The message was brought by Rev. Pat Wingo who was filling in for his wife Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo. Rev. Sara was away at a Mother/Daughter retreat where she was the spiritual leader.When the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen the risen Lord, he doubted them. He expressed his disbelief stating that he would not believe their claim until he saw the marks of the nails and was able to put his finger in Jesus’ side. Thus the name Doubting Thomas.
A week later the disciples and Doubting Thomas were in an enclosed room. Jesus appeared and after greeting them he approached Thomas allowing him to put his finger in the nail holes of his palm and to touch his side. After this Thomas believed. Jesus asks him an important question,"... if he now believes because he has seen him?" Jesus also states, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe.”
Christianity can’t move in privacy. It must be taken to the masses. Experience of God is found through his people. Christians aren’t perfect. Within the Christian community are the flawed, wounded, abandoned, wandering and more. By gathering together in the folds of Christ, Jesus transforms us in his body. Seeing is not always believing.
Scriptures
Acts 4:32-35
John 1:1-2:2
+ECW Birmingham Convocation Spring Meeting will be held at St. Andrew's in Montevallo on April 22, 2009. The Speaker will be St. Andrews own Rev. James F. Tuohy. Rev. Tuohy will be retiring later this year. Please make an advance reservation for the box lunch ($5) that will be served by contacting Liz Ensey. For directions to St. Andrews
+The Vestry will meet after the morning service next Sunday April 26, 2009
+The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley will make his annual visit to St. Mark’s on Wednesday night April 29th at 6:00 p.m. Plan to attend and bring a guest. A dessert reception will be held after the Bishop’s address.
May 15 - 17, 2009 at Camp McDowellDeadline for registration and payment: May 1, 2009
+Dear St. Mark’s Family: Hunger is an issue that is very important to me and I have decided to get involved, along with the young men in the Young Lions Program and their mentors! We are walking in the CROP Hunger Walk and we need your help. Our donations will support life-saving programs around the world. Join us as we work together to solve this world-wide challenge. Locally, a portion of the money raised will go to Greater Birmingham Ministries Food Pantry. You can be the difference, and you can start by making a donation. Visit my personal page, where you can make a secure online credit card donation.
Thank you!Deacon Carolyn Foster
Click here to visit my personal page
Thank you!Deacon Carolyn Foster
Click here to visit my personal page
+Camp McDowell Chapel to be Dedicated May 2 
You are invited to join your diocesan family, Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00a.m. to celebrate the completion of the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at Camp McDowell. The dedication service will be followed by a barbecue lunch, live music and fellowship.
You are invited to join your diocesan family, Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00a.m. to celebrate the completion of the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at Camp McDowell. The dedication service will be followed by a barbecue lunch, live music and fellowship.
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Books are needed for Sawyerville Camps! New, or gently used appropriate for ages 4-14. If you are buying new books remember to buy titles and/ or African American authors. Any of the Coretta Scott King Award books are good. Some popular titles are “Bud, Not Buddy” and “The Watsons Go to Birmingham.” If you are going through your own bookcases, be sure the books are “just like new.” If you have books to donate or want to have a book drive, contact Memily Colvin. memily.colvin@gmail.com END***
