwards there was a welcoming dinner for the Bishop and those women who had been honored at the Eucharist.

We are so fortunate to have the Rt. Rev Phoebe as our Bishop; she brings so many gifts of ministry, as well as a very warm, pastoral presence. 

Nancy

The Mission of All Saints' Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate God's infinite grace, acceptance,

and love with all God's children, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

WEBPAGE UPDATE   June 22, 2019