"...from now on you will be catching people."

Luke 5:1-11
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was
pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore
of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He
got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out
a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the
boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep
water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have
worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let
down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their
nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat
to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began
to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go
away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him
were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and
John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon,
"Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had
brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

This story is a sign to us that the abundance of God's grace is touching us today. There is more to life than working, paying bills, and having a little fun. We can live at a depth where we engage God's love and passion for us and for all creation.
Following Jesus allows us to be instruments of God to catch others into the net of his amazing grace.
SCRIPTURES
Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13]
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11
ANNOUNCEMENTS
St. Mark's welcomed many visitors as a part of Friends and Family Day. We were honored to have so many worshiping with us.



Parishioners and visitors exit the sanctuary after 10:00 a.m. worship service.

Lunch was served in the Fellowship Hall after service.

*CHRISTIAN EDUCATION -Through the rest of the winter and the spring there will be an adults class and children and youths class on the first Sunday of every month at 9:00 a.m.. A mid-month weeknight devotional and event for all will also be a part of the schedule. This event could be bowling,game night or some other activity. Everyone is encouraged to participate.

*ALABAMA FAITH COUNCIL- The Alabama Faith Council is hosting its 3rd annual public forum on Monday, February 15th at Birmingham Southern College. The theme of the forum
is "Inter-FAITHinter-ACTION-Building a Beloved Alabama." We are in need of several people to serve as volunteers for the event. We need people to assist with registration, help set up box lunches, give directions, etc.. If you would like to volunteer, please see Deacon Carolyn.

*BISHOP'S VISIT- Bishop Sloan will be visiting St. Mark's on Sunday February 21st. He will lead worship at 10:00 a.m., remain for a reception, and then meet with the vestry. Please come and give Bishop Sloan a warm welcome. During his visit with us, be sure to share your thoughts, concerns, hopes and dreams for St. Mark's with him. This is an important time in the life of out parish, and he will want to hear what's on your mind.

*VESTRY- Don't forget we will be meeting with Bishop Sloan after the reception on February 21st.

*RELIEF FOR HAITI- St. Mark's has sent a donation to Haiti from our collection.

*Jacqueline Thomas- Nixon is Birmingham City School Teacher of the Year 2010-2011. She asks that you continue to keep her in your prayers so that she can bring home the State Teacher of the Year to Ramsay High and Birmingham City School. Thank you for your prayers.

* The Ensley Community cordially invite you to the Dedication and Unveiling Ceremony of the signs in honor of Dr. Mable B. Anderson on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 2 P.M. The ceremony will take place at the East Ensley Library, 900-14th Street Ensley. Your presence will make this a momentous occasion. If you have additional questions contact George A. McCall at 787-3018 or 215-5354

*You are invited to join the EYC at St. Thomas on SUNDAY, FEB. 21. 4:30-6:00 for JR EYC (6TH-8TH GRADE) and 6:30-8:30 for SR HIGH. Jr EYC will have snacks and Sr High will have dinner. Both groups will play and eat (snacks or dinner) and have a lesson followed by a prayer. I'm better acquainted with the Jr High group since Anna and Abigail both attend, and I can say this is a fun group of very nice young people. I don't know the older group as well, but I know many, many fine people from St. Thomas. I hope we take advantage of this opportunity to make new friends and get plugged into an active youth group. Be on the lookout for more information and directions.
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