Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."





SCRIPTURES
Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18
1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23
Psalm 119:33-40

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christopher Griffin was the musician for today. The congregation was especially enthused with Christopher’s hearty rendition of
“Standin’ In The Need Of Prayer” Toe tapping and hand clapping accompanied this energizing song.
Today’s acolyte was Emmanuel Robinson.


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.

ECW meeting was held after service presided over by Marietta Cameron.

Among topics discussed were:
*ECW calendars
*The president asked for a representative to the April 12th ECW board meeting since she will be unable to attend.
*Information on ECW scholarships was highlighted. Present and potential college students are eligible for the monies if they meet certain criteria.
*In gathering for UTO is in May. Rosie Bryant is the new UTO rep.
*The Treasurer, Mamie Hymes encouraged everyone to pay their dues and to inform her when they do so that she may have an accurate record.
*Rev. Sara-Scott presented a fundraising idea to get feedback on whether anyone would be interested. A hard copy of details will be given to the President to present at the next meeting so that members will have a better picture of project.

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.

Mark your calendars for March 4, 2011. Church Women United will meet at St. Mark’s at 9:30 a.m. Mary Williams extends this invitation to all. There is no fee to attend. Sundra Smith will furnish music for the gathering.

World Day of Prayer is also March 4, 2011.

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.

END***

LOST and FOUND

Have you ever lost something that was important to you? What did you do? Did you simply forget about it? Most often if something of importance is lost we spend much time trying to find it. We search places where we think it may be. We search places we last left. We may even ask someone if they have seen our lost item.

In LUKE 15:1-10 Jesus is again criticized by the company he keeps among those being tax collectors and sinners. Jesus relates a parable to his critics. He tells the story of a shepherd who oversees 100 sheep but discovers one of them is missing. Sheep played a huge role in the economy of this time. The fleece can be used for clothing. The meat can be used for food. The fat can be used for candles, soap and many other necessities. Because of this, it is imperative that none of this investment (the sheep) be lost .

The parable continues with Jesus explaining , LUKE 10:4-5 “Which of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them does not leave the ninety- nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until it is found?” This parable indicates that Jesus seeks all of the spiritually lost. He doesn’t give up on us. He seeks us and it is our decision as to whether we will follow him. Jesus illustrates further with the story of a woman who searches for a lost coin within her home. She uses a lamp to brighten her search. She sweeps the house searching carefully for the lost coin. We experience light in our lives illuminating the road to salvation. Sweeping away that which is harmful to our overall spiritual growth allows us to find that which God has intended for us.

In both lessons there is much rejoicing after finding the lost sheep and the lost coin. LUKE 15:10 “Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
***
SCRIPTURES
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Psalm 141
Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
***

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ICE CREAM SOCIAL- September 26, 2010, 2:00-4:00 As an act of warmth and welcome, and service and evangelism for our neighbors, we are hosting an ice cream social. There will be games and of course ice cream. The outreach and evangelism committee is organizing this. See Deacon Foster for details.

***

OPEN HOUSE
There will be an open house at the rectory on October 10th announcing its use as a Resource Center as part of a new St. Mark’s ministry. The Resource Center will open its doors to the community with coffee, computers, games and books.

Volunteers are needed to help clean the rooms. It has been suggested that each family commit to cleaning a room. Single persons may connect with a family or band with other singles to help with the cleaning.

Though there is some furniture , more is needed. The following is a list of items needed to get our rectory ready for the Open House on Oct. 10. Please contact Cassandra Joseph if you can donate any new or used items.

Bookcases
Small desk for reception area
Small dinette set (or dining room table and chairs)
Floor and table lamps
Game tables (or folding card tables)
Bulletin boards
Magazine racks
Floor rugs
Short pews for chapel
A coffeemaker
Small ice machine
Vacuum cleaner/electric broom
***
FALL FLING
Also on October 10th , the Fall Fling will be held. Worship will take place under the pines and a cookout will follow.

NOTE:There will be no covered dish lunch on Oct. 3 due to Fall Fling.

***
ECW
ECW meeting was opened by the President, Jalete Nelms whose motivational message spoke of Perserverance. The President recognized Marietta Cameron as Vice-President and Nicole Stroud as Secretary.
ECW scholarships were awarded to high school graduates Arielle Cameron and Ramon Mumford.
A donation was sent to Episcopal Place for gifts for the December birthday party that St. Mark’s usually sponsors.
The President would like to have ECW dues wrapped up by the end of the month.
The 121st Fall Conference will be held in Anniston , Alabama, October 7-8th at St. Michaels and All Angels.
Daughter2Daughter quarterly sessions will begin in November.
***
A training session for Children’s Church with parents and volunteers was held at 9:00 am and led by Rev. Sara Scott. Rev. Scott demonstrated the method of Godly play. Parents and volunteers will conduct lessons on the 2nd and 4th Sundays with the children. Children will remain in their classes until the Offertory . At that time they will return to their parents. There are still plenty of spaces open for anxious volunteers. Students beginning to gather for Children's Church
***
Mrs. Sundra Smith practices with the Children's Choir
***
Wanted posters for "lost sheep" designed by children .
***
VESTRY MEETING September 19th after church.

***END

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

***

+ 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.

***

+ 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.

***

+ 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.

***
CHURCH HUMOR

END***

Be On God's Side

Rev. Bill Blackerby has been a college chaplain at various campuses for over 16 years. He recently ventured into another area of ministry, that of teaching. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Blackerby during Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo's absence.

Rev. Blackerby remarked that through teaching you also learn. During this Fourth of July weekend the analogy of the war between the states and that of Abraham Lincoln’s role was explored. North and south both felt that, God was on their side. Such an announcement provokes the question,” How can God be for both sides?” Each faction feels that it is the superior one.

When Abraham Lincoln became president he was given a dismissive attitude by his associates. He was not from a privileged family, he was self educated, his clothing was worn and ill-fitting. William Seward who served as Secretary of State viewed Lincoln as inept and someone who’d won the election by a fluke. Seward, because of his feelings of superiority to Lincoln felt that he would actually be in charge of running things.

It is easy for us to categorize and make assumptions because of someone’s background or education. After realizing Lincoln’s competence Seward gained a respect for the president.

Jesus was treated in much this same way. Because of his humbleness he was disrespected, degraded and later killed. The reality is that God works through whomever he chooses. The warring factions of the north and south believed that, God was on their side. Instead of God being on our side, be on God’s side.
Be open to God working through people we least likely expect. This requires trust and humility from us. It is a gift to us and indeed Gospel.


SCRIPTURES
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13

*****
The Offertory Anthem and Communion Hymn
was player by Paul Goldman on the recorder. He also serves as Sr. Warden for St. Mark's.

Paul Goldman
ANNOUNCEMENTS



BISHOP ROBERT O. MILLER
Burial services were held for retired bishop, Bob Miller July 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral Church of the Advent. Bishop Miller had had heart surgery, had gone home from the hospital, and a few days later was readmitted to a critical care unit. There he died on June 29th. The Wingo family has very fond feelings for Bishop Miller as he was the Bishop who ordained them and oversaw them during their early ministry. Please keep his wife Peggy and their children and grandchildren in your prayers. Click here to read more about the life and ministry of Bishop Miller
ECW meeting Sunday, July 12, 2009. 11:30-12:30 in the sanctuary

Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo is on vacation with her family. She will return July 18th. If there are any emergencies while she is away, contact Carolyn Foster who will be able to contact Rev. Scott-Wingo. The Rev. Bill Blackerby will be leading worship on July 5th and the Rev. Rob Morpeth will be leading worship on July 12th. Each of these gifted priests will be sharing their gifts with us. We welcome them.

The General Convention for the Episcopal Church in the United States will convene July 6th in Anaheim, California. The convention will last for ten days. Marc Smith will be representing the diocese there. Please keep him in your prayers. Being a deputy to convention takes a lot of hard work and commitment and we are blessed that Marc is willing to serve in this way.

+ St. Mark's Garden- We are planting a garden on the church grounds. See Deacon Carolyn for details.

+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.”

+Bertha Smith asks for your prayers regarding Daughters of the King (DOK). There is possibility that DOK may no longer be an Episcopal Order but an Ecumenical organization.

JULY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

July is bursting with birthdays and anniversaries at St. Mark's.

top row left to right: Elgin & Andrea Duckery, Rev. Bill Blackerby & wife(not pictured),

Cassandra & Anthony Joseph.

bottom row left to right: David & Carlene Joseph, Ethan Duckery, Mamie Hymes,Alice Long

********
Independence Day also known as 4th of July is the birthday of the United States of America. It is celebrated on July 4th each year in the United States. It is the anniversary of the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress - July 4, 1776. The day they announced to the world that the 13 colonies no longer belonged to Great Britain. Independence Day was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. reprinted from Just4Kids Magazine.

END***

The EYES Have It

The way we see things often depends on what we were taught. In today’s Gospel the daughter of Jairus is at the point of death. Jairus falls at Jesus’ feet and begs him to come and lay hands on his daughter so that she will live.

As Jesus travels toward the home of Jairus, “…a woman who had been suffering hemorrhages for twelve years…” had heard about the miracles of Jesus. She “came up behind Jesus and touched his cloak.” It was her faith and perception that if she could only touch his garment she would be healed. After doing so, she was immediately healed. Even surrounded by such a large crowd Jesus felt the power go forth from him and asked who had touched him? The woman was afraid to confess but fell at Jesus’ feet and told him the truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” This woman realized she didn’t have to do anything to get Jesus attention. He knew her as he knows us all.

Word then came that Jairus’ daughter had died. While many had given up Jesus said, “ Do not fear, only believe.” Jesus along with three of his Disciples passed the wailing ,weeping people and entered the house. Assuredly, he let them know that the child was not dead, only asleep.
Seeing the child, Jesus took her hand and said to her, “Little girl get up!” The girl awoke and when Jesus returned to the mourning family he told them to give her something to eat and ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

There is hope and life where you may think there is none.
God forgives mistakes. Believe it. See things with new eyes.

SCRIPTURES
Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Lamentations 3:21-33

Mark 5:21-43

OFFERTORY

The Offertory music was provided by Elgin Duckery.

Elgin performed Holy, Holy, Holy on the tuba.

A recent graduate of Hoover High School ,

Elgin will attend college this fall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+Sawyerville Day Camp- The St. Mark’s mid-week Bible study donated a gift of fifty-four books authored mostly by African Americans to the

Sawyerville Day Camp. Giving the gift of reading to children who would otherwise not have any books is an important ministry. Every year the Sawyerville Day Camp will have need of books. Maybe next year we will be able to donate even more.

+ECW meeting Sunday, July 12, 2009. 11:30-12:30 in the sanctuary

+From Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo- Beginning Wednesday afternoon, I will be on vacation. I will return July 18th. If there are any emergencies while I am gone, contact Carolyn Foster who will be able to contact me. The Rev. Bill Blackerby will be leading worship on July 5th and the Rev. Rob Morpeth will be leading worship on July 12th. Each of them is a gifted priest and I am excited that they will be sharing their gifts with you. Please make them feel welcome, and know I will be looking forward to returning to you on July 18th.

+The General Convention for the Episcopal Church in the United States will convene July 6th in Anaheim, California. The convention will last for ten days. Marc Smith will be representing the diocese there. Please keep him in your prayers. Being a deputy to convention takes a lot of hard work and commitment and we are blessed that Marc is willing to serve in this way. An invitation to St. Stephens Church June 28, 2009, from 3:30-5:30 was extended to all who wished to talk with the clergy and lay deputies who will be representing the Diocese of Alabama at the General Convention

+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.”

*Update on Joan Anderson. The transplant request has not been sent yet because Joan is completing tests the result of which have to be attached along with lab work and doctor's notes. She has one more test after Monday's nuclear stress test and that's the colon exam.
Joan thanks all of St. Mark's for their prayers and the success of her kidney transplant.

+Bertha Smith asks for your prayers regarding Daughters of the King (DOK). There is a possibility that DOK may no longer be an Episcopal Order but an Ecumenical organization.

VISITOR(S)

Welcome to the mother of Cassandra Joseph. Mrs. Marietta Andry was a part of the worship service today. Mrs. Andry is here visiting her daughter and family.

l.to r. Cassandra Joseph and her mother

Mrs. Marietta Andry

END***

Good Help Is Hard To Find

The well being of sheep depends on the dedication of the shepherd who has been hired to tend them. The well-being of the owning family depends upon how well the shepherd does his job. Many times employees perform according to what they are paid. Pittance pay may equal a trifling worker. Imagine the shepherd coming up against a wolf or wolves. Should he risk life and limb to protect the sheep?

Rev. Sara gave an example of a toy store she and her children would frequent on Saturdays. On Saturdays there were toys at the ready for children to try out and play with. Saturday store clerks were teens who lacked much of a work effort. They would mostly stand around in groups socializing and ignoring the customers. Though the workers disregarded the customers Rev. Sara did make purchases at the store. When the store went out of business she wondered if it was due to the lackluster attitude of the workers.

Sheep are not smart animals. They are defenseless and need to be guided. Being separated from the flock can be disastrous . Sheep need to be with the flock and its shepherd. There is safety in numbers.

Jesus calls us sheep. We can not thrive alone. Too many dangers await us when we are alone. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He watches over the alienated, lonely and depressed. He is not the hired hand. No hired hand can do what Jesus does for us.

SCRIPTURES

Acts 4:5-12

Psalm 23

1 John 3:16-24

John 10:11-18

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+St. Mark's Bible Study is held every TUESDAY at 12 noon at the church.
+ UTO ingathering takes place next Sunday, May 10th United Thank Offering provides grants for many worthwhile projects .UTO chair, Mamie Hymes asks that you give until it makes you happy.

+60th Annual Women's Weekend May 15 - 17, 2009 at Camp McDowell Deadline for registration and payment: May 1, 2009

+Books are needed for Sawyerville Camps! New, or gently used appropriate for ages 4-14. If you are buying new books remember to buy titles and/ or African American authors. Any of the Coretta Scott King Award books are good. Some popular titles are “Bud, Not Buddy” and “The Watson's Go to Birmingham.” Suggestions for other titles can be found here
NOTE: The Tuesday Bible Study class has chosen the Sawyerville book drive as it's outreach mission this year. Bertha Smith will be ordering the books from Amazon.com. If you wish to be a part of this outreach contact Bertha.
If you are going through your own bookcases, be sure the books are “just like new.” If you have books to donate or want to have a book drive, contact Memily Colvin. memily.colvin@gmail.com

+ The Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at Camp McDowell was dedicated on May 2nd. The dedication service was followed by a barbecue lunch, live music and fellowship.

+Dear St. Mark’s Family: 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

+ ECW meeting was held after 10:00 a.m. service. A seminar for young girls on how to cope with modern coming of age issues is in the planning stages.

The Young Lions were part of a documentary filmed here in Birmingham. This film will make its debut May 7, 2009 at the IMAX theatre in downtown Birmingham. Doors open at 6. Movie begins at 7 promptly. Titus Battle is also a part of the film speaking on the subject of Mental Health and Wellness. Emmanuel and Emily are featured in the film as well.
The Film is free and open to the public at the McWane Center.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Birthday wishes go out to Samantha Nelms and George Ladd celebrating birthdays this May

George Ladd

Reverends Pat Wingo and Sara Scott-Wingo celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary this month.


left-Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo, right-Rev. Pat Wingo

VISITORS
St. Mark’s welcomes sisters Shakira and Sydney. They are cousins of Regina Mumford and her family.

(left to right )Regina Mumford, cousins-Sydney and Shakira, and Regina's son-Marcus

END***