Recent Stories
2021 Bishop’s Missionary Appeal
Over the last year, we have been reminded of the critical role of technology in ministry. While we look forward to re-introducing physical presence in our interactions, we are grateful for the lessons learned as we worshiped, prayed, and served together virtually. These practices will continue to help us share the Good News throughout West Tennessee. Your donation will enable us to improve upon the good work that has already begun.
Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Absalom Jones
Originally recorded for the Diocese of Tennessee, Bishop Phoebe Roaf of the Diocese of West Tennessee shares thoughts on the life and legacy of the Reverend Absalom Jones, the first
Lenten Opportunities 2021
Community Activities Lenten Preaching Series & Waffle Shop Begins Friday, February 19Presented by Calvary Episcopal Church, 102 N. 2nd St., Memphis Calvary Episcopal Church launches its 98th annual Lenten Preaching Series and
Calvary Lenten Preaching and Waffle Shop March On
Lent 2021 breaks with tradition with some speakers participating via recorded messages from a physical distance. Attendees for in-person services will sign up in advance, wear masks, and sit spaced apart from others. A new addition for 2021–a line-up of local musicians specializing in everything from the hammer dulcimer to the harp–will play preludes to a mostly empty house. And Waffle Shop will serve customers through pre-orders and take-out food.
COVID-19 Update: January 26, 2021
To our diocesan family – I come before you to provide an update on the diocesan policies regarding in person worship. Last week, the Shelby County Health Department issued a
COVID-19 Update: December 21, 2020
To our diocesan family, I come before you today after reviewing the most recent directives from Governor Lee and the Shelby County Health Department as well as guidance from advisors.
COVID-19 Update: Nov. 11, 2020
Resumption of Activities Announcement from Bishop Phoebe To the Diocesan Family, Last month, we updated the diocesan guidelines regarding in-person worship and the resumption of Eucharist in one kind (bread
COVID-19 Update: October 14, 2020
GUIDANCE FOR WORSHIPPERS:• The evening before the in-person worship service or church activity, each member of the household planning to attend should check their temperature (should be less than 100°
Creativity in Faith: West Tennessee ministries partner to nourish neighbors’ bodies, spirits during the pandemic
Life has changed for everyone dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down restaurants, businesses, and schools across the country in March. However, when uncertainty was still plaguing everyone, parishioners at
COVID-19 Update: August 5, 2020
To our Diocesan Family, Coronavirus continues to negatively impact our community. I was hopeful that the summer heat and humidity would slow the spread of COVID-19 but unfortunately that has
Faith Community Guidelines for Resumption of In-Person Worship
Brothers and sisters, We contemplate the return of in-person worship being mindful of the health and safety of others. I ask that our decisions be based upon the recommendations of
COVID-19 Update from Bishop Phoebe
To our Diocesan Family, Coronavirus continues to negatively impact our community. I was hopeful that the summer heat and humidity would slow the spread of COVID-19 but unfortunately that has
Three Churches in Rural Tennessee Become One in Quarantine
Back in March, when Ravenscroft Chapel in Brighton, St. Anne’s in Millington and St. Mathew’s in Covington learned they couldn’t host in-person services any longer due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
A Statement From the Clergy of the Diocese of West Tennessee
Friends – Aligning ourselves with the Bishop’s pastoral statement of June 2, 2020, we, the undersigned clergy of The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee, declare that we know that in
History, Collaboration and Teamwork Frame Success for Three Churches during COVID-19
When the Coronavirus reared its ugly head in the beginning of March, clergy and other leaders from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mason, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Memphis and St.
A Message from Bishop Phoebe
Brothers and sisters, We are in the midst of one of the most troubling periods in American history. I have not witnessed this level of collective anger and grief during
College Missioner and Good Shepherd Vicar Appointed
The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Noah Campbell will serve as diocesan College Missioner and Vicar at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church effective
COVID-19 Update from Bishop Phoebe
Brothers and sisters,Governmental authorities have begun to relax restrictions on shelter in place orders. Lay leaders and clergy have requested guidance regarding the timeframe for reopening our church buildings. There
The Rev. Hester Mathes delivers invocation for Memphis City Council meeting
On Tuesday, May 5, the Reverend Hester Mathes, Senior Associate Rector of Church of the Holy Communion (Memphis), gave the invocation at the Memphis City Council’s first online meeting. Rev.
Faithfully Memphis Podcast
Bishop Phoebe Roaf of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee sits down with Memphians and others in Shelby County regarding the issues facing our community, as well as the ways in which to explore how our faith informs our perspective and unites people from a variety of backgrounds.
