A COMMUNITY OF FAITH We worship God in the Anglican Tradition, seek God's truth, grow in Christ, and proclaim God's Word to the world. This is the center of this parish's focus. From this worship experience, our actions of outreach and missions go beyond the congregational boundaries. We work in joy to bring the Good News of God's love and care to the world around us. The History of St. Philip - Davieshire The Rt. Rev. W. Fred Gates, Jr., Suffragan Bishop of Tennessee, presided at the first service of St. Philip Church on Sunday afternoon, December 8, 1974, at the J. B. Griffin Memorial Chapel in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Brunswick, Tn. Three weeks later, December 29, 1974, Mrs. Ellen Davies Rodgers donated ten (10) acres for a church to be built on land that was a part of Davies Plantation. On January 24, 1976, St. Philip Episcopal Church was accepted as an Organized Mission at the 144th Convention of the Diocese of Tennessee. “Miss Ellen”, as she was affectionately known, would later give more land and most of the means for the construction of the church building. The late Rev. H. Gordon Bernard became Vicar of St. Philip in July,1980. Ground was broken for the new church that same year on September 14, with more than 300 people attending on an afternoon when the temperature soared to 103 degrees. ​ Both Bishop William E. Sanders and Suffragan Bishop Gates took part in the consecration service for the new church on Sunday, November 1, 1981, (All Saints’ Day). St. Philip became the first congregation admitted to parish status in the newly created Diocese of West Tennessee on January 20, 1984, under the Rt. Rev. Alex D. Dickson. ​ Fr. Bernard served as Rector until his retirement in July of 1988. The Rev. John Sterling came to St. Philip in the fall of that same year and served until his retirement in April of 1994. On April 25, 1994, the Rev. Joseph N. Davis began his duties as the third Rector of St. Philip. After thirteen years, in June, 2007, Fr. Davis left to accept a call to the Church of the Resurrection in Franklin, Tennessee. ​ In August, 2008, the Search Committee and Vestry of St. Philip concluded their nationally advertised search for its’ fourth Rector when they called Fr. Terry Street. Fr. Terry came to us from St. John’s Episcopal Church and Barth House. It was with a unanimous vote by the Search Committee and a separate unanimous vote by the full Vestry that Fr. Terry was called. Fr. Terry began his ministry at St. Philip on Sunday, September 21st, 2008 with formal installation to follow on November 20th. ​ St. Philip has grown from "six warm souls" in a cemetery chapel to a busy parish of approximately 200 members. St. Philip has many lay ministries, including an energetic Men's Club, an active women's organization which meets monthly and is very involved in several outreach programs. ​ In 2007, St. Philip became the new home of the Good Shepherd Center for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which serves the entire diocese. We have a vital Christian education program for children, adults, and nursery. We have a modern "state of the art" playground. While intentionally remaining a traditional parish, we seek to proclaim the good news of Christ to all people in our community. ​ At the ground breaking ceremony in 1980, Miss Ellen said of the land that she had given for the church, "Many types of rewarding crops have been planted on this good land for more than a century by my family. Today we plant the Cross and by the grace of faith, pray for an abundant harvest. As we attempt to build upon the faithful deeds of those who have gone before us, may we serve our Lord so that his harvest may always increase."

Worship Lay Ministries During times of Worship, there are several lay participates who actively contribute to our Holy experience. These people are Parish members and their ministry actions represent the worship community with Holy participation. If you are interested in serving the ministry of the church in any one of these capacities, please contact the Church Office: office@stphilipmemphis.org . ​ Acolytes An important ministry for our youth and adults is to serve as Acolytes. The word “acolyte” means “helper”. With the Acolytes’ responsibilities, they perform valuable services in helping those in charge of the Worship. At the beginning of the service, they are lighters of the candles and extinguishers of the flame at the end. During the processional, they may carry candles (torch bearers), banners, or the cross (crucifers) as the ministers and choir enter or exit the church. The Acolytes assist with the Gospel Procession when it is read from the center of the church. They also help with receiving the offerings from the congregation and assist the priest with his or her duties at the Altar. St. Philip welcomes worshipers who want to become a part of this vital ministry. Training is scheduled at convenient times for participants. ​ Ushers Parish ushers are persons who help ensure a smoothly running church service and who ministers to people in a variety of practical ways. Their duties include greeting people as they arrive for the service, assisting people with special needs, collecting the offering. St. Philip provides a pocket tag that easily identifies our ushers. As the worshipers arrive, the ushers will act as doorkeepers, greeting each person with a smile, shaking hands, and handing out bulletins. They are also available to answer visitors’ questions and extend extra help in seating those who need the assistance. They are ready to assist anyone in the congregation who might need help, to aid latecomers in finding a seat, and to inform those in the sanctuary of any urgent matters. The ushers will always present first-time visitors with a welcome gift bag. As a part of the liturgy, the ushers are responsible for taking up the church offering and then walk back toward the alter during a hymn of praise. They hand the plates to the Verger who then presents it to the Rector who blesses the tithes and offerings. Also, they count the number of worshipers so the Rector will know the amount of bread and wine to prepare for the Eucharist. After the service, ushers will again be at the door to greet the congregation as they leave and provide assistance as needed. The ushers will then make sure that the sanctuary is tidy, the thermostat is adjusted, and the lights are shut off. The heart of an usher is that of a servant, and he/she does this work for his Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:24 ). The church usher has a true love for the people of the Parish and a desire to promote an atmosphere of reverence and worship in the house of the Lord. . ​ Verger Ministry The term verger usually refers to a member of an Anglican Church who takes on the extra duties of planning the details of services, participating in religious processions, and can substitute for any worship role except Priest or Deacon. The word verger comes from the ceremonial staff or rod that the verger carries during these processions — in Old French, a verge is a "twig, branch, or wand of office." Vergers serve the church in a ministry of welcome. Often a visitor to a new parish church will see the verger in a simple black cassock moving about the church before the worship service, checking fonts, candles, and in general prepping the church for solemn worship. The verger is usually the first person a visitor meets and cheerfully responds to any inquiry concerning the upcoming service, church facilities or current program offerings. Logistically, a verger’s support allows the clergy more time for pastoral and sacramental responsibilities. Many of the other typical verger duties include assigning, training and checking in lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes and prayer intercessors. The verger coordinates with the altar guild and funeral guilds, checks lighting, and the Priest’s vestments and liturgical hangings. Above all, he/she works behind the scenes making sure that everything runs smoothly during the liturgy. All of the Verger's duties are specific to the church in which he/she serve and can evolve through many years under the direction of the rector. ​ Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM) Lay Eucharistic Ministers are licensed by the bishop to administer the consecrated elements of the eucharist. Lay eucharistic ministers may be licensed to administer the consecrated bread and wine at any celebration of the eucharist in the absence of a sufficient number of priests and deacons to assist the celebrant. They may also be licensed to go from a Sunday eucharist or other principal celebrations of the eucharist to share the sacrament with members of the congregation who were unable to be present at the celebration because of illness or infirmity. Lay eucharistic ministers may be licensed for either or both ministries. This ministry is understood to be an extraordinary ministry, and is not to take the place of the ministry of priests and deacons concerning the administration of the eucharist. ​ Lay Readers The Lay Reader volunteers to read the Scripture Lessons during worship services. The Book of Common Prayer directs that laypeople should read the lessons preceding the Gospel. The readers at St. Philip are provided a printed copy of Lessons well in advance so they may practice their reading. All scripture readings are derived from the Episcopal Church Lectionary . ​ Oblation Bearers Oblation Bearers are responsible for processing the oblations (the bread and wine to be offered for consecration) to the altar during the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion). They also represent the entire congregation in which we offer our lives to God as a “reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice.” ​ Offering Counters The Offering Counters count the Sunday and special service offerings and prepare the receipts for bank deposit. They document the giving for the finance secretary who then enters the information in the church finance database, preparing a record for each giver.

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16) ​ The Vestry of St. Philip Episcopal Church made a promise and pledge. We made our commitment to grow our children’s and youth ministry. We have become an older congregation. The “heyday” of children and youth filling our halls has pasted. It is time for a fresh start. Perhaps the COVID-19 crisis has a blessing at the end. Families are returning to faith and worship. It is a new beginning at St. Philip. We have in place an outstanding children’s Sunday School with "The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd." We have a small nucleus of youth who serve the church as Acolytes. We have a base/softball field. It needs work, but we can improve it to make a place for children and youth teams to practice or have games. We have a modern playground for children to use. We have much maintained open ground where soccer fields can be lined out and used. We have gym space where volleyball games can be played. This same space is excellent for youth to meet. We have our Girl Scouts meetings there. We could also use the gym for children’s basketball games. Yes, we have strong will to grow our ministry for children and youth. Please, help us! Bring your children and youth with you if you are visiting. Make this your church home. I guarantee, you will have many grandparents who will love your family and welcome you into this parish home. ​ ​ ​

The Book of Common Prayer ​ I have been amazed during my home visitations that many Episcopalians do not have their own copy of The Book of Common Prayer. Say what? EVERY Episcopalian should have their own copy or at least a family copy of our beloved prayer book. Among other things, we are known as Lenten People and as Easter People but Anglicans, especially, are also historically known as Prayer Book People. The Book of Common Prayer is not just a Sunday prayer book that is in the pews for Sunday worship. It was also designed to be used by the people of this faith community for home devotions, meditations and worship. The early vision of the Prayer Book was that it was to be used for the benefit of the church for worship and for the private use by the people. Until you can get your own copy, the download link of The Book of Common Prayer should be useful. The Book of Common Prayer. Fr. Terry + ​ ​

Episcopal Church Lectionary with Scripture Links If you want to study the four scriptures readings (Old Testament, Psalms, Epistle, & Gospel) for any Sunday or Holy Holiday, you are invited to check out the Episcopal Church Lectionary site. It is in calendar form. For each Sunday or Major Holy Holiday, there are links to the biblical verses. These "lessons" can be downloaded in a MS Word document format. Planning Ahead? Use these calendars 2021 Liturgical Calendar 2022 Liturgical Calendar Reverse Lectionary NEW Resource: RCL Daily Reading s

The Emmanuel Center The Emmanuel Center served more than 2,000 people each year through programs that inspire spiritual, physical, and educational growth. They provided recreational activities and continued learning and developing programs that include spiritual direction, social service programs, educational enrichment, and organized sports. ​ This has been an amazing community outreach ministry in our city. The Emmanuel Center was an oasis of hope amongst an area with many statistics. Their statistic, moreover, was at a 100% high school graduation rate with kids going on to do great things! For more information, you can check out their website. Click the link "Emmanuel" . ​ ​ St. Philip continues to provide the Emmanuel Center with baskets full of cleaning supplies and other household goods for new families that move into their neighborhood. St. Philip maintains a "blue barrel" in the Parish Hall where food and non-food items are collected for this ministry. If you would like to give funds, please make your check out to St. Philip and write "Mid-South Food Bank" in the memo line. We will forward the money to this worthy cause. Parish Discretionary Fund The Discretionary Fund is received the first Sunday of each month during the Worship times. The loose offering and other gifts so designated are given to St. Philip’s Discretionary Fund for the purpose of helping persons in times of serious need. Regardless of their circumstance, this Parish takes seriously the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 25: "Lord, when did we see you. . ." The Parish Discretionary Fund is administered by our Rector Father Terry Street. If you wish to contribute by check, please make it out to St. Philip and designate: “St. Philip’s Discretionary Fund.” You may contribute to this fund at any time. Your funds are always in great need. Your checks may be mailed to the church office. Please indicate "Church Discretionary Fund" in the memo line. Thank you for your continued and generous support. Also, you can contribute with a debt or credit card to this much needed ministry by clicking: DISCRETIONARY ​ ​ The Manna House of Memphis Ministry A long time and essential ministry that has the active support of St. Philip Episcopal Church is the Manna House of Memphis. The parish has donated much money, time, food, and articles of clothing. Each year, we have a time when we collect coats, socks, shoes and underwear so that the "guests" of Manna House can have warmth from the colder temperatures outside. ​ Manna House of Memphis offers hospitality to homeless and poor guests. Hospitality includes welcoming of guests, and the offering of basic services such as clothing, hygiene items, showers, and serving coffee or other beverages. Staff and volunteers seek to interact with their guests and will learn their names and their stories. ​ Manna House is grounded in the spirit of the Catholic Worker Movement and thus seeking to welcome all guests from the streets with a spirit of hospitality that respects their dignity as human beings. In offering hospitality, Manna House affirms that hosting guests involves not only provides needed material goods, but more importantly honors guests’ humanity and personhood. As stated on MHM website: “We are not a social service agency; rather we are persons welcoming other persons to share ourselves, our gifts, and gifts we have received from others. We seek to know our guests as persons with names, histories, and hopes. We seek to be stewards of God’s graciousness, not possessors of power and privilege dispensing charity from above. We seek to build relationships and we are not out to “save” people or remake them in our own image. We recognize and repent of our racism, classism, sexism, and heterosexism, and we seek to create a community of hospitality in which all are welcomed as children of God.” ​ The mission : Hospitality to homeless and poor persons in the city of Memphis; Advocacy for persons on the streets; Opposition to violence–on the streets, by the police, through imprisonment, executions & war; Witness to the reign of God. ​ If you want to learn more about the Manna House of Memphis, donate money or become a volunteer for this worthwhile ministry, we invite you to visit their WEBSITE: https://www.mannahousememphis.org/ Relief for Victims of the Recent Natural Disasters Considering a way to assist the victims of the recent natural disasters in the U.S. and abroad? Episcopal Relief and Development is working in these areas to provide help to those impacted. You can donate through St. Philip by noting "Relief Fund" in the memo line of your check and placing it in the offering plate. You can also donate directly to the Fund via their website .

Adult Christian Education Sunday - 9:15 AM till 10:15AM Join us throughout the school year as we learn about the many aspects of the Bible, Christian worship and church history. We have several study series during the year. Each individual series has a book of study and accompanying video on the subject. ​ We engage in group discussion that is open to everyone to share questions and reflection. Please join us during this time of learning and fellowship. Our Current Study: 1/6

​ What is the Vestry? ​ The Vestry is a group of elected congregational leaders within the congregation of an Episcopal church. Its basic responsibility is to: Help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; Support the mission by word and deed; Elect a rector when the need arises; Ensure effective organization and planning; Ensure adequate resources in leadership and in financial stewardship; Manage resources effectively; Determine that appropriate programs, policies, and procedures have been developed and are followed; Assess its own performance. It has some similarities to a board of directors, but it is important to remember that this ministry of leadership is exercised within a church. The success of a congregation is not measured in terms of numbers of members or size of the endowment, but rather in the degree to which it is working toward fulfillment of the mission of the Church. ​ Vestry Current Vestry The Rev. Terry Street, Rector Lisa Graham, Sr. Warden Bill Rogers, Jr. Warden Patti Solomito, Clerk ​ ​ Rebecca Holley Tom Maslowski Shannon Mullins ​ Tina Stephens ​ Greg Temple Jessica Heckle (Treasurer) ​