Today’s sermon was taken from the Gospel of Mark 1:21-28. In the scripture mention is made of an “unclean spirit.” What is an “unclean spirit?” An unclean spirit is a demonic spirit. It is a spirit working against God that dwells in the human spirit. It was believed by early Christians that the tabernacle contained the holiness of God. Anything unclean was not to come near the tabernacle. This uncleanness had to do with interfering with a community’s worship of God. Therefore anyone and anything was cast out and away from the tabernacle. Lepers, demonic possessed etc.
We all have desires. A car, a home, job promotions. While it is not wrong for a person to have desires, desire could become an unclean spirit if it is all we think about and allow it to take over our lives. Addiction, usually seen as an excess of drink and drugs also comes in other forms. Excessive shopping, eating, or exercising is also an addiction. This too could cause an uncleanness of the spirit.
To further clarify, Rev. Scott told a story of a parish which showed much promise of growth but because of one person’s negative behavior it infected many causing an unclean spirit to infiltrate. The offending person left the parish followed by several members. Uncertainty was a factor for the minister and his family. It was unknown as to whether the church would close its doors and the minister and his family be left in dire straits after making many sacrifices to come to the parish. Anger, resentment and guilt can take on a life of its own as was evident in the ability of one to influence many and have them follow. These emotions can escalate and blow out of proportion. IN the end those who left the parish took with them their unclean spirits allowing the remainder to renew and rejuvenate carrying on the work of God.
Mark 1:27 … "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Many congregations experience, distrust, anger, pride, hurt and a wide range of emotions. We must put aside the past and focus a clean mind and clean spirit on the future. A future intent on God’s will and doing his will as prescribed.
We all have desires. A car, a home, job promotions. While it is not wrong for a person to have desires, desire could become an unclean spirit if it is all we think about and allow it to take over our lives. Addiction, usually seen as an excess of drink and drugs also comes in other forms. Excessive shopping, eating, or exercising is also an addiction. This too could cause an uncleanness of the spirit.
To further clarify, Rev. Scott told a story of a parish which showed much promise of growth but because of one person’s negative behavior it infected many causing an unclean spirit to infiltrate. The offending person left the parish followed by several members. Uncertainty was a factor for the minister and his family. It was unknown as to whether the church would close its doors and the minister and his family be left in dire straits after making many sacrifices to come to the parish. Anger, resentment and guilt can take on a life of its own as was evident in the ability of one to influence many and have them follow. These emotions can escalate and blow out of proportion. IN the end those who left the parish took with them their unclean spirits allowing the remainder to renew and rejuvenate carrying on the work of God.
Mark 1:27 … "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Many congregations experience, distrust, anger, pride, hurt and a wide range of emotions. We must put aside the past and focus a clean mind and clean spirit on the future. A future intent on God’s will and doing his will as prescribed.
Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+On Tuesday, February 3rd at 6 pm, the Commission on Race Relations will sponsor a viewing of the film, Traces of the Trade, at the downtown public library. This is the film that was shown at St. Mark’s in November. You are invited to attend. A member of the DeWolf family, who was featured in the film, will be present to lead a discussion. Also, Deacon Carolyn could use a few volunteers to help with the reception held prior to the viewing of the film and other volunteer opportunities during the week as the Commission hosts participants who will be attending anti-racism training through Saturday at All Saints, Homewood. If you can help, please contact Carolyn. * Reception 5:30p.m.>*Documentary 6p.m.> *Discussion after Documentary
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+On Tuesday, February 3rd at 6 pm, the Commission on Race Relations will sponsor a viewing of the film, Traces of the Trade, at the downtown public library. This is the film that was shown at St. Mark’s in November. You are invited to attend. A member of the DeWolf family, who was featured in the film, will be present to lead a discussion. Also, Deacon Carolyn could use a few volunteers to help with the reception held prior to the viewing of the film and other volunteer opportunities during the week as the Commission hosts participants who will be attending anti-racism training through Saturday at All Saints, Homewood. If you can help, please contact Carolyn. * Reception 5:30p.m.>*Documentary 6p.m.> *Discussion after Documentary
+ Be reminded that Bishop Parsley’s annual visit to St. Mark’s will be March. 1, 2009. Anyone wanting to be baptized or confirmed should contact either Rev. Scott or Deacon Carolyn for further instructions and to prepare for the ceremony.
+ The Diocesan Convention will be held in Montgomery, Alabama on February 19-21, 2009. Mark Smith and Heager Hill are St. Mark’s delegates.
+ The next ECW meeting will be held after church on February 15, 2009
+ The Diocesan Convention will be held in Montgomery, Alabama on February 19-21, 2009. Mark Smith and Heager Hill are St. Mark’s delegates.
+ The next ECW meeting will be held after church on February 15, 2009
VISITORS
St. Mark’s was pleased to have the youth of J2A from St. Francis of Assisi at Indian Springs in today’s 10:00 a.m. service. The group was accompanied by Youth Minister Brandt Montgomery along with J2A leaders Lara Dworshak and Joe May. Rev. Montgomery explained J2A’s purpose of the visit. “In honoring J2A's aim of "youth...understanding and building Christian community," this trip will further emphasize the importance of ALL people being God's people while providing an opportunity for our youth to experience Anglican worship through a different style and tradition.”
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Absalom Jones (1746 – February 13, 1818), was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman. He was the first African-American priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States and founded a black congregation. He is listed on the Episcopal calendar of saints and blessed under the date of his decease, February 13, in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer as "Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818".
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