First Sunday After Pentecost

St. Mark's kicked off it's Vacation Bible School with Summerfest on Sunday. Services were held outside beneath the pines. Morning service was followed by a cookout with fellowship, music and games. Below are a few pictures from the service and the cookout.

Scriptures

Isaiah 6:1-8

Romans 8:12-17

John 3:1-17

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Brothers, Christian and Royce Files provided music during the Offertory and Eucharist.

St. Mark's has been blessed with the music of these talented musicians on a previous occasion. We are always inspired by their music. These gifted young men are the grandsons of Heager and Nettie Hill.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+Vacation Bible School starts tomorrow June 8th, 9th, and 10th, 4:00-6:00 p.m.-

On Wednesday at 5:30pm we are inviting everyone to see what our kids have done in Bible School. We will be having a presentation of our Bible stories in broadcast news style. The children will have rehearsed and I know they would want you to be there. Looking forward with anticipation of an insightful experience and great time. Thank you Jalete for making it all happen! Rev. Sara-Scott

+Honoring our graduates Sunday, June 14th- Be sure to attend church on June 14th when we will honor our high school graduates and give our collegiate leaders a chance to offer some encouragement. St. Mark’s is home to some very fine young people. Let’s all be here to honor them.

Graduates include:

Elgin Duckery-Hoover High School

Lucas Noel- Montevallo University

Aisha Stroud- Auburn University

Cicely Washington-University of Alabama at Huntsville

+Wonderful, wonderful !Camp McDowell- will be having sessions for children all summer. Scholarships are available. Children from all denominations are welcomed and the camp is always happy to place friends in a cabin together. Applications are in my office and a schedule is on the bulletin board. Scholarships are available. Send your children to camp. You will be glad you did. Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo

+ Bible Study -TUESDAY noon. We are studying the Gospel of Luke and we welcome all to join us. Come and bring a friend.

+A Note from Rev. Sara Scott- I like being able to send you such good news! An anonymous donor has offered to patch the roof on the rectory and replace the fascia boards and soffits that have rotted. We will be responsible for painting the new wood. The donor's work should be completed by early summer, and we should be able to organize a work party soon after that to finish it off. As we move toward getting the rectory back in good shape, please pray about the ways in which God might have us use this space. I believe it will be a wonderful resource for outreach ministries and that it will be a good space for Christian Education on Sundays. In addition, let us all give thanks to God for this wonderful gift. Peace to all.

+Summer Music- The summer is rapidly approaching and the choir will take a well deserved break for about 12 weeks. How special is their sharing of gifts of music and song. We are now looking for you to share your musical talents, either singing and /or playing an instrument, solo, duet, or trio, with St. Mark’s during the summer months. Contact Sundra Smith to reserve your date.

+Prayer Requests- If you would like the congregation to pray for a specific request for you or your family, please place your prayer request in the box on the back table in the sanctuary. If you would like prayer but not have the details published in the bulletin, then make a note that your prayer request is “unspoken.”

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

Rev. Sara-Scott (left), offers a prayer for those celebrating June birthdays.

Heager Hill (2nd. rt.), Jalete Nelms(3rd rt.) and twins Diane and Deborah Nelms (holding their Mom's hand)

END***

Seventh Sunday Easter

SCRIPTURES

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

Psalm 11

John 5:9-13

John 17:6-19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+ I like being able to send you such good news! An anonymous donor has offered to patch the roof on the rectory and replace the facia boards and soffets that have rotted. We will be responsible for painting the new wood. The donor's work should be completed by early summer, and we should be able to organize a work party soon after that to finish it off. As we move toward getting the rectory back in good shape, please pray about the ways in which God might have us use this space. I believe it will be a wonderful resource for outreach ministries and that it will be good space for Christian Education on Sundays. In addition, let us all give thanks to God for this wonderful gift. Peace to all. -Sara-Scott

+Congratulations to Anthony Joseph for being named one of the state's top attorneys in white collar criminal defense by "Alabama Super Lawyers " magazine.


+Below are the final Sunday School lessons before we break for the summer. Since most of you will be out of town for the next few weeks, I feel it would be best if we cancel these sessions, and pick up again in the Fall. Please let me know if you have any concerns about this. I have enjoyed this year of study and thank God for you! Have a blessed and wonderful summer, Joyce

Click here: Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B, RCL (May 17)

Click here: Seventh Sunday of Easter, RCL (May 24)

Click here: Day of Pentecost, RCL (May 31)

Click here: Trinity Sunday, RCL (June 7)

+Vacation Bible School-Bible Challenge/Broadcasting the Stories of Moses June 8th,9th, and 10th, 4:00-6:00p.m.-Ages 3-13 (Younger children may come accompanied by an adult and we want our youth to participate by helping us to run the program). Expect this to be a fun filled celebration of three Moses stories: The Crossing of the Red Sea, Bread from Heaven, and Receiving the Ten Commandments . On the last day we will make a presentation of what has been learned broadcast news style. What we need- bring your children and their friends, volunteer to help, and let us know who’s coming.

Have you taken a moment of time out to invite a family member or friend to St. Marks Youth Bible Challenge 2009 : Operation Broadcast News? Have you followed up on your commitment for the event? Please update or RSVP to Jalete Nelms or Reverend Sara-Scott Wingo, so we're able to plan for each person and welcome guests on June 8! Your action will contribute to the success of our event so please respond today. Jalete Nelms

+Children and Youth Answer Your E-Mail- An e-mail has gone out either to you or your parents that we hope you will answer. We want to plan some activities for all age groups this summer that will provide us a way to have fun and fellowship together. We want your suggestions. Please make sure your parents show you the e-mail and then tell us what you want!

+On June 14th we will honor our high school graduates. Our college students as well as those already in the work force will have an opportunity to offer encouragement and advice to those who will enter an institute of higher learning or life’s work force. Be here to help honor them.

+Camp McDowell- will be having sessions for children all summer. Children will be greatly enriched having the opportunity to become more deeply rooted in the fellowship and traditions of the Episcopal Church. Scholarships are available. If your child is hesitant because they don’t know anyone, they can get a friend to come with them. Children from all denominations are welcomed and the camp is always happy to place friends in a cabin together. Applications are in the rector’s office and a schedule is on the bulletin board. Rev. Sara-Scott Wingo

+Summer Music- The summer is rapidly approaching and the choir will take a well deserved break for about two weeks. How special is their sharing of gifts of music and song. We are now looking for you to share your musical talents, either singing and /or playing an instrument, solo, duet, or trio, with St. Mark’s during the summer months. Contact Sundra Smith

+St. Mark's Bible Study is held every TUESDAY at 12 noon at the church

+Marc Smith has been elected to the General Convention for a fourth time. The General Convention is held for ten days with workdays lasting from early morning until late evening. Prepreparation is also necessary before attending. Let us pray for Marc has he begins this awesome task with the General Convention.

+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

"Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

According to Professor David Blight of the Yale University History Department, the first memorial day was observed in 1865 by liberated slaves at the historic Washington Race Course (today the location of Hampton Park) in Charleston. The site was a former Confederate prison camp as well as a mass grave for Union soldiers who died in captivity. The freed slaves disinterred the dead Union soldiers from the mass grave to be inhumed properly reposed with individual graves, built a fence around the graveyard with an entry arch, declaring it a Union graveyard. A daring action for freed slaves to take in the South just shortly after the Union's victory. On May 30, 1868, the freed slaves returned to the graveyard with flowers they had picked from the countryside and decorated the individual gravesites, thereby creating the first Decoration Day. Thousands of freed blacks and Union soldiers paraded from the area, followed by much patriotic singing and a picnic." From Wikipedia

END***

Bear Fruit

GOD wants us to go forth into the world with the love he has given us to bear fruit. The fruit Jesus wants us to bear is fruit that will last. It is eternal. When Jesus tells us to bear fruit that will last he is telling us to take our love out into the world. That way more love will be produced. The fruit of love is different from ordinary fruit. This fruit can change the world. Human beings can’t understand love unless they are loved. The only way to do this is to love others. Jesus came into the world to love us. He came to show us what God’s love looks like in the only way we can understand…through another person.

Apostolic succession in the church refers to all who are confirmed and made deacons, priests, or bishops have had hands laid on them by someone else who has had hands laid on them all the way back to the Disciples. The chain of apostolic succession represents the way that every generation of Christians has learned what it means to be loved by the generation before them. The Disciples learned first hand from Jesus what it means to be loved by God.

SCRIPTURES
Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98

1 John 5:1-6

John 15:9-17

BAPTISM

Lana Grinberg and her son Nicholas Terehoff were baptized today. Click pictures to enlarge and for captions



The Young Lion's Report
by Titus Battle
We were privileged to have as our guest the honorable and respectable Anthony Joseph. His sharing was profound. Even though we were small in number, his inspirational story of life inspired us all. The thriving point that was made is that Anthony like all others had opportunities to be influenced in other directions. Anthony chose to live his life based upon the guidance of his Grandma. We asked the children to find that person in their lives that would direct their life to success. For our session, Bro. Anthony was dubbed our "Living African American Hero".

Bro. Anthony has been my inspiration for over 20 years. He has served as my spiritual big brother and has done a remarkable job setting the example. I am hoping that his talk and presence will have that affect on the children we serve. The Young Lions extend our thanks and gratitude to Bro. Anthony and bid him a remarkable journey through life and we bless all that he does. We will do our best to influence our boys to become strong, responsible upstanding men. Bro. Anthony is a remarkable man with a beautiful soul.

Mike Milner, David Cook, Joseph Samuels, Jerome ? and I were the other mentors present along with our wonderful director Rev. Deacon Carolyn Foster.. Peace be with You. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+Below are the final Sunday School lessons before we break for the summer. Since most of you will be out of town for the next few weeks, I feel it would be best if we cancel these sessions, and pick up again in the Fall. Please let me know if you have any concerns about this. I have enjoyed this year of study and thank God for you! Have a blessed and wonderful summer, Joyce
Click here: Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B, RCL (May 17)

Click here: Seventh Sunday of Easter, RCL (May 24)

Click here: Day of Pentecost, RCL (May 31)

Click here: Trinity Sunday, RCL (June 7)

+Vacation Bible School-Bible Challenge/Broadcasting the Stories of Moses June 8th,9th, and 10th, 4:00-6:00p.m.-Ages 3-13 (Younger children may come accompanied by an adult and we want our youth to participate by helping us to run the program). Expect this to be a fun filled celebration of three Moses stories: The Crossing of the Red Sea, Bread from Heaven, and Receiving the Ten Commandments . On the last day we will make a presentation of what has been learned broadcast news style. What we need- bring your children and their friends, volunteer to help, and let us know who’s coming. Contact :Jalete Nelms

+Children and Youth Answer Your E-Mail- An e-mail has gone out either to you or your parents that we hope you will answer. We want to plan some activities for all age groups this summer that will provide us a way to have fun and fellowship together. We want your suggestions. Please make sure your parents show you the e-mail and then tell us what you want!
+On June 14th we will honor our high school graduates. Our college students as well as those already in the work force will have an opportunity to offer encouragement and advice to those who will enter an institute of higher learning or life’s work force. Be here to help honor them.

+Camp McDowell- will be having sessions for children all summer. Children will be greatly enriched having the opportunity to become more deeply rooted in the fellowship and traditions of the Episcopal Church. Scholarships are available. If your child is hesitant because they don’t know anyone, they can get a friend to come with them. Children from all denominations are welcomed and the camp is always happy to place friends in a cabin together. Applications are in the rector’s office and a schedule is on the bulletin board. Rev. Sara-Scott Wingo

+Summer Music- The summer is rapidly approaching and the choir will take a well deserved break for about two weeks. How special is their sharing of gifts of music and song. We are now looking for you to share your musical talents, either singing and /or playing an instrument, solo, duet, or trio, with St. Mark’s during the summer months. Contact Sundra Smith
+St. Mark's Bible Study is held every TUESDAY at 12 noon at the church

+Marc Smith has been elected to the General Convention for a fourth time. The General Convention is held for ten days with workdays lasting from early morning until late evening. Prepreparation is also necessary before attending. Let us pray for Marc has he begins this awesome task with the General Convention.

+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

+Rev. Scott-Wingo will be out of town next Sunday. Rev. Charles Taylor will preach.

VISITORS



Friends of Titus Battle, Lana Grinberg and her son Nicholas Tereoff desired to be baptized.
After speaking with Rev. Scott-Wingo the baptism took place after the regular service. Lana and her son will be moving out west where she will be enrolled in medical school. She plans a practice in Family Medicine.

END***

Unclean Spirit

Today’s sermon was taken from the Gospel of Mark 1:21-28. In the scripture mention is made of an “unclean spirit.” What is an “unclean spirit?” An unclean spirit is a demonic spirit. It is a spirit working against God that dwells in the human spirit. It was believed by early Christians that the tabernacle contained the holiness of God. Anything unclean was not to come near the tabernacle. This uncleanness had to do with interfering with a community’s worship of God. Therefore anyone and anything was cast out and away from the tabernacle. Lepers, demonic possessed etc.
We all have desires. A car, a home, job promotions. While it is not wrong for a person to have desires, desire could become an unclean spirit if it is all we think about and allow it to take over our lives. Addiction, usually seen as an excess of drink and drugs also comes in other forms. Excessive shopping, eating, or exercising is also an addiction. This too could cause an uncleanness of the spirit.
To further clarify, Rev. Scott told a story of a parish which showed much promise of growth but because of one person’s negative behavior it infected many causing an unclean spirit to infiltrate. The offending person left the parish followed by several members. Uncertainty was a factor for the minister and his family. It was unknown as to whether the church would close its doors and the minister and his family be left in dire straits after making many sacrifices to come to the parish. Anger, resentment and guilt can take on a life of its own as was evident in the ability of one to influence many and have them follow. These emotions can escalate and blow out of proportion. IN the end those who left the parish took with them their unclean spirits allowing the remainder to renew and rejuvenate carrying on the work of God.
Mark 1:27 … "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Many congregations experience, distrust, anger, pride, hurt and a wide range of emotions. We must put aside the past and focus a clean mind and clean spirit on the future. A future intent on God’s will and doing his will as prescribed.

SCRIPTURES
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Mark 1:21-28
SCRIPTURES FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2009
Isaiah 40:21-31

Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+On Tuesday, February 3rd at 6 pm, the Commission on Race Relations will sponsor a viewing of the film, Traces of the Trade, at the downtown public library. This is the film that was shown at St. Mark’s in November. You are invited to attend. A member of the DeWolf family, who was featured in the film, will be present to lead a discussion. Also, Deacon Carolyn could use a few volunteers to help with the reception held prior to the viewing of the film and other volunteer opportunities during the week as the Commission hosts participants who will be attending anti-racism training through Saturday at All Saints, Homewood. If you can help, please contact Carolyn. * Reception 5:30p.m.>*Documentary 6p.m.> *Discussion after Documentary

+ Be reminded that Bishop Parsley’s annual visit to St. Mark’s will be March. 1, 2009. Anyone wanting to be baptized or confirmed should contact either Rev. Scott or Deacon Carolyn for further instructions and to prepare for the ceremony.
+ The Diocesan Convention will be held in Montgomery, Alabama on February 19-21, 2009. Mark Smith and Heager Hill are St. Mark’s delegates.
+ The next ECW meeting will be held after church on February 15, 2009

VISITORS

St. Mark’s was pleased to have the youth of J2A from St. Francis of Assisi at Indian Springs in today’s 10:00 a.m. service. The group was accompanied by Youth Minister Brandt Montgomery along with J2A leaders Lara Dworshak and Joe May. Rev. Montgomery explained J2A’s purpose of the visit. “In honoring J2A's aim of "youth...understanding and building Christian community," this trip will further emphasize the importance of ALL people being God's people while providing an opportunity for our youth to experience Anglican worship through a different style and tradition.”

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Absalom Jones (1746 – February 13, 1818), was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman. He was the first African-American priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States and founded a black congregation. He is listed on the Episcopal calendar of saints and blessed under the date of his decease, February 13, in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer as "Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818".

****END*****

Laboring in the Christian World

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated with our guest and friend, Rev. Charles Taylor.

In his sermon, Rev. Charles spoke of Ms. Allison whom he remembers from his church as a young man growing up. She had a favorite song entitled "Work While the Night is Coming". Here on the eve, of Labor Day, he thought it would be good to mention the song and it's lyrics:
verse 1

Work, for the night is coming,
Work, through the morning hours,
Work, while the dew is sparkling,
Work, 'mid springing flowers,
Work, when the day grows brighter,
Work, in the glowing sun,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.

verse 2

Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon,
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.

verse 3

Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies,
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work 'til the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more,
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man's work is o'er.

In this song, there is no reference to God, the Holy Spirit or the Church. What then is the message? What is the night and why or for whom is the work?He then spoke of Jesus - He knew why He worked and what He was to accomplish:
1. He did the work of someone else (His Father). Our work should be the same - the servant on someone else.
2. He did not justify His deity. We are the beloved children of God, our work for Him should bring us true fulfillment
3. He was not working to get to heaven, to earn a partnership or salvation.
4. His work was joyful - though He knew what was coming, He was not controlled by the night...He was God's gift.
He then referred to another Hymn - Come Labor On:

verse 1

Come, labor on!
Who dares stand idle,
on the harvest plain
While all around him waves the golden grain?
And to each servant does the Master say,
“Go work today.”

verse 2

Come, labor on!
Claim the high calling angels cannot share
—To young and old the Gospel gladness bear;
Redeem the time;its hours too swiftly fly.
The night draws nigh.
These are the first two verse of this six verse hymn. It can be found in our Hymnal #541. Here we hear of God's love and presence. And because of our faith, He will be there to welcome us into His new day!

Processional -#552
Readings (Joyce Ladd):Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105: 1-6I
Romans 12: 9-21
Gospel (Deacon Carolyn)Matthew 16:21-28
Music by the Voices of Praise "Trading My Sorrows", and "Come Holy Spirit"

Announcements

+The last First Sunday Potluck Luncheon for the summer will be held after our regular church service on Sunday, September 7, 2008. The sign-up list will be posted on the bulletin board, please stop by and sign-up to bring something to make this a very, very special luncheon. This time, we are going to play a game that will allow everyone to win something and will be lots of fun. Plan to bring two (2) "no gender" gifts that cost no more than $5. I am asking for two gifts in the event we have visitors and this will allow them to participate, also. I am very excited about September's First Sunday Potluck Luncheon, so please help to make this a wonderful one. Should you have questions, please contact me via email or by telephone . (check church roster for this information) Thank you so much. Jackie Nixon, September Coordinator St. Mark's First Sunday Potluck .

+Giving flowers for the altar is a wonderful way to honor, remember and celebrate special people and events in our lives. Please consider placing flowers on the altar for one Sunday this years. The sign up calendar is located on the bulletin boards outside the Fellowship Hall.

+Healthy congregations study by Peter Steinke is still be lead by Deacon Carolyn on Sunday morning from 8:45-9:45am

+A tear off sheet is being provided each Sunday so that you can place names of your favorite hyms in the basket at the back oif the church. From this survey we hope to hear all the collections that mean something to each of us.

+Thanks to Deacon Carolyn for hosting the back to school pool party for the kids.

+Mark Smith announced a meeting for the upcoming children’s Sunday School class.

+The Adult Sunday School class will resume on September 14 at 9:00 am

+Welcome to Mamie Hymes guests, Mr. And Mrs. Bryan Thomas, and little Mamie.

St. Mark's Bible Study Group

Pictured, standing left to right: Bertha Smith, Mary Williams, Heager Hill, and seated, Mamie Hymes. Other group members not pictured, Deleon Fancher, Nettie Hill, Lucille Tarver, and Olivia Washington
The St. Mark's Bible Study Group, currently studying William Barclay's, "The Gospel of Mark", meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12 noon until 1:00pm at the church. Please feel free to join this wonderful group of brothers and sisters as they study and pray together. submitted by Bertha Smith

Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day !!

Flowers

Giving flowers for the altar is a wonderful way to honor, remember and celebrate special people and events in our lives. Please consider placing flowers on the altar for one Sunday this year. The sign up calendar is located in the hallway.

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Summer Finances

As we enter the summer months and members leave for well deserved vacations, our incoming finances begin to fall, while our expenses, such as electricity, rise. If you are able, please consider adding a little extra to your giving to help during the summer months. Thank you, your Deacon and Vestry

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Bible Study sessions continue to meet each Wednesday at noon here at St. Mark's