Salt, Light, Lamp

Salt is necessary for preservation and flavor. During Biblical times salt was used as a preservative for meat and fish. Since there was no refrigeration food was cured in order to have enough to eat during the times food would be scarce. Salt was used to provide flavor to what would otherwise be a bland meal. If the salt had lost its saltiness it was useless. Christ refers to His believers as the salt of the earth. Followers of Christ are also believers of Christ. It is the duty of the salt (God’s people) to perform the task that God has created them for. That task is to bring others to Christ.

Light and darkness usually symbolize good and evil. As a light of the world, it is the Christian’s duty to serve as a beacon to all regarding the goodness of God. Light has the ability to always conquer darkness. The Christian servant emits trust and faith in God.

Light from our lamp (ourselves) serves as an example of the glory of God to live within us. We are not doing the works of God to receive accolades from fellow humans. We are doing the work of God. Our spiritual behavior stands out as a testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Taste and see that the Lord is good…


SCRIPTURES
Isaiah 58:1-9a, (9b-12)

1 Corinthians 2:1-12, (13-16)
Matthew 5:13-20

Psalm 112:1-9, (10)

+Thank you Sundra Smith for playing the organ today. Don’t be confused. Sundra is still retired, but she agreed to play since we were in a pinch. As always, we appreciate the gift Sundra brings us.




+Thank you Elgin and Andrea Duckery for organizing our Sunday Fellowship Lunch. The Fellowship Luncheon is held every first Sunday of the month.



+The Diocesan Convention will begin this coming Friday, February 11, 2011 and conclude February 12, 2011. St. Luke’s is the host church. Rev. Sara-Scott, Deacon Carolyn, Paul Goldman, and Sylvia McClain will represent us.
+Bishop Parsley will be visiting us this coming Sunday, February 13th. Let’s all plan to be here to express our appreciation for all his years of service.

+Children’s Sunday School this coming Sunday, February 13th . 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. The Nelms will also be teaching on February 27th.

We want St. Mark’s to be a friendly, safe place for children to be formed spiritually through Christian fellowship, play, worship and learning. We offer classes for children every second and fourth Sunday of the month; and ask that parents, grandparents, and interested others to teach.Our curriculum is based on Gospel stories.Children may gather in the classroom at 10:00 every Sunday. They will have a class on designated Sundays and on other Sundays they will be supervised by an adult volunteer. Children stay in the classroom until the offertory at which time they are expected to join the parish family in church and stay through communion.

+ 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’s

WELCOME VISITORS

You honor us by your presence in worship today. Let us know if there is anything you need to feel more at home. Also, please fill out a visitor’s card and place it in the alms basin or hand it to the priest. The announcements contain information on upcoming events and activities. We would love to have you join us for any or all of them.

The 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

Clipart courtesy of www.coolclips.com and www.gospelgifs.com
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