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***

Last Sunday After Pentecost

CHRIST THE KING

SCRIPTURES

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8

THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 18:33-37
Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
ANNOUNCEMENTS

+THANKS FROM SARA-SCOTT- Thanks everyone for all your expressions of love and care after my father’s death last week. My family and I loved the flowers you sent and we especially enjoyed them at the reception after the funeral. Sundra, Marc, and Carolyn represented you well at the funeral and were a great blessing to me. I deeply appreciate all the cards, e-mails and phone calls I have received from you as well as the love and prayers you have sent my way. Thank you all so much.

+ FESTIVAL OF LESSONS and CAROLS- Mark your calendar for the first Sunday, December 6th. Sundra and the choir are planning a special service that we will not want to miss.

+ VESTRY- will meet next Sunday , November 29th after the service. We will continue our work of visioning for St. Mark’s. We have explored our identity and mission. Strategies will be discussed. Your vestry is working hard!

+ADVENT WREATHS- We will be making Advent wreaths next Sunday, November 29, during Sunday School. Everyone is encouraged to participate. We can’t let the kids have all of the fun! An Advent wreath in the home is a wonderful spiritual tool for observing Advent. We will make one wreath per family unit and give you some prayers to take home and use as you light the candles. We need to know in advance if you plan to attend so that we can have enough supplies.
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CHURCH HUMOR

END***

...lie down in green pastures...

Rev. Scott-Wingo's Sunday sermon is reviewed by Joyce Ladd. Her notes are in green
Psalm 23 Page 612, BCP
Dominus regit me
1
The LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures *and leads me beside still waters. Focus was placed on the Shepherd's staff which was used to lovingly lead and guide the sheep who unwittingly have such a tendency to wander into danger (we do so as we navigate our way through life).
3
He revives my soul *and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, This Psalm as been used in many ways of comfort, especially to the dying as they put their trust in the Shepherd's love and care.I shall fear no evil; *for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You spread a table before me in the presence of those Here we get an image of the Shepherd towards the wandering stranger- the parched traveler who finds his way to the nomadic Shepherd who spreads a table for this stranger...
who trouble me; *you have anointed my head with oil,and my cup is running over.
6
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * As sheep flock together for defense, we should be reminded that we are a people who should flock together as well. We were not created to be alone and cannot live fully unless we live together. We must love, forgive, serve and endure with God's Shepherding guidance. She ends by saying "and with that, I have no problem being compared to a dumb sheep...".and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

SCRIPTURES

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Communion Anthem

Nikara Washington shared the gift of song during Communion with her rendition of Onward Christian Soldiers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+WELCOME BACK Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo. Hope your vacation was an exciting yet restful one.

+Vestry Meeting Sunday , July 26th after church.

+ A discussion on the results of the Annual Convention will be held at a pot luck supper after church within the next two weeks.

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

+The National Alliance to End Homelessness has granted a consumer scholarship to Titus Battle. Titus will attend the 2009 National Conference on Ending Homelessness. The scholarship covers roundtrip transportation to Washington D.C. along with a stipend for conference related expenses. Hotel accommodations as well as conference registration are included in the scholarship. Titus will depart July 28, 2009 for this four day conference. As a long time advocate for the homeless and helpless Titus will have the opportunity to speak with government officials and their associates about the crisis of homelessness and how to combat it.

CANDID SHOT

Heager Hill and Rev. Rob Morpeth

JOKES YOU CAN TELL AT CHURCH

A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!' While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again! As she ran she once again began to pray, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!'

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Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, 'My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50.' The second boy says, 'That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100.' The third boy says, 'I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!'

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Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, 'Why is the bride dressed in white?'' The mother replied, 'Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.'The child thought about this for a moment then said, 'So why is the groom wearing black?'

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***

Believe What You Can Not See

The message was brought by Rev. Pat Wingo who was filling in for his wife Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo. Rev. Sara was away at a Mother/Daughter retreat where she was the spiritual leader.

When the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen the risen Lord, he doubted them. He expressed his disbelief stating that he would not believe their claim until he saw the marks of the nails and was able to put his finger in Jesus’ side. Thus the name Doubting Thomas.

A week later the disciples and Doubting Thomas were in an enclosed room. Jesus appeared and after greeting them he approached Thomas allowing him to put his finger in the nail holes of his palm and to touch his side. After this Thomas believed. Jesus asks him an important question,"... if he now believes because he has seen him?" Jesus also states, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe.”

Christianity can’t move in privacy. It must be taken to the masses. Experience of God is found through his people. Christians aren’t perfect. Within the Christian community are the flawed, wounded, abandoned, wandering and more. By gathering together in the folds of Christ, Jesus transforms us in his body. Seeing is not always believing.
Scriptures
Acts 4:32-35

Psalm 1331

John 1:1-2:2

John 20:19-31
ANNOUNCEMENTS

+ECW Birmingham Convocation Spring Meeting will be held at St. Andrew's in Montevallo on April 22, 2009. The Speaker will be St. Andrews own Rev. James F. Tuohy. Rev. Tuohy will be retiring later this year. Please make an advance reservation for the box lunch ($5) that will be served by contacting Liz Ensey. For directions to St. Andrews

+The Vestry will meet after the morning service next Sunday April 26, 2009

+The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley will make his annual visit to St. Mark’s on Wednesday night April 29th at 6:00 p.m. Plan to attend and bring a guest. A dessert reception will be held after the Bishop’s address.

+60th Annual Women's Weekend

May 15 - 17, 2009 at Camp McDowell
Deadline for registration and payment: May 1, 2009

+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

+Camp McDowell Chapel to be Dedicated May 2
You are invited to join your diocesan family, Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00a.m. to celebrate the completion of the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at Camp McDowell. The dedication service will be followed by a barbecue lunch, live music and fellowship.

+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 Watsons Go to Birmingham.” 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

END***

Come To the Party ...Of Grace

Today we celebrate the Holy Eucharist Service with a special celebrant and friend The Rev.Canon Heidi E. Kinner. Rev. Heidi is the Canon Missioner at The Cathedral Church of the Advent.

Rev. Heidi began by admitting her disturbance with “The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.” (Matthew 20:1-16) In the parable a landowner pays workers who worked no more than an hour the same wage he pays the workers who have worked from sunup to sundown. The full day workers complained and were upset with the landowner for paying the one hour workers a full wage. The landowner tells these grumblers that he has paid them what they agreed upon and tells them to be satisfied. He further states that he is allowed to do what he wills with what he owns. As a youngster Rev. Heidi said that she could understand the ire of the full day workers who complained to the landowner. She felt that God was being gullible and foolish in this parable. As an eldest child she felt it was her responsibility to set a positive example for her younger brother. By giving her all in everything she did she felt that she had earned whatever she attained. To the contrary, her brother, she felt was a “slacker” allowed to get by while still profiting.

It was not until a family crisis ensued involving her brother because of his “slacker” lifestyle that she revisited the parable. It was her feeling that her parents should use the tough love approach toward her brother. Instead, her parents as well as others treated her brother with love and compassion. Slowly, he returned to normalcy. As a result, she began to engage in more Bible study, and gained clarity in the “Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.” The workers are the lambs gathered in for salvation. Some seek salvation early while others seek it later. God is the landowner. We all get salvation no matter what. Salvation can’t be earned by merit and good works. God is not gullible or foolish, just overflowing with love.

Rev. Heidi encourages us to let go of the scorecard of life and come to the party of grace.*****
ANNOUNCEMENTS

+Vestry meeting will be held Thursday, September 25th at 6:00 p.m.

+The Young Lions program has been blessed with additional funds from a generous benefactor. This amount added to last Sunday's presentation by the Wednesday Noon Bible Study Group should get them off to a good start.

FUNNIES & FAITH

A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, 'I know what the Bible means!' His father smiled and replied, 'What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means? The son replied, 'I do know!' 'Okay,' said his father. 'What does the Bible mean?' 'That's easy, Daddy...' the young boy replied excitedly,' It stands for Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'