Laboring in the Christian World

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated with our guest and friend, Rev. Charles Taylor.

In his sermon, Rev. Charles spoke of Ms. Allison whom he remembers from his church as a young man growing up. She had a favorite song entitled "Work While the Night is Coming". Here on the eve, of Labor Day, he thought it would be good to mention the song and it's lyrics:
verse 1

Work, for the night is coming,
Work, through the morning hours,
Work, while the dew is sparkling,
Work, 'mid springing flowers,
Work, when the day grows brighter,
Work, in the glowing sun,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.

verse 2

Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon,
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.

verse 3

Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies,
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work 'til the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more,
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man's work is o'er.

In this song, there is no reference to God, the Holy Spirit or the Church. What then is the message? What is the night and why or for whom is the work?He then spoke of Jesus - He knew why He worked and what He was to accomplish:
1. He did the work of someone else (His Father). Our work should be the same - the servant on someone else.
2. He did not justify His deity. We are the beloved children of God, our work for Him should bring us true fulfillment
3. He was not working to get to heaven, to earn a partnership or salvation.
4. His work was joyful - though He knew what was coming, He was not controlled by the night...He was God's gift.
He then referred to another Hymn - Come Labor On:

verse 1

Come, labor on!
Who dares stand idle,
on the harvest plain
While all around him waves the golden grain?
And to each servant does the Master say,
“Go work today.”

verse 2

Come, labor on!
Claim the high calling angels cannot share
—To young and old the Gospel gladness bear;
Redeem the time;its hours too swiftly fly.
The night draws nigh.
These are the first two verse of this six verse hymn. It can be found in our Hymnal #541. Here we hear of God's love and presence. And because of our faith, He will be there to welcome us into His new day!

Processional -#552
Readings (Joyce Ladd):Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105: 1-6I
Romans 12: 9-21
Gospel (Deacon Carolyn)Matthew 16:21-28
Music by the Voices of Praise "Trading My Sorrows", and "Come Holy Spirit"

Announcements

+The last First Sunday Potluck Luncheon for the summer will be held after our regular church service on Sunday, September 7, 2008. The sign-up list will be posted on the bulletin board, please stop by and sign-up to bring something to make this a very, very special luncheon. This time, we are going to play a game that will allow everyone to win something and will be lots of fun. Plan to bring two (2) "no gender" gifts that cost no more than $5. I am asking for two gifts in the event we have visitors and this will allow them to participate, also. I am very excited about September's First Sunday Potluck Luncheon, so please help to make this a wonderful one. Should you have questions, please contact me via email or by telephone . (check church roster for this information) Thank you so much. Jackie Nixon, September Coordinator St. Mark's First Sunday Potluck .

+Giving flowers for the altar is a wonderful way to honor, remember and celebrate special people and events in our lives. Please consider placing flowers on the altar for one Sunday this years. The sign up calendar is located on the bulletin boards outside the Fellowship Hall.

+Healthy congregations study by Peter Steinke is still be lead by Deacon Carolyn on Sunday morning from 8:45-9:45am

+A tear off sheet is being provided each Sunday so that you can place names of your favorite hyms in the basket at the back oif the church. From this survey we hope to hear all the collections that mean something to each of us.

+Thanks to Deacon Carolyn for hosting the back to school pool party for the kids.

+Mark Smith announced a meeting for the upcoming children’s Sunday School class.

+The Adult Sunday School class will resume on September 14 at 9:00 am

+Welcome to Mamie Hymes guests, Mr. And Mrs. Bryan Thomas, and little Mamie.

St. Mark's Bible Study Group

Pictured, standing left to right: Bertha Smith, Mary Williams, Heager Hill, and seated, Mamie Hymes. Other group members not pictured, Deleon Fancher, Nettie Hill, Lucille Tarver, and Olivia Washington
The St. Mark's Bible Study Group, currently studying William Barclay's, "The Gospel of Mark", meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12 noon until 1:00pm at the church. Please feel free to join this wonderful group of brothers and sisters as they study and pray together. submitted by Bertha Smith

Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day !!