9-19-2010

THE UNJUST STEWARD
In the parable of the unjust steward a rich man discovers that the man he left to manage his property has been cheating him. Confronting the steward about his dishonesty the rich man gives him notice. The steward realizes that he will become destitute after his dismissal. He is too old to dig and his pride will not allow him to beg. The steward devises a plan to outwit the rich man and secure his future. He goes to those who are in debt to the rich man and has them reduce their amount of recompense. To some he reduces it by 20% and with others as much as 50%. It is the stewards plan to show favor to these debtors so that when he becomes poor, they will return the favor.

The rich man becomes aware of the steward’s scheme and commends him on his shrewdness. He is impressed with the stewards plot.

Is Jesus condoning dishonesty ? By no means. He is showing how the ungodly have the same interests. The rich man and the steward have the same value system. They are both interested in being rich no matter how they achieve their wealth. The focus is on possessions. Those of the world focus on worldly things but, worldly things pass away.

The Godly use worldly things to the glory of God. They seek the company of those like themselves. 10 ‘Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?”

A steward of God can’t give equal focus to the world and to God. Let us give focus to the riches of God’s through his promises and faith.
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SCRIPTURES
Jeremiah 8:18-9:1

Psalm 79:1-9 1

Timothy 2:1-7

Luke 16:1-13

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Children’s Church September 26, 2010 at 10:00. During their last assembly children learned that we are all God’s sheep and that he will seek even one that is lost to return to his fold. The children’s understanding was increased by drawing WANTED posters in search of the lost sheep. Volunteer’s for Children’s Church prepare interesting and knowledgeable lessons for the children and present them through Godly play. Why not make your child a part of this fun Biblical experience?

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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.
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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 lampsGame tables (or folding card tables)

Bulletin boards

Magazine racks

Floor rugs

Short pews for chapel

A coffeemaker

Small ice machine

Vacuum cleaner/electric broom

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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.

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Bishop’s Election

Consider letting your name go into nomination as a St.Mark’s delegate to Diocesan Convention. Delegates will represent us at convention as well as vote in the upcoming Bishop's election. The delegates must be available for the following dates: Feb. 11-12 (Annual Convention in Birmingham), June 25 ( Nominees' for Bishop Walkabout in Birmingham), and July 16(Bishop's election.) We will elect our delegates at our annual parish meeting - date to be announced.
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Baby Shower

We have been invited to a baby shower for Aisha Stroud and Bertrand James on October 3, 3:00-6:00. Please see the bulletin board in the hall for details.

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Vestry Meeting

Vestry meeting was held after service today. On the agenda, allowing St. Stephens to become

a companion parish to St. Mark’s. Parishioners are encouraged to discuss this proposal among themselves and with vestry members.

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The Cheaha Convocation will host the ECW Fall Conference which will be held in Anniston, Alabama, October 7th and 8th, 2010 at St. Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Church.
END***

Feed the Wolf

The story is told of the town of Gubbio. The people of Gubbio were proud people, proud of their beautiful city, their way of dress. They were proud to the point of being haughty. They made sure everyone knew who they were wherever they went.

One morning a dreadful discovery was made. The body of an elderly man was found mauled on a street in Gubbio. The townspeople couldn’t believe it. Nothing of this sort had ever happened in Gubbio. One of the villagers witnessed what had happened. She told them that a wolf had come into town and attacked the poor man. This wolf would need to be gotten rid of. If news of this got out to neighboring towns Gubbio’s reputation and economy would suffer. The villagers went in search of the wolf to kill him. Instead many of the hunters were killed by the wolf. Others were attacked and killed by the wolf leaving only bloody bones. If anyone ventured out to work, school or play they could fall prey to the wolf.

A young child suggested that they send for a holy man in the next town who was known to talk to animals. With no other options a committee was sent. After locating this man they explained their plight. He consented to help them.
The man ascended into the hills and waited for the wolf. The wolf snarled and dashed toward the man but he stood steadfastly, unafraid. The wolf slowed, dropped his head in meek countenance and laid at the foot of the man.

The next day the holy man reported to the people. “He is only hungry. If you feed him he will not harm you.” This man was Francis of Assisi.

Each night someone would leave food for the wolf. No more bodies were found mangled and bloody in their town. Eventually, the wolf became a friend to the people allowing the children to play with him.

We are wolves. The wolf represents humankind and its weaknesses. Without the hand of God to feed us we destroy ourselves and others. We must feed daily through the Holy Word of God.

A PRAYER ATTRIBUTED TO ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Scriptures
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 8
Hebrews 1:14-,2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16
Offertory Hymn: Samantha Nelms performed Fairest Lord Jesus on flute.

Announcements

+ Children's Sunday School is held every Sunday at 9:30 am. This month we are learning about saints. This Sunday Rev. Sara Scott led the children in learning a very special story about St. Francis and a bad wolf that turned out not to be so bad after all. Next Sunday, Rev. Sara Scott and the children will be working on a rap song about all the saints. Come and bring a friend.

+ Vestry meeting October 11th following the service.

**The blessing of the animals will follow the service and all who wish to participate may gather at the altar

ANNUAL FALL FLING



October Birthdays









Cleophus Higgins, Anthony Joseph, Aaron Joseph, Stephanie Long, Sylvia McClain

END***

Are You Ready?

We are pleased to have Deacon Carolyn back at “home” with us. While away she has been a part of Confirmation with the Bishop and a part of the Service of Repentance held in Philadelphia..

Deacon Carolyn explained the background of a Jewish wedding. Planning of the wedding was an elaborate affair. The wedding would be announced but, without a day or a time. The wedding could not take place until after the groom had prepared a home to which to deliver his bride. Weddings would sometimes last for days.
In today’s Gospel the parable is told of a king who has his servants go out and announce to those invited to his son’s wedding banquet to come. Everything is ready. After such a long delay before the wedding the invited guests continue what they are doing and ignore the announcement. None of the guests attend the banquet. Some of the servants of the king are mistreated and even killed by these potential guests. Furious, the king sends his army to kill the murderers and burn down their city.
Much has gone into the preparation of this elaborate feast. The king decides that these former guests were not worthy and has his servants go out and invite anyone they see, good or bad. Scanning the new throng of invitees the king observes a man not wearing a wedding robe. The king asks the man how was he able to enter being improperly dressed. The interloper has no reply. The king tells his attendants, “Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This of course is a metaphor for hell. The parable ends “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
God wants us to know about the kingdom of heaven. Deacon Carolyn challenged us with questions of our own readiness:
*Are we ready? We should be prepared for God’s coming at all times. Will we give up and get tired of waiting?
*Are we worthy? God is omnipresent. Do we hear his call through his servants?
*Are we clothed in the right spirit? Are we wearing the right garments of faith and reverence?
God’s invitation is open to all. Are we ready to accept it?

Scriptures
Exodus 32:1-4 Psalm 106:1-6 Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 22:1-14

Announcements
+ The children’s choir will rehearse next Sunday, October 19th, immediately after the 10:00
service. Please mark your calendars.

+ Take note of the Adult choir and VOP rehearsal schedule to the right of this page

+ The 2008 Presidential election is drawing near. This is the time to have our voices heard. You still have time to register to vote. If you are a college student or if you plan to be out of town, be sure to submit an absentee ballot. You may register at your local courthouse. For more information visit http://www.sos.state.al.us/elections/ Click on the left handed sidebar for “Absentee Voting”.

+ Congratulations to Olivia Washington who reached a plateau which awarded her a new 2009 Mary Kay Cadillac CTS. Olivia will be relocating her Mary Kay Training Center to the Flint Ridge Building in Fairfield. The grand opening to be announced. Way To Go, Olivia!

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Stars continue to reign

Jalette Nelms appears on HGTV

click photo to read article

The annual Fall Fling was held today beginning with a sacred service under the pines.
click pictures to enlarge and read captions.



Marcus Jackson showcases his musical
talents with a saxophone solo

Members extend "Peace" to each other

Bible study member Mamie Hymes &
Richard Finley

Meanwhile,
on
the
other
side of the church...

Anthony Joseph finagles

the fire and fat for his famous fried fish

Firing up the drum
Galloping Gourmet Grillmaster, Cecil Washington
Chef extraordinaire, Anthony Joseph

Loyal subjects partake of the bounty

...keep going, and going, and ...

click photos

How Has God Provided For You?

Sr. Warden, Paul Goldman conducts Morning Prayer

Today's Morning Prayer and Homily Service was conducted by our own Sr. Warden, Paul Goldman. Sr. Warden Paul began by announcing to the congregation that he was as shocked as they were that he was conducting the service. Then he explained Deacon Carolyn's absence(see announcements)Through Paul's Homily many questions were put to the audience.
How has God provided for you?
How has God provided for you through another person?
What miracles has God worked for you?
The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians encourages the church of Philippi to work together as a system. Look not to your own interests but the interests of others. We are vessels that God is using. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit. Accordingly, in our own Christian lives, outreach can serve as a means of humbling ourselves to the needs of others. By doing so we also recognize the presence of Christ in others.

In the parable of the two sons a father asks one son to work in the vineyard to which he refuses. Later the son has a change of heart and obeys his father's wishes. The father goes to the second son and also asks him to work in the vineyard. The second son tells his father that he will do as he wishes but he does not. The chief priests pose the question, "Which of the sons did the will of his father?" Using metaphors of tax collectors and prostitutes, Jesus surprisingly reveals that the radical is often brought to repentance while the strict fundamentalist becomes haughty and hostile.


l.to r.back row Paul and Paige Goldman
Paul's brother, Pete.
1.to.r. front row sisters:Sarah and Mary Goldman.
Camille and Jasmine Goldman: daughters of
Pete Goldman

SCRIPTURES
Exodus 17:1-7
Philippians 2:1-13
Holy Gospel Matthew 21:23-32

ANNOUNCEMENTS
+Deacon Carolyn Foster is away today with the Bishop at Confirmation.

+The Alabama Faith Council is sponsoring an interfaith dialogue panel discussion this evening, September 28th at 7 pm at the Masjidul Qur’ran in North Birmingham. It is located at 3224 26th Street North. The Muslim community will be finishing their fast of Ramadan, similar to our Lenten season. Sunday at sunset, their fast is over and we will join them for dinner and a discussion on what we have in common. The theme is “Prayer,Fasts and Feasts”. Panelists will share some of their experiences of the faith practiced from their religious traditions. Representatives on the panel will be a Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Native American and Christian. It should be a wonderful learning experience. Let Deacon Carolyn know if you would like to attend.

+St. Mark's annual Fall Fling will be held October 12th of next month

+The 119th Annual ECW Fall Conference will be held October 9th and 10th, 2008 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 3775 Crosshaven Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35223. Guest speaker will be The Rev. Dr. Jo Bailey Wells. The conference theme is "Blessed Is She Who Believes." For details, click here.

+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 on the bulletin board outside the Fellowship Hall.*****

+ A two-day solemn observance has been planned for October3-4 at the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. St. Thomas was founded in 1792 and is the oldest Black Episcopal Church in the U.S.. The Episcopal Church will take a monumental step and publicly apologize for its involvement in transatlantic slavery. Our own Deacon Carolyn Foster will be in attendance.********

John Meehan, Community Activist
The U.S. Presidential election takes place November 4, 2008. Some may be unsure of what the candidates positions are. In an effort to clear up some of the confusion, community activist, John Meehan had circulars from Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. He offered this information to any who were interested. John made clear that his reason for this distribution was to offer concise information into the candidates positions on various matters and not an attempt to garner votes for either.
Dr. Mable B. Anderson, CEO for the Village Creek Society

Dr. Mable Anderson thanked the congregation for their prayers and gave an update on the Fourth Annual Village Creek Cleanup . This year's event, held September 10-13 boasted over 200 volunteers. Parish member Charles Townsend served as one of the captains at this year's cleanup. The amount of trash collected this year has not yet been determined. Past tonnage amounts show 2007 with nine tons of trash collected and 2006 with twenty tons of trash collected. Dr. Mable stated that last year's number seems to indicate that people are becoming more aware of the destructiveness of pollution and the benefits of a cleaner environment.

***FAITH FUN***
Can you guess the owner of these ruby red slippers?
answer below

There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. 'Is there anything breakable in here?' asked the postal clerk. 'Only the Ten Commandments.' answered the lady.
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'Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, 'Good morning, Lord,' and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, 'Good Lord, it's morning.'























Those ruby red slippers belong to Mamie Hymes.