Deacon Carolyn began her sermon by passing on to the congregation a new website launched on Ash Wednesday of this year by the Episcopal Church. The site opens with a very honest and candid overview of the Episcopal church stating, “Our controversies and conversations have been public. Our governance is transparent. You are free to see our imperfections, as well as share our joy in that which unites us - our openness, honesty and faith”. Nothing is being hidden. What church or organization doesn’t have problems? By clicking on the thumbnail pictures, site visitors get to hear the reasons various people became Episcopalian.Even more intimate was Deacon Carolyn’s account of how she became Episcopalian at age fourteen and the many joys it brought to her . She says she felt welcomed when she made her first visit. She found God and she was spiritually fed. The church gave her tools to equip her to serve God.
This past Wednesday during a fellowship supper Mr. Bertram Perry whose father was a long time rector of St. Mark’s told about his experiences growing up in the Episcopal church in 1939. His recollections were rich in history with up close and personal details.
Deacon Carolyn and Mr. Perry both share morose in some of the changes that have taken place over the years in the Episcopal church. Among those being changes in the liturgy and dismissal of many of the church’s traditions. Sanctity and purity have been compromised.
Today’s Gospel at John 2:13-22 is referred to as the Cleansing of the Temple. When Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem he observed that it had become a marketplace instead of a place of worship. Jesus was angered by the corruption and using a whip of cords he goes into a frenzy driving out the sellers and turns over the tables of the money changers. He then orders that the temple be destroyed. Traditions of the temple had been abandoned for more secular behavior. Sanctity and purity had been compromised.
God’s house is not to be used as a business. Bishop Tutu once said, “The church is hugely untidy but loveable.” Lovable because we are made in the image of God.
Christians seek to impart the lovability of the church in numerous ways. There are Episcopalians involved in evangelism. Evangelizing takes many forms. Be it taking the word of God door-to-door, a kind word or deed, or our behavior in difficult situations. During these tough times many are broke(economically) and broken (spiritually). You and I could be the stimulus package that plants the seed of God in the hearts of the hurting causing the church to grow.
Deacon Carolyn and Mr. Perry both share morose in some of the changes that have taken place over the years in the Episcopal church. Among those being changes in the liturgy and dismissal of many of the church’s traditions. Sanctity and purity have been compromised.
Today’s Gospel at John 2:13-22 is referred to as the Cleansing of the Temple. When Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem he observed that it had become a marketplace instead of a place of worship. Jesus was angered by the corruption and using a whip of cords he goes into a frenzy driving out the sellers and turns over the tables of the money changers. He then orders that the temple be destroyed. Traditions of the temple had been abandoned for more secular behavior. Sanctity and purity had been compromised.
God’s house is not to be used as a business. Bishop Tutu once said, “The church is hugely untidy but loveable.” Lovable because we are made in the image of God.
Christians seek to impart the lovability of the church in numerous ways. There are Episcopalians involved in evangelism. Evangelizing takes many forms. Be it taking the word of God door-to-door, a kind word or deed, or our behavior in difficult situations. During these tough times many are broke(economically) and broken (spiritually). You and I could be the stimulus package that plants the seed of God in the hearts of the hurting causing the church to grow.
1Corinthians 1:18-25
Highlights from THE YOUNG LIONSby Titus Battle
Again we had quite the meaningful mentoring gathering at St. John's Episcopal Church. We all enjoyed chicken, biscuits and orange Juice for breakfast. To loosen up, we played a few games of ping pong. Shortly after that we got down to business. The first order of business was our introduction. Each participant introduced himself this way:
(Participant states his Name, and then repeats the following statement)
“My name is Reginald, and I am a Good, Intelligent, Gifted ,Child of God.”
Jerome Womack did the presentation. Joseph Samuels and Mike Milner assisted with the presentation. We were more than honored to have had Mike Milner share his testimony as it related to our subject, "Family". David Cook was in attendance but excused himself to work on our field trip scheduled for the end of the month. A field trip is scheduled for The Young Lions at the end of each month.
We were honored to have Al Jones, our 14 year old musician on the job with us. We are always honored to have the boys we mentor present to learn and grow to be the best man they can be. Continue to keep us in your prayers and remember, all of you are welcomed, we need you as well. You could become a powerful, positive force in the life of a young man.
Make contact with Rev. Deacon Carolyn Foster for more information 322-8449 (leave a message).
God Bless You and God Bless All the Children of the World.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ 2009 Lenten Season
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
228 Dennison Ave. SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
205- 322-8449
+Wednesday, March 25, 2009 6:00pm - 7:30pm Program, Supper, and Compline(Speakers to lead discussions)
+ 2009 Lenten Season
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
228 Dennison Ave. SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
205- 322-8449
+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
+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)
+
Learning: 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
+ 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
Learning: 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
+ 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+
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
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
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. END***
