The well being of sheep depends on the dedication of the shepherd who has been hired to tend them. The well-being of the owning family depends upon how well the shepherd does his job. Many times employees perform according to what they are paid. Pittance pay may equal a trifling worker. Imagine the shepherd coming up against a wolf or wolves. Should he risk life and limb to protect the sheep?
Rev. Sara gave an example of a toy store she and her children would frequent on Saturdays. On Saturdays there were toys at the ready for children to try out and play with. Saturday store clerks were teens who lacked much of a work effort. They would mostly stand around in groups socializing and ignoring the customers. Though the workers disregarded the customers Rev. Sara did make purchases at the store. When the store went out of business she wondered if it was due to the lackluster attitude of the workers.
Sheep are not smart animals. They are defenseless and need to be guided. Being separated from the flock can be disastrous . Sheep need to be with the flock and its shepherd. There is safety in numbers.
Jesus calls us sheep. We can not thrive alone. Too many dangers await us when we are alone. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He watches over the alienated, lonely and depressed. He is not the hired hand. No hired hand can do what Jesus does for us.
SCRIPTURES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+St. Mark's Bible Study is held every TUESDAY at 12 noon at the church.
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UTO ingathering takes place next Sunday, May 10th United Thank Offering provides grants for many worthwhile projects .UTO chair, Mamie Hymes asks that you give until it makes you happy.
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UTO ingathering takes place next Sunday, May 10th United Thank Offering provides grants for many worthwhile projects .UTO chair, Mamie Hymes asks that you give until it makes you happy.+60th Annual Women's Weekend May 15 - 17, 2009 at Camp McDowell Deadline for registration and payment: May 1, 2009
+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 Watson's Go to Birmingham.” Suggestions for other titles can be found here NOTE: The Tuesday Bible Study class has chosen the Sawyerville book drive as it's outreach mission this year. Bertha Smith will be ordering the books from Amazon.com. If you wish to be a part of this outreach contact Bertha.
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
+ The Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at Camp McDowell was dedicated on May 2nd. The dedication service was followed by a barbecue lunch, live music and fellowship.
+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
+ ECW meeting was held after 10:00 a.m. service. A seminar for young girls on how to cope with modern coming of age issues is in the planning stages.
The Young Lions were part of a documentary filmed here in Birmingham. This film will make its debut May 7, 2009 at the IMAX theatre in downtown Birmingham. Doors open at 6. Movie begins at 7 promptly. Titus Battle is also a part of the film speaking on the subject of Mental Health and Wellness. Emmanuel and Emily are featured in the film as well.
The Film is free and open to the public at the McWane Center.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Birthday wishes go out to Samantha Nelms and George Ladd celebrating birthdays this May
The Film is free and open to the public at the McWane Center.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Birthday wishes go out to Samantha Nelms and George Ladd celebrating birthdays this May
George Ladd
Reverends Pat Wingo and Sara Scott-Wingo celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary this month.
left-Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo, right-Rev. Pat Wingo
VISITORS
St. Mark’s welcomes sisters Shakira and Sydney. They are cousins of Regina Mumford and her family.
