Day of Pentecost

On this day of Pentecost we remember God giving the gift of the Holy Spirit. The release of a tremendous power was felt and seen by a mighty wind, flames of fire and the Gospel being proclaimed in different languages. The Holy Spirit went to the gathered Christian community with wind and fire and the gift of language.

We pray this same wind will blow on us, set us on fire, and give us the power to proclaim the Gospel as we enter a new era of history. For more detail read the scriptures below

SCRIPTURES
Acts 2:1-21

Psalm 104: 25-35,37

Romans 8:22-27

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
ANNOUNCEMENTS

+The last two sessions of Sunday School before summer break will be held May 31st and June 7th. Below are the lessons. Joyce Ladd
Click here: Day of Pentecost, RCL (May 31)
Click here: Trinity Sunday, RCL (June 7)

+SUMMERFEST

WHAT: 2009 ST. MARK'S SUMMERFEST

WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2009

WHERE: ST. MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

228 DENNISON AVE. SW

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35211
TIME: 10:00AM

WHY: A 'COMMUNITY/FAMILY/FRIEND-GATHERING' FOR WORSHIP, MUSIC, FOOD, FUN, PLAYING, SHARING, AND CELEBRATING

MORE: DRESS COMFORTABLY FOR THE OLD FASHIONED OUT-OF-DOORS SERVICE-HOT DOG, HAMBURGER-FUN-FEST; ROUND UP YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, BRING YOUR LAWN/PORTABLE CHAIRS AND ENJOY THE SUMMERFEST!!!!!!!

+Vacation Bible School-Bible Challenge/Broadcasting the Stories Of Moses June 8th, 9th, and 10th, 4:00-6:00 p.m.-Ages 3-13. Next week is VBS. Have you taken a moment of time to invite a family member or friend to St. Mark’s Youth Bible Challenge 2009: Operation Broadcast News? Have you followed up on your commitment for the event? Please update to Jalete Nelms or Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo, so we’re able to plan for each person and welcome guests on June 8th! Your action will contribute to the success of our event so please respond today.

+ Deacon Carolyn Foster named executive director of the Alabama Faith Council

click article to read

+ I AM EPISCOPALIAN
Several months ago, I shared the“I Am Episcopalian”campaign with you and challenged you to think about why you are Episcopalian. Now the campaign has local flavor. Click on the following link: http://dioala.org/dfc/newsdetail_2/499a.org/dfc/newsdetail_2/499 Deacon Carolyn Foster

+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.

+Wonderful, wonderful !Camp McDowell- will be having sessions for children all summer. My children have attended these camps for years, and have been greatly enriched by them and become more deeply rooted in the fellowship and traditions of the Episcopal Church. 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. Send your children to camp. You will be glad you did. Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo

+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

+ 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.

+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.”

VISITORS
It was an honor to have Mrs. Mabelle Thomas worship with us. Mrs. Thomas is the mother of Jackie Nixon. You may recal seeing Mrs. Thomas' name among those on the prayer request list. Mrs. Thomas is recuperating from open heart surgery and knee replacement. We pray she will continue to mend to the fullest.

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 !!