Glad Tidings

This week on Faithfully Memphis, Bishop Phoebe returns to the host seat for a conversation with Shari Ray. A teacher of literature and writing for nearly forty years, Shari is Chair of the English Department at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to her life as a teacher, she is also a writer. Infusing verse throughout much of her prose, Ray leans on the shoulders of the great poets for both inspiration and truth. In her first book, Surprised by Imperfection, she invites readers to look for the humor, wisdom, and the unexpected glory that makes up our collective imperfection. 

We also learn about Macrina of Caesarea, whose feast day is July 19.

Follow Billie on Twitter at @Billieiswriting and subscribe to her Substack TRANSposition.

Learn more about the Episcopal Church's stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion and advocacy here: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/who-we-are/lgbtq/

You can learn more about the Episcopal Church in West Tennessee on our website, EDWTN.org.

This week on Faithfully Memphis, join the Rev. Laura Gettys, Associate Rector for Community Engagement and Congregational Development at Grace-St. Luke's, for a conversation with Ann Perry Wallace. Ann is an actor and writer from Memphis, Tennessee who is daring to confront the stereotype of an aging actress. Her new one-person show, Live Rich Die Poor, is based on the life of Zora Neale Hurston, the famed folklorist and Harlem Renaissance writer, and is "a call to action to empty yourself of all of your talent and deny the grave your gifts and determine your worth for yourself."

Since 2005, the West Tennessee Haiti Partnership (WTHP) has brought hope and healing to the people of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. On this episode of Faithfully Memphis, join the Very Rev. Gary Meade, interim dean of St. Mary's Cathedral, for a conversation with Dr. Susan Nelson and the Rev. Deacon Drew Woodruff. Learn about this important ministry and ways that you can support it right here in West Tennessee. We'll also learn about Melania the Elder, whose feast is celebrated on June 8.

To make a donation to the West Tennessee Haiti Partnership, go to https://tinyurl.com/WTNHPdonate.

Last week, the Reverend Tom Momberg (All Saints Episcopal Church, Memphis) represented Bishop Phoebe and the Diocese of West Tennessee at the Advocacy Gathering of Bishops United Against Gun Violence in Washington DC. During the gathering, leadership from the Episcopal Church learned from advocates working at the intersection of gun violence and racism in American cities. On this episode of Faithfully Memphis, Fr. Tom and Courtney Staub from the Memphis chapter of Moms Demand Action are joined in conversation with Emily Austin about how faith can inform advocacy and help us promote a safer and more peaceful community. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and since 1981, Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South has been providing professional counseling services and educational programs to all in our community who are in need without regard for their financial situation. On this episode, Maggie Schaumleffel is joined by Sarah Cowens and Dr. Carolyn Martin, who both serve on the board of Samaritan and are deeply committed to its work. 

Learn more about Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South here: https://samaritanmidsouth.org/

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 to reach SAMHSA.

Life is a lot right now. From injustices abroad to the ones closer to home, it can feel like hope is in short supply and things are getting worse. This week on Faithfully Memphis, Mark Hackett returns to the show to talk with Emily Austin about how discerning and interrogating our faith can help us each live a life full of purpose. 
Mark is the Executive Director of Operation Broken Silence, which he founded in 2011 after years of volunteer activism around Sudan-related causes. A "life-long Protestant who can’t help but ask hard questions," Mark writes and hosts conversations about the Christian faith and American church culture online and on his podcast, Extra Words. Read his blog, shop merch, and subscribe to his newsletter at https://www.markhackett.com/.

You can learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee at EDWTN.org.

Is it a good ol' fashioned radio play or an episode of Faithfully Memphis?!? How about both!
This week on Faithfully Memphis, learn all about Ms. Anna Holden, a 19th century Episcopal woman who played a pivotal role in the history of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Collierville and Immanuel Episcopal Church in LaGrange, Tennessee. Anna Holden's story is brought to life by St. Andrews parishioners Laura Hall and Sarah Walne in a first-of-its-kind episode of Faithfully Memphis.

Learn more about St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Collierville at standrewscollierville.org.