JOURNEY
WELCOME TO THE REV. MIKE CLECKLER
Mike is a graduate from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. He assists at All Saint’s in Homewood and runs a real estate business with his wife Liz. Thanks for being here today.
In Luke 9:51-62 Jesus begins his journey toward Jerusalem where he is to meet his fate and be “Taken up to heaven.” He “sets his face” toward Jerusalem. This indicates he is focused on completing the mission his Heavenly Father has sent him to do. He will not be hindered.
Along his journey in Luke 9:57- 62 , Jesus encounters many who say they will follow him.
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Jesus is not deterred. He continues. He makes known that his home is not on earth when he states, “…but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
59 He said to another man, "Follow me."
But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."
62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Though these people say they want to follow Jesus, each one has a task he wants to perform before he is ready to follow Jesus indicating that he is not truly committed. Jesus continues the journey his Father has planned for him, to reach Jerusalem.
Before identifying themselves as Christians, early followers were known as “people of the way.” It was recognized by all that these pilgrims were following a course, a journey toward the future . Our journey begins with each new day. We continue to travel in the way of Jesus.
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SCRIPTURES for June 27, 2010
1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
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OFFERTORY ANTHEM was performed by trumpeter, Mikel Packer. This is Mikel's second appearance at St. Mark's. Mikel is an eighth grade middle school student. Because of his musical skill ,Mikel was privileged to be a part of Fairfield High School's marching band
this past year. IN addition to the marching band, he was also a part of the concert band. Mikel not only enjoys the trumpet but also dabbles with the guitar. Mikel's skillful rendition of "Pass Me Not" was met with generous applause by parishioners.
It was a delight to listen to the clear soprano voice of Martrice Packer as she sang "Total Praise", during Communion. Before graduating ,Martrice was a member of Fairfield High School choir. She was also part of the chorus in "To Kill A Mockingbird" a musical performed by Fairfield and Vestavia High Schools combined. A college junior, Martrice enjoys community service activities and continues to sing in her church choir.***
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Visitors
Thank you for visiting today. You honor us with your presence. Please fill out a visitor's card and consider joining us for any or all parish activities. We would love to see you again.
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+Thank you to Mikel and Martrice Packer. Mikel and Martrice are the nephew and niece of Sylvia McClain. Thank you for sharing your musical talents with us.
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+REV. SARA-SCOTT IS ATTENDING A CONFERENCESara-Scott is at Camp Gray, the Episcopal Camp in Mississippi, where she is attending the College for Congregational Development. The conference runs from Saturday,
June 26th-Saturday, July 3rd. This will be an intensive time for study and learning about how to grow small parishes. Sara-Scott looks forward to applying what she is learning at St. Mark's.
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+ MORNING PRAYER ON SUNDAY, JULY 4TH
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+ BEVERAGE AND CHEESE PARTY FOR WOMEN AND FRIENDS OF ST. MARK'S
TUESDAY, JULY 6TH, 6:00-8:00pm at SARA-SCOTT'S HOUSE. 
After bringing together the ministries of the women of St. Mark's and women from other parishes for our Vacation Bible School, Sara-Scott wants to celebrate our new friendships with a party. All of the women of St. Mark's are invited.Please let her know by July 4th if you will be attending. You may locate her phone number in your personal church directory.
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+ COVERED DISH LUNCH SUNDAY, JULY 11THSundra Smith is organizing our lunch. See her for details and offer to bring something.
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+CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY JULY 11TH at 9:00a.m.
Classes will be offered for both children and adults. Rev. Sara-Scott is teaching the adult class on different forms of prayer. A volunteer will teach the children a Bible story about Jesus and play games. Please plan to attend.
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+MID MONTH ACTIVITY FOR YOUTH AND CHILDRENMONDAY, JULY 12th, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Activity to be announced
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Have a safe and happy July 4th. Remember the true reason for this national holiday.
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********Week of June 20, 2010********
WHAT PRICE IS FEAR?
THE GOSPEL Luke 8:26-39
When Jesus arrives in the city of Gerasenes, he is met by a man consumed with demons. The man is naked and lives in a cemetery. The man falls before Jesus begging for his help. When Jesus asks his name so that he can call the demon by name, the man tells him his name is Legion . Within him lived many demons. The demons beg Jesus not to send them back to the abyss. He gives them permission to enter a large herd of swine. The demon filled swine then rush over a steep bank into a lake and drown. So astounded at what they have seen, the swine herders run off to tell everyone in the city and country.
People return with the herdsmen to the location of this amazing feat. When they arrive they see the formerly demon possessed man, clothed and in his right mind, sitting at the foot of Jesus.
Upon seeing this phenomenon the people become afraid and ask Jesus to leave them. Jesus leaves but the man who had been possessed begs to be with Jesus. Jesus sends him away saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.”
The man follows Jesus’ orders and goes about the city announcing what Jesus has done for him.
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SCRIPTURES
Zechariah 12:8-10;13:1
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 9:18-24
Psalm 63:1-8
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Visitors
You honor us with your presence in worship today. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you feel at home here. We invite you to participate in all of our activities Consider joining us for one of the following events.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The theme of this year's VBS was "Joseph and His Brothers," taken from Genesis 37-50.
The story was told in three parts.
1. The coat of many colors and Joseph's brothers reaction.
2. Joseph's imprisonment
3. Joseph's reunion with his father and brothers.
On the final day of VBS, a production of "Joseph and His Brothers," written by Jalete Nelms was performed by the students in sixth grade and above.
Bible school consisted of several levels. Preschoolers and Kindergartners, First and Second Graders, Third and Fourth Graders, Fifth and Sixth Graders and above.
Activities including singing, Bible lessons on the story of Joseph and his brothers. Outdoors group activities were enjoyed by all. Art and drama were a major part of this Biblical message. Each day ended with Compline conducted by Sara-Scott.
St. Mark's Bible school began June 14th and ran until June 16th.
Below are pictures from VBS. Click the pictures to enlarge and read the captions
Sheep and Shepherds listen to Sara-Scott tell the story of Joseph. 
Sara- Scott leads everyone in song.
After registration, the Nelms twins proudly display their name tags.
Volunteers teach preschoolers.
Marietta Cameron serves as model while students design a "coat of many colors."
Older children design friendship bracelets with multi-colored beads.
Godly play
Volunteers teach preschoolers.
Marietta Cameron serves as model while students design a "coat of many colors."
Older children design friendship bracelets with multi-colored beads.
Godly play
Older students perform a courtroom scene from "Joseph and His Brothers."
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Happy Father's Day
Fathers’ Day is a day honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.
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Happy Father's DayFathers’ Day is a day honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.
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+June 6th, Sunday Christian Education
