FISH FOR PEOPLE

Matthew 4:19 “And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”
During an epiphany there is revelation and challenge. What we may have not been aware of at one time has now been revealed. This revelation may uncover matters that require change. Change is always a challenge. Why? Because change involves sacrifice. We are required to release something that we don’t want to let go of. It could be a habit, possession, grudge, companion(s). Letting go can be new and transforming. By opening to love we find Jesus. Jesus is love .


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Scriptures

Isaiah 9:1-41
Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
Psalm 27:1, 5-13
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+We are grateful to Rachel Williamson for providing music for the month of January. Rachel is a graduate student at the University of Alabama seeking her Master’s degree in Library Science.

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+St. Mark’s welcomes new arrival, Camden Fernandez James son of Aisha Nicole Stroud and Bertrand James.

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+The Episcopal Church Women of St. Mark’s presents it 2011 slate of officers:

President- Marietta Cameron
Vice President- Gloria Brandon
Secretary- Aisha Stroud/ Ellarine Stroud
Treasurer- Mamie Hymes
UTO- Rosie McCall

Incoming President, Marietta Cameron requests meeting participants to submit to her their ideas and suggestions well in advance of the meeting date. By having your name on the agenda the meeting can take place in a

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+ Congratulations to Paul Goldman, Sundra Smith, and Richard Finley for your recent election to the vestry.

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+ The 2011 Daughter to Daughter program will be headed by Cassandra Joseph. The steering committee will include, Jalete Nelms, Gloria Brandon, Marietta Cameron, and Ellarine Stroud. The planning meeting for Daughter to Daughter will be held February 13, 2011. Daughter to Daughter welcomes all volunteers who wish to be a part of their effort to educate and empower young girls for today’s world.

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+Keep in your prayers the family of Heager Hill. Homegoing Services for Heager’s beloved aunt “Deenie” in High Point, North Carolina were held January 18, 2011. At 102 years of age Mrs. Rhodemia Bell, "aunt Deenie" Cheltenham experienced the many fruitful vignettes life offers us. She leaves an endless list of fond memories to her survivors.

click photo to enlarge

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Be Watchful

The season of Advent is a time of reflection and meditation. It is the beginning of the Christian year. During Advent we prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ. In Biblical times the Hebrews awaited the coming of the Messiah. Christians today celebrate Christmas as a way of commemorating the birth of Jesus and awaiting the second coming of Christ.

The season is overridden with activities that have little to do with Advent. Contrary to its purpose, it is overrun with shopping, gifting, revelry and much rushing about. While there is nothing wrong with partaking in these events, overindulgence defeats the purpose of the season. In all of the hustle and bustle and stress, we negate the true meaning of Advent, that of thought and contemplation.

Upon first inspection in the Gospel of Luke 21:25-31 there is more of a foreboding than joy. We read of, “…distress among nations…”, “people will faint from fear…”, “…the heavens will be shaken…” That is hardly a reason to celebrate.

Upon further analysis we read, “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” We are instructed, “ Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.”

By not becoming overwrought with trivialities we are in a better position to think and reflect ,focus and appreciate. We are to remain watchful in readiness of the second coming of Christ. Those that are heeding, enduring and faithful will not be caught off guard. The joy of Christ will be upon them.
A pause to think
is a cause to thank
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Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-9 (the Psalm will be chanted during Advent)
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

+ FESTIVAL OF LESSONS and CAROLS- On next Sunday, December 6th, beginning at 10:00 a.m., we will have a service of Advent Lessons and Carols. This is a very special way for us to hear and proclaim the message of Advent. It will be a good Sunday to bring a friend to church. Thank you Sundra and the choir for your hard work in preparing this beautiful service for us!
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+ADVENT WREATHS- Today we made Advent wreaths and distributed prayers and different ideas for using the wreath. For the rest of the season we will be exploring Bible stories about Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus. This is an especially important time to have your children at Sunday School and church because this is a season when culture has very loud and clear messages that the season is about something very different than what the church says it is about. If you want your children to grow more deeply into the “reason for the season”, make sure you get them to Sunday School!

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+CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 20th- We will plan to have a covered dish lunch this Sunday more details to be announced.

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+CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE- Rev. Sara asked for feedback on a time for Christmas Eve service. The times suggested were 4:30 and 6:30 pm.
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+DAUGHTER2DAUGHTER- will meet this Saturday, December 5th. We are hosting the second of our monthly seminars to support mothers and their daughters, ages 11-14, by giving them tools for physical, emotional and spiritual health. This month’s topic will focus on peer pressure. We continue to get more and more interest from the community about this ministry. Please support us with your prayers and by volunteering your time.

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THE ORIGIN OF THE ADVENT WREATH

The origins of the Advent wreath are found in the folk practices of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples who, during the cold December darkness of Eastern Europe, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in a coming spring and renewed light.

Christians kept these popular traditions alive, and by the 16th century Catholics and Protestants throughout Germany used these symbols to celebrate their Advent hope in Christ, the everlasting Light. From Germany the use of the Advent wreath spread to other parts of the Christian world.

Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens. Three candles are violet and the fourth is rose, but four white candles or four violet candles can also be used. Each day at home, the candles are lighted, perhaps before the evening meal-- one candle the first week, and then another each succeeding week until December 25th. A short prayer may accompany the lighting.
by Victor Hoagland, C.P. (taken from Prayers and Customs)

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Stewardship

God sent his son Jesus to die for us. We can show our love for His sacrifice by striving to bring others into his presence. The maintenance of churches is necessary to carry out the work of the Lord. When giving we must remember that we are giving to God and not the church as an institution. Making a Christ centered pledge releases us from the dependence of money to the independence from money. Cheerful giving is liberating.
Stewardship along the spiritual journey involves not only the giving of tithes but also the giving of self.
One of the assets of being a member of a small parish is the intimacy of it. Everyone knows each other and there is the opportunity to know each other even deeper. Stewardship plays an important part in the maintenance of any parish but especially a small one.
Stewardship entails commitment and support of what God wants us to do.
Wherever you are, hopefully your journey will be rewarding.

Rev. Peter Horn brought the message today.


SCRIPTURES
Samuel 1:4-20
Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25

Psalm 16
Mark 13:1-8

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+Condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Sara Scott on the death of her father.

NELSON, Innes Armistead October 6, 1924 - November 11, 2009. Son of Rebecca Anderson Thornton and Wilbur Armistead Nelson. Born in Nashville and reared in Charlottesville and Birmingham. Joined the R.O.T.C. in 1943, and served as Ensign in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific until 1946, during which time he survived a typhoon. He was graduated from the University of the South, Sewanee, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, NY. Did internship and residency at Vanderbilt and the V.A. Hospitals, and practiced general surgery at Baptist, Parkview, St. Thomas and Vanderbilt Hospitals until his retirement in 1987. For a time, he was a Clinical Instructor of Surgery at Vanderbilt, assistant chief of surgery at St. Thomas and served on its advisory and executive committees. Served on Parkview Board of Trustees, as well as board of the local Cancer Society of which president for one year. Other activities included Tennessee Medical Association Political Action Committee, consultant to Equitable Life Assurance Society and after retirement, to Social Security Disability Determination. Member of the following societies: Nashville Academy of Medicine, Tennessee Medical Association, Nashville Surgical Society, Southern Society of Clinical Surgeons and H. W. Scott, Jr. Surgical Society. He was twice vestryman of St. George's Episcopal Church. He belonged to the Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia Historical Societies, and was an active member of the Sewanee Club of Nashville. Throughout his life, he returned every possible summer to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, a community he dearly loved. He served a number of terms on the Assembly Board and was instrumental in founding a cemetery there. Before the Grundy Forest Park System was founded, he led his family down the rock slides into Savage Gulf, to the delight of his children. In addition to life on the mountain, he especially enjoyed tennis in earlier years and bridge in later ones, and always family, reading, and a wide circle of friends. Preceded in death by parents and brother, George Thornton Nelson of Birmingham. Survived by wife, Sara Harris Nelson; children, Rebecca Thornton Nelson of Richmond, Eugene Harris Nelson of Nashville, Sara Scott Nelson Wingo (Patrick James Wingo) of Birmingham; grandchildren, Sara Elizabeth and Van Clyne Nall IV of Richmond, Sara Grayson, Anna Rebecca and Abigail Pope Wingo of Birmingham; nieces, Kae Nelson Bolling (William Chandler) of Roanoke and Ann Nelson Allen of Lookout Mountain; sister-in-law, Grayson Warfield Harris of Nashville and brother-in-law, Frank Scott Harris (Anne) of Lynnville. Service will be at St. George's Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Family will receive visitors following the service. Memorial contributions would be welcomed at Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, P. O. Box 307, Monteagle, TN 37356 or the charity of one's choice. The family expresses gratitude for having a loved one so full of caring, honor and integrity. CRAWFORD MORTUARY & CREMATORY, (615) 254-8200; Guestbook at www.crawfordservices.com

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+ ECW meeting was held after the morning service with President, Jalete Nelms officiating. Among the topics discussed were plans for one ECW member to provide a brief inspirational message at the beginning of each meeting. Other discussion included officers for ECW, canned goods for Christmas, possible women’s retreat and a report by Deacon Carolyn on the first meeting of Daughter2Daughter.

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+ The Young Lions ministry has nine young men and five mentors. Mentors include Joseph Samuels and Titus Battle from St. Mark’s. The topics of discussion have been careers and education. Last month the Young Lions enjoyed special moments attending the Magic City Classic.

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+ Deacon Carolyn thanks all who participated in the first seminar of Daughter2Daughter. Discussion for session one centered around stress. Ms. Kathy Hammell from Children’s Aid Society was the speaker. In depth table discussions during lunch were helpful in putting participants at ease and getting to know them better. The seminar was an outstanding success.

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CHURCH HUMOR

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ALL SAINTS DAY

Today is All Saints Day. The altar is dressed in white because we are celebrating. We celebrate the lives of those before us who we feel have carried out some form of saintly duty. Say the word “saint” and right away the idea of someone who is perfect or someone who follows all the rules comes to mind. Saints are not perfect people. The Bible is proof of that. Saints don’t walk around glowing with halos hovering over their heads. Saints can be ordinary people. We should all strive to be saints. Saints are people who seek to be a follower of Jesus and bear his love into the world. They are doers of His Word.
SCRIPTURES
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 24
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44

ANNOUNCEMENTS


+Children’s Sunday School this month prepared us for November 1st which is All Saint’s Day.
Earlier in the month Mrs. Mary Williams told the children about a saint in her life which was her grandmother.
Mrs. Mamie Hymes told of a saint in her life which was Mrs.Lucille Pinkard

Rounding out the month on the study of saints was Mr. Heager Hill.
Mr. Hill told of Mr. Louis J. Willie, a former member of St, Mark’s.
Mr. Willie was a long time member of the St. Mark’s parish. He was one of the first members to worship in the church’s present location.

Mr. Willie was a servant of the church in that he served in almost every capacity of stewardship. He was on the vestry many times serving as Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, Treasurer, Clerk, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lay Reader, Homily Leader, Usher, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Choir and Custodian. Wherever he was needed he was willing to serve.

Mr. Willie was the first member of St. Mark’s to serve on boards at the Diocesan level. Among these boards being St. Martin’s in the Pines Sr. Center and as a convention full delegate.

At one time St. Mark’s was a mission. It was assisted through donations from the Diocese. Mr. Willie led a drive to increase membership and to encourage parishioners to give by tithing. BY doing so St. Mark’s gained financial independence allowing it to handle its own expenses and bills. St. Mark’s was no longer a mission but a regular parish. This was a feat that all were proud of.
Though Mr. Willie is no longer of the earthly realm he leaves behind a valuable legacy as one of the early saints of St. Mark’s.

+As we prepare for the onset of Daughter2Daughter Outreach Program, if you’re interested or have any questions, please speak to Deacon Carolyn Foster.
Daughter2Daughter kicks off this Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
For more info visit http://www.daughter2daughter.webs.com/


+The graveside service for Herman Sutton, husband of the late Mary Sutton and grandfather to Bianca and Parinda Sutton will be held at 1: 00 PM on Wednesday, November 4th at Elmwood Cemetery. The family hour will be at 6 pm on Tuesday at Bushelon Funeral Home.

+ Preceded by a sermon on saints, the covered dish luncheon held after morning worship took on special meaning. November 1st was All Saints Day. We all possess various talents which we offer to the Glory of God. Friends and family add meaning to these special occasions we share as was evident at Sunday’s luncheon.

+Pledge cards are due next Sunday, November 8, 2009. These pledges are vital to the vestry so that they may plan a budget for the upcoming year.

+UTO ingathering will take place November 15, 2009.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Mary Williams
Aisha Nicole Stroud
Doug (grandson of Heager Hill)

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You Are Special

In today’s Gospel the blind beggar, Bartimaeus feels shame about his affliction. He is shunned because of his blindness. As a beggar coins are tossed to land on his cloak where he must feel for them. Passersby don’t want to get too close for fear they will be stricken by whatever has caused Bartimaeus’ blindness.

There is a difference between guilt and shame. Guilt is a remorseful feeling a person has when he knows that he has done wrong.
Shame involves the constant influx of negativity. The person is made to feel that he is wrong yet he has no idea as to why. Shame can extinguish self-esteem in a monumental way. In earlier times it was felt that a sin had been committed by the parents if a child was born with a disability. Because of his blindness Bartimaeus was treated this way.

When Bartimaeus heard all of the commotion about Jesus leaving Jericho, he began to shout out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Probably embarrassed by his plea for mercy, those stand round try to quiet Bartimaeus. He doesn’t yield to their reprimands. Obviously, Bartimaeus has heard of the miracles of Jesus and wants him to restore his sight.

Jesus tells them to call him over. They tell Bartimaeus to go to Jesus to which he does.
Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Bartimaeus tells Jesus he wants his sight restored.
Jesus restores his sight, tells him to go on his way and that his faith has made him well.

Because of this miracle Bartimaeus’ life is forever changed. When God calls, it is to spring up out of an old life and into a new one.

Live in true joy of what it means to be people made in the image of God.
This is who we are, and by the power of Christ’s love at work in us this is who we can call others to be as well.



SCRIPTURES


Jeremiah 31:7-9


Psalm 126
Hebrews 7:23-28


Mark 10:46-52





ANNOUNCEMENTS


+Herman Sutton, husband of the late Mary Sutton, passed away October 27th. Funeral arrangements are pending.



+Many thanks to Paul Stroud for completing the painting on the outside of the rectory. Eaves, gutters and trim have all been painted.

+Daughter2Daughter will kick off on November 7, 2009 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Press releases, flyers, and possible media coverage is being used to inform the public of this valuable mission. For more details visit http://www.daughter2daughter.webs.com/

+This month the children have been studying saints. For the October 25th lesson, Mamie Hymes told of a saint she has known. Mrs. Mamie told about Mrs. Lucille Pinkard an early member of St. Mark’s who played a huge part in the early Sunday School. Mrs. Pinkard would collect the children by car from their homes on Sunday mornings and take them to Sunday School. Mrs. Mamie recalled the cherished times they had as Sunday School teachers at the early St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

click image to read more about Mrs. Pinkard

+November 1st is All Saints Day. You are urged to invite a guest (s) to next Sunday’s covered dish lunch featuring your favorite Thanksgiving food. Remember these special occasions in our life together are wonderful opportunities to invite friends and family to enjoy our fellowship. Save the date and ask a friend to save the date too. Marietta Cameron will be calling to remind you to bring the dish you have chosen.



+++++What makes this feast so important that the Church celebrates both the night before All Saints and the day after it?
The Church has always honored those early witnesses to the Christian
faith who have died in the Lord. During the first three hundred years Christians
were severely persecuted, often suffering torture and bloody death -- because
they were faithful . They refused to deny Christ, even when this denial might
have saved their own lives, or the lives of their children and families.

Many of those especially holy people whose names and stories were
known, the Church later canonized (that is, the Church formally recognized that
the life of that person was without any doubt holy, or sanctified -- a "saint"
who is an example for us.) The Church's calendar contains many saint's days, In
order to honor the memory -- and our own debt -- to these unnamed saints, and to
recall their example, the Church dedicated a special feast day -- a sort of
"memorial day" -- so that all living Christians would celebrate the lives and
witness of those "who have died and gone before us into the presence of the
Lord". excerpted from Women for Faith and Family taken from www.wff.org/AllSaints

+Processional Hymn “Blessed Absalom” LEV #44
Absalom Jones (1746 – February 13, 1818), was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman. After founding a black congregation in 1794, in 1804 he was the first African-American ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States. 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". from wikipedia

VISITOR
St. Mark's welcomes visitor, Bonnie Krebs. Please worship with us again.

YOU ARE SPECIAL was a book mentioned in today's sermon.
This review is from: You Are Special (Max Lucado's Wemmicks)
This book shows how true freedom for us comes by not being enslaved to the opinions of others. Max Lucado tells the story to communicate to children (and most DEFINITELY to adults as well) that by taking time to experience and remember God's love for us, we can have a deep joy that isn't contingent upon whether people bestow praise (represented by gold stars) or insults (grey dots) upon us. This is a book that I think everyone should read .This simple story illustrates a truth that is essential to our peace, yet so hard for us to keep hold of.
This review done by Bethany McKinney at www.Amazon.com

CHURCH HUMOR


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