Bishop Parsley made his last visit to St. Mark's before retiring as Bishop of the Diocese. . His message was well prepared, without the benefit of notes. He mentioned the previous two day Convention only briefly. He spoke favorably regarding St. Mark's mentioning the parish's long standing service contributions to the Diocese. Kind words for Rev Sara-Scott, Deacon Carolyn Foster and those of us by name who serve on committees; were a part of his message. He wished God's blessings upon St. Mark's. He knows of our challenges. . His sermon was centered around the Sermon on the Mount. He talked about unity with all of God's people, and not to reject anyone. He told a story of how ladies knit a shawl and how it all comes together as one in the end. We should accept everybody as we are all 'knitted together', and accepted by God. Instead of the Nicene Creed, we recited the Baptismal. The Bishop appeared to be very relaxed, pleasant, and most gracious. We wish him well in his upcoming retirement. edited by Sylvia McClain . Photo B'ham News
Bishop Parsley's last visit. The spicy hot Russian tea, coffee, fruit arrangement with chocolate strawberries on a stick, red velvet cake and plain cake made for a very appetizing repast. It was a great presentation. 
+Children’s Sunday School February 27th . Teachers are Sam and Jalete Nelms. Be sure to have your children here by 10:00 a.m. so that they won’t miss out on the lesson the Nelms prepare.
+ We are invited to St. Stephen’s, our companion church to tell the story of St.
Mark’s. Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 5:45-7:30 p.m. is the date and time. We will join them during one of their Lenten suppers and program.Rides will be arranged for those who will need them. This is an exciting opportunity to share our story and ministry with St. Stephen’sThe Vestry Has Decided to Focus On Four Things This Year
1. Attracting and attending to young families, youth, and children.
2.Developing a three year financial plan focusing on stewardship, fund raising events, and grants.
3.Enriching our worship through Christian Education and attention to liturgy.
4. Increasing opportunities for our parishioners to be involved in Pastoral Care. We are forming committees for each priority and hope you will participate
"African-Americans and the Struggle for Justice"
Below is a quote from the above titled website. Click the title link for details
"In 1794 Absalom Jones and Richard Allen, with the
assistance of local Quakers and Episcopalians, established the “First African
Church” in Philadelphia. Shortly after the establishment that same year, the
African Church applied to join the Protestant Episcopal Church, laying before
the diocese three requirements: the Church must be received as an already
organized body; it must have control over it’s own affairs; and Jones must be
licensed as lay-reader and if qualified, ordained as its minister."
Thanks to Heager Hill for this web find
All clipart courtesy of gospelgifs.com and coolclips.com
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