From Whence We Came

During the Lenten season St. Mark’s has explored its history. The first of this series was presented two weeks ago by Mr. Bertram Perry, son of Rev. Clyde Perry . Rev. Perry was the first Black rector of St. Mark’s in 1939. Bertram Perry gave first hand knowledge of what St. Mark’s was like during his boyhood.

The second of this series was presented

Mrs. Adrienne Lee

by Mrs. Adrienne Lee. Before the presentation, those in attendance enjoyed fellowship and a pot luck supper.

Afterwards, Mrs. Lee shared with us through visuals and personal research the beginning of St. Mark’s School in 1892 along with chronological details of other events. J.A. Van Hoose, Treasurer for the Episcopal Church at that time, felt that there should be a school to train recently freed slaves so that they could support themselves. The school began with forty five students and two teachers. In 1892 St. Mark’s began a mission church at 18th Street and Third Avenue North South. The vast quantity of St. Mark’s history can not be recounted here. These two sessions have been an Timeline of St. Mark's History indisputable learning experience of the works and struggles of the pioneers who laid the foundation for St. Mark’s. Someone once said: “You can’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been.”

After the presentation Rev. Sara Scott opened the floor for brief discussion on thoughts and feelings regarding St. Mark’s then and now.

Dismissal with the Compline was led by Rev. Scott.

SCRIPTURES

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm 51:1-13 or Psalm 119:9-16

Hebrews 5:5-10

John 12:20-33

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2009 Lenten Season
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
228 Dennison Ave. SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
205- 322-8449

+Sunday, April 5, 2009 10:00am Palm Sunday Service

+Thursday, April 9, 2009 6:00pm Maundy Thursday Service

+Friday, April 10, 2009 6:00pm Good Friday Service+Sunday, April 12, 2009 10:00am Easter Sunday Service ;Easter Egg Hunt (After Service)
This Sunday during Sunday School the children made candles and learned about prayers of confession.

+Learning: SUNDAY SCHOOL -Intergenerational Sunday School is held in the Parish Hall and will continue each Sunday from 9:00 - 9:45 am. All ages are welcomed.

+ Alms Giving: Maundy Thursday observes the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his Disciples.During Lent we will be sponsoring a food drive. There will be collection boxes in the narthex. How fitting to distribute food to those who are hungry on Maundy Thursday. More details to come

St. Andrew's serves a full, hot meal, Monday - Friday during lunch time. Groups sometimes come to dine with the hungry and homeless. I have brought children there for lunch as well. It is important that children experience and learn that there are others who are not as fortunate as they are.
I personally frequent St. Andrews a few times a week. If anyone wants to volunteer to serve lunch, provide lunch, or just spend time with the hungry and homeless, the doors are always open. I've helped folks there and it did not cost me a dime. Sometimes just being there sends a strong message of hope.
Peace, Love and Wisdom. Embrace your day and all that you encounter --Titus Battle

+The Second Annual Mother /Daughter Weekend will be held April 17-19, 2009 at Camp McDowell. The retreat will be led by Rev. Sara Scott. Cost for the weekend is $75. Deadline for registration is April 13th. For more information click here

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Second Sunday In Lent

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Psalm 22:22-30

Romans 4:13-25

Mark 8:31-38

SCRIPTURES for the MONTH of MARCH

Subscribe to daily Lenten devotionals on your home computer here

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+ 2009 Lenten Season

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

228 Dennison Ave. SW

Birmingham, AL 35211

205- 322-8449

+Wednesday, March 11, 2009 6:00pm - 7:30pm Program, Supper, and Compline&nb sp; (Speakers to lead discussions)

+Wednesday, March 25, 2009 6:00pm - 7:30pm Program, Supper, and Compline(Speakers to lead discussions)

+Sunday, April 5, 2009 10:00am Palm Sunday Service

Thursday, April 9, 2009 6:00pm Maundy Thursday Service

Friday, April 10, 2009 6:00pm Good Friday Service

Sunday, April 12, 2009 10:00am Easter Sunday Service ;Easter Egg Hunt (After Service)

+SUNDAY SCHOOL -Intergenerational Sunday School began today in the Parish Hall and will continue each Sunday from 9:00 - 9:45 am. All ages are welcomed. During this time the children will be practicing their songs for church Easter morning.

The youth made cinnamon pretzels during Sunday School.

Customarily the pretzel was Lenten food. It was made only of flour, water and salt. It reminds us, today, that in times past Christians fasted from milk, butter, eggs, cheese, cream and meat. The form of the pretzel symbolizes the arms crossed in prayer.

+The Adult class will remain the same during Lent. The class will meet separately and continue to study the current curriculum.

+ Maundy Thursday observes the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his Disciples.During Lent we will be sponsoring a food drive. There will be collection boxes in the narthex. How fitting to distribute food to those who are hungry on Maundy Thursday. More details to come
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+Mark your calendars and make plans to come and be a part of a special Lenten program, "History of St. Mark’s " this Wednesday, March 11th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. here at St. Mark's. Supper will follow. The guest speaker will be Mr. Bertram Perry, son of Rev. Bertram Perry who was the first Black priest at St. Mark's. Come share in the early reflections of St. Mark's. We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday.

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Be a part of a music CD Singing has always been a huge part of our life together at Camp McDowell. It is how we worship, build community and have fun. For generations we have been singing “wonderful, wonderful” songs and sharing them with friends and family. This Spring, we are going to make a LIVE recording of our favorite camp songs and we need your help! For more information click the link

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

Today's March birthdays yielded an all male assemblage.

(left to right)Titus Battle, Cecil Washington standing in for daughters Nikia Washington and Nikara Washington, George Ladd standing in for son Jason Ladd, dressed in brown shirt and blue jeans Aaron Joseph, Paul Goldman, and Heager Hill

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The Young Lions Travel To Tuskegee University

by Titus Battle

The Young Lions met today at St. John's Episcopal Church. We had the distinct honor of having Al Jones, a 14 year old pianist join us and play music. Al is also a student in the Birmingham Public Schools in good academic standing and we are going to solicit his help in motivating other students we mentor to do well academically.

The Young Lion's subject of discussion today was concerning "Family" and the importance thereof. Our African American Hero today was Ida B. Wells an educator whose central mission was to save the Black man from being murdered. I was the teacher today and shared my personal story about being a homeless New York child at the tender age of 14. Personally, I have never spoken about this issue and it surprised me that it brought my heart to tears.

Next Saturday from 8 a.m. - 10.30 a.m. we will be at St. John's again on the subject of Family. Members and non-members are welcomed. Any man from St. Mark's is welcomed and encouraged to stop by for the entire 2 hours or for 20 minutes. You can give an encouraging talk and break camp. The more men we have dropping by the better the chance of our children succeeding. We are expecting Dr. Brian Sims next week. He holds a couple of Medical Degrees from U.A.B. and is a husband and father. Hopefully, he will bring other young African American doctors to assist him.

Finally, anyone is welcomed to bring breakfast or if you want us to have lunch together, we will eat it. God bless you all for your prayers and support of this ministry. Please note that this ministry would not be possible without the Spiritual guidance and wisdom of Rev. Deacon Carolyn Foster. Please make contact with her if the Lord informed you to be a part of this ministry for disadvantaged children. Rev. Deacon Foster can be reached at 205.322.8449. Leave a message and she will contact you. Peace.