FORGIVENESS

In today’s Gospel Luke 7:36-8:3
Jesus is invited to eat at the home of a Pharisee. Once there a woman of ill repute approaches Jesus, bathes his feet with her tears, dries them with her hair, anoints his feet with ointment and kisses his feet.

The Pharisee thinks to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.”

Knowing the Pharisee’s thought Jesus turns to Simon and gives a parable about a creditor with two debtors. One man’s debt was 500 denarii and the other man’s debt was 50. When they couldn’t pay, the creditor forgave both debts. Jesus asked Simon which of the men he thought would love his creditor more. Simon supposed the man with the greater debt. Jesus told Simon he was correct.

Continuing, Jesus said, “ Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment…”

Jesus further states that though this woman was a sinner she has been forgiven. He sees her heart and the true person she is. He tells her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

In order to live in peace with mankind and with ourselves we must forgive. Forgiveness creates inner harmony. Knowing Jesus , walking in his ways, forgiving others and ourselves gives our us a personal freedom and serenity.

SCRIPTURE FOR JUNE 13,2010

2 Samuel 11:26-12:10,13-15

Galatians 2:11-21

Luke 7:36-50

Psalm 32 or 32:1-8

JUNE 20, 2010

Zechariah 12:8-10;13:1

Galatians 3:23-29

Luke 9:18-24

Psalm 63:1-8

JUNE, 27, 2010

1 Kings 19:15-16,19-21

Galatians 5:1,13-25

Luke 9:51-62

Psalm 16 or 16:5-11

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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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SUMMERFEST

The annual Summerfest service was held outside under the pines. The 95 degree outdoor heat did nothing to cool the warm hearts of participants.

1. Rev. Sara and Deacon Carolyn prepare for Eucharist.

2. Rev. Sara and Heager Hill distribute Communion while Titus Battle plays softly on the banjo.

Communion

***Many thanks to all who pulled together to make Summerfest a whopping success.***

Titus Battle lead the congregation in song accompanied by banjo.

Sam Nelms was the master griller who single-handedly did

the outdoor cooking after the service.

Heager Hill took his executive skills out of retirement

for a couple of days to organize Summerfest.
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Because of the summer heat ,it's been rumored that next year's Summerfest may become a Spring Fling.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vacation Bible School

June 14-16

Theme *JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS*
4:00-6:00 pm . Ages 6-12.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend, either as a participant or a helper.
The PERFORMANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY- Wednesday, June 16th-5:30pm
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Mr. Woodruff

From Dr. Mable Anderson

--My friend and VCS Technical Director, Mr. Richard S. Woodruff will appear on NBC Channel 13 with Mike Royer on "The Spirit of Alabama" on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 10:00 P.M. We would appreciate a CD or DVD from any church member who might watch it.

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Deacon Interviews

Heager Hill as a member of the Standing Committee interviewed 15 potential Deacons for 1 1/2 days.. After a year of training, candidates were questioned regarding their past year of training and experiences. Inquiry questions included thoughts on studying, field trip visits to homeless shelters, AA program and other assistance programs, and their commitment to the Deacon ministry.

It is the duty of the prospective Deacons to convince their Leader, Commission on Ministry, Standing Committee, and Bishops that they are committed by their training performance, attitude, adopted Christian principles, solidarity with their fellow peers, and solidarity with the Episcopal Church. Marc Smith serves on the Commission on Ministry.
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St. Mark's garden plots

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Seventh Sunday After Easter

THE GOSPEL
John 17:20-26
Jesus prayed for his disciples, and then he said. "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
"Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

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SCRIPTURE READINGS for the remainder of MAY 2010
May 23, 2010, Day of Pentecost, WhitsundayActs 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9Psalm 104:25-35, 37Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21John 14:8-17, (25-27)

May 30, 2010, First Sunday after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31Psalm 8 or Canticle 2 or 13Romans 5:1-5John 16:12-15
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
+Committees for Election of the 11th Bishop of Alabama

Mark Smith and Anthony Joseph are part of The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Along with members of other parishes they are part of the committee charged with search and nomination of the 11th Bishop of Alabama.
A retreat May 14 and 15 with search consultant Ms. Judy Stark began the process. http://dioala.org/

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+ OUR GARDEN
A second bed has been added to our garden. We now have the soil enhancers necessary for improving the soil. What is needed now is someone to mix it. Donations of time and labor are still needed. We plan to have a garden by the end of the summer that reflects the abundance of God's love and grace and then to share our produce.
Each parishioner will be placed in one of four groups. Each group will organize themselves for the upkeep of the bed.

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COMING UP

Learn About Composting
+May 19th ,Wednesday, 6:00-7:00 pm
Fun and Fellowship
with children and youth. All are invited.

Please let Rev. Sara-Scott know if you plan to attend so that a correct food count can be made.

+May 23rd, Sunday The Day of Pentecost
Pentecost is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost means "fiftieth day" and is celebrated fifty days after Easter.
Wear red to celebrate.

+June 6th, Sunday Christian Education for Children and Adults. 9:00-9:45 am
+June 13th, Sunday Summer Fest. Worship under the pines with cookout to follow.

+June 14-16, 2010 Vacation Bible School
Theme: *JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS*4:00-6:00 pm
Mark you calendars and plan to attend, either as a participant or a helper.
The PERFORMANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY- Wednesday, June 16th-5:30pm
END***

April 25th commemorated 119 years of ministry in St. Mark's Episcopal Church history.
History in Brief
The idea of an organized Black Episcopal congregation had its inception at the Fifty-first Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese. This meeting was held in Alabama in 1882.

In 1890 the idea of a Black Episcopal Church School was presented to Bishop Wilmer by Mr. C.V. Auguste along with respected members of the Black community. It was felt that a school would be beneficial to the Black community.

St. Mark’s School commenced in 1892 with seven grades and 47 students. The school was located in Birmingham, Alabama at Eighteenth Street North and Avenue C. St. Mark’s School presented one of few viable educational opportunities for people of color. It survived until 1940.

In 1962 St. Mark’s Episcopal Church moved to its present location at 228 Dennison Avenue SW. St. Mark’s continues to serve its members and the community through spiritually based programs and Biblical worship. All are welcomed to the church at the “foot of the hill.”

St. Mark’s has been archiving its history with the Birmingham Public Library-Central. For more in-depth information regarding the history of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church visit the archives of BPL-Central.
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Members and guests mingle and fellowship after St. Mark's Day Sunday service.


Three generations of St. Mark's Family
l.to.r: Deacon Carolyn Foster, Deacon's son, PFC.
Cleophus Higgins, Mrs. Alice Long, mother of Deacon Foster and grandmother of PFC Higgins.

Scripture Readings for May
May 2, 2010, Fifth Sunday after Easter Acts 11:1-18Psalm 148Revelation 21:1-6John 13:31-35

May 9, 2010, Sixth Sunday after Easter Acts 16:9-15Psalm 67Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

May 16, 2010, Seventh Sunday after Easter Acts 16:16-34Psalm 97Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21John 17:20-26

May 23, 2010, Day of Pentecost, Whitsunday
Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9Psalm 104:25-35, 37Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21John 14:8-17, (25-27)

May 30, 2010, First Sunday after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31Psalm 8 or Canticle 2 or 13Romans 5:1-5John 16:12-15

ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 14-16, 2010 *JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS*


4:00-6:00 pm


Mark you calendars and plan to attend, either as a participant or a helper.


The PERFORMANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY- Wednesday, June 16th-5:30pm





OUR GARDEN A portion of the garden has been planted. We plan to have a garden by the end of the summer that reflects the abundance of God's love and grace and then to share our produce. Donations of time, labor, plants, soil enhancers, landscape timbers, and/or money for these supplies are needed. We are hoping to have four raised beds. Each parishioner will be placed in one of four groups. Each group will organize themselves for the upkeep of the bed.
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Remember Who YOU Are

Today's sermon was delivered by Rev. Rob Morpeth (left). Rev. Morpeth serves as Deputy for Finance on Bishop Parsley's Senior Staff.

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. The Christian journey is a lifelong journey. We are constantly processing into what God purposed us to be. That is the core of our true selves. The world would have us be who it wants us to be. Becoming a saint is a matter of being who we are. Patterning after others is not the road to becoming our true selves. Each of us is an individual. While we may admire another’s traits and qualities it remains our responsibility to evolve into the person God wants us to be as an individual.
The world tries to pull us from God’s given goal. Many define their self worth by education, wealth, position, and manmade treasures. The ways of the world are ever changing. The things of the world pass away. God’s way has remained and will remain the same throughout time. He never goes out of style. We build our treasures in heaven with the Almighty. Never tie your sense of self worth to worldly things, your car, home, education or job. There are those who won’t retire because they have become one with their occupation. Their self worth is tied up in their job. If they retire they feel they will lose their identity. A mountain of debt and anguish can accumulate from amassing “things”, in an effort to be accepted by and gain self worth from the world.

Paul admonishes us to remember who we are. We fellowship to remember ourselves and gain strength to continue the Christian journey. Where the world says, “You are small, poor, weak, forgotten, insignificant…, You say I am BLESSED in Jesus!”

We are marked as Christ’s own forever! Nothing can separate us from the love of God!
Live not as the world defines you but, as God created you. ***



SCRIPTURES2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14

Mark 6:14-29

OFFERTORY
The Voices of Praise Offertory Anthem was Power of Your Love with Deacon Carolyn Foster as soloist. The Communion song of praise, Holy Spirit Rain Down was a duet done by Cecil and Olivia Washington. Providing background vocals were Joyce Ladd and Carolyn Foster.

BOTTOM:l. to r.

Joyce Ladd, Cecil Washington,
Olivia Washington

TOP: Carolyn Foster

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo is on vacation with her family. She will return July 19th. If there are any emergencies while she is away, contact Deacon Carolyn Foster who will be able to contact Rev. Scott-Wingo.

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

+Bible Study every Tuesday at noon in the Fellowship Hall

+ Let us keep Marc Smith in out prayers and all who are participating in the General Convention in Anaheim, CA from July 8th through July 17th. We also pray for safe travel for Marc and Sundra.
Almighty and ever living God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in the General Convention of the Episcopal Church for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

+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.”

Nikara Washington ( standing)conducts ECW meeting after morning service.

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Be On God's Side

Rev. Bill Blackerby has been a college chaplain at various campuses for over 16 years. He recently ventured into another area of ministry, that of teaching. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Blackerby during Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo's absence.

Rev. Blackerby remarked that through teaching you also learn. During this Fourth of July weekend the analogy of the war between the states and that of Abraham Lincoln’s role was explored. North and south both felt that, God was on their side. Such an announcement provokes the question,” How can God be for both sides?” Each faction feels that it is the superior one.

When Abraham Lincoln became president he was given a dismissive attitude by his associates. He was not from a privileged family, he was self educated, his clothing was worn and ill-fitting. William Seward who served as Secretary of State viewed Lincoln as inept and someone who’d won the election by a fluke. Seward, because of his feelings of superiority to Lincoln felt that he would actually be in charge of running things.

It is easy for us to categorize and make assumptions because of someone’s background or education. After realizing Lincoln’s competence Seward gained a respect for the president.

Jesus was treated in much this same way. Because of his humbleness he was disrespected, degraded and later killed. The reality is that God works through whomever he chooses. The warring factions of the north and south believed that, God was on their side. Instead of God being on our side, be on God’s side.
Be open to God working through people we least likely expect. This requires trust and humility from us. It is a gift to us and indeed Gospel.


SCRIPTURES
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13

*****
The Offertory Anthem and Communion Hymn
was player by Paul Goldman on the recorder. He also serves as Sr. Warden for St. Mark's.

Paul Goldman
ANNOUNCEMENTS



BISHOP ROBERT O. MILLER
Burial services were held for retired bishop, Bob Miller July 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral Church of the Advent. Bishop Miller had had heart surgery, had gone home from the hospital, and a few days later was readmitted to a critical care unit. There he died on June 29th. The Wingo family has very fond feelings for Bishop Miller as he was the Bishop who ordained them and oversaw them during their early ministry. Please keep his wife Peggy and their children and grandchildren in your prayers. Click here to read more about the life and ministry of Bishop Miller
ECW meeting Sunday, July 12, 2009. 11:30-12:30 in the sanctuary

Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo is on vacation with her family. She will return July 18th. If there are any emergencies while she is away, contact Carolyn Foster who will be able to contact Rev. Scott-Wingo. 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 these gifted priests will be sharing their gifts with us. We welcome them.

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.

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

+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.”

+Bertha Smith asks for your prayers regarding Daughters of the King (DOK). There is possibility that DOK may no longer be an Episcopal Order but an Ecumenical organization.

JULY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

July is bursting with birthdays and anniversaries at St. Mark's.

top row left to right: Elgin & Andrea Duckery, Rev. Bill Blackerby & wife(not pictured),

Cassandra & Anthony Joseph.

bottom row left to right: David & Carlene Joseph, Ethan Duckery, Mamie Hymes,Alice Long

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Independence Day also known as 4th of July is the birthday of the United States of America. It is celebrated on July 4th each year in the United States. It is the anniversary of the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress - July 4, 1776. The day they announced to the world that the 13 colonies no longer belonged to Great Britain. Independence Day was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. reprinted from Just4Kids Magazine.

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