Laboring in the Christian World

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated with our guest and friend, Rev. Charles Taylor.

In his sermon, Rev. Charles spoke of Ms. Allison whom he remembers from his church as a young man growing up. She had a favorite song entitled "Work While the Night is Coming". Here on the eve, of Labor Day, he thought it would be good to mention the song and it's lyrics:
verse 1

Work, for the night is coming,
Work, through the morning hours,
Work, while the dew is sparkling,
Work, 'mid springing flowers,
Work, when the day grows brighter,
Work, in the glowing sun,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.

verse 2

Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon,
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store,
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.

verse 3

Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies,
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work 'til the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more,
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man's work is o'er.

In this song, there is no reference to God, the Holy Spirit or the Church. What then is the message? What is the night and why or for whom is the work?He then spoke of Jesus - He knew why He worked and what He was to accomplish:
1. He did the work of someone else (His Father). Our work should be the same - the servant on someone else.
2. He did not justify His deity. We are the beloved children of God, our work for Him should bring us true fulfillment
3. He was not working to get to heaven, to earn a partnership or salvation.
4. His work was joyful - though He knew what was coming, He was not controlled by the night...He was God's gift.
He then referred to another Hymn - Come Labor On:

verse 1

Come, labor on!
Who dares stand idle,
on the harvest plain
While all around him waves the golden grain?
And to each servant does the Master say,
“Go work today.”

verse 2

Come, labor on!
Claim the high calling angels cannot share
—To young and old the Gospel gladness bear;
Redeem the time;its hours too swiftly fly.
The night draws nigh.
These are the first two verse of this six verse hymn. It can be found in our Hymnal #541. Here we hear of God's love and presence. And because of our faith, He will be there to welcome us into His new day!

Processional -#552
Readings (Joyce Ladd):Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105: 1-6I
Romans 12: 9-21
Gospel (Deacon Carolyn)Matthew 16:21-28
Music by the Voices of Praise "Trading My Sorrows", and "Come Holy Spirit"

Announcements

+The last First Sunday Potluck Luncheon for the summer will be held after our regular church service on Sunday, September 7, 2008. The sign-up list will be posted on the bulletin board, please stop by and sign-up to bring something to make this a very, very special luncheon. This time, we are going to play a game that will allow everyone to win something and will be lots of fun. Plan to bring two (2) "no gender" gifts that cost no more than $5. I am asking for two gifts in the event we have visitors and this will allow them to participate, also. I am very excited about September's First Sunday Potluck Luncheon, so please help to make this a wonderful one. Should you have questions, please contact me via email or by telephone . (check church roster for this information) Thank you so much. Jackie Nixon, September Coordinator St. Mark's First Sunday Potluck .

+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 years. The sign up calendar is located on the bulletin boards outside the Fellowship Hall.

+Healthy congregations study by Peter Steinke is still be lead by Deacon Carolyn on Sunday morning from 8:45-9:45am

+A tear off sheet is being provided each Sunday so that you can place names of your favorite hyms in the basket at the back oif the church. From this survey we hope to hear all the collections that mean something to each of us.

+Thanks to Deacon Carolyn for hosting the back to school pool party for the kids.

+Mark Smith announced a meeting for the upcoming children’s Sunday School class.

+The Adult Sunday School class will resume on September 14 at 9:00 am

+Welcome to Mamie Hymes guests, Mr. And Mrs. Bryan Thomas, and little Mamie.

St. Mark's Bible Study Group

Pictured, standing left to right: Bertha Smith, Mary Williams, Heager Hill, and seated, Mamie Hymes. Other group members not pictured, Deleon Fancher, Nettie Hill, Lucille Tarver, and Olivia Washington
The St. Mark's Bible Study Group, currently studying William Barclay's, "The Gospel of Mark", meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12 noon until 1:00pm at the church. Please feel free to join this wonderful group of brothers and sisters as they study and pray together. submitted by Bertha Smith

Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day !!

Solid Rock

Deacon Carolyn Foster
A Deacon's Service was held today with Deacon Carolyn Foster officiating. Before arriving at the points in her sermon we were given historical and geographical facts about the city of Caesarea Philippi . The city was named after Herod's son Philipp. Philipp later renamed the city Caesarea Phillipi after the ruler Caesar since he and his followers considered him (Caesar) a god. The city was built upon a rock that was 100 miles by 900 miles, bordered by Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon is Israel's tallest mountain. Jesus never entered the city. With the splendor and majesty of Caesarea Phillipi in the distance, Jesus asked the disciples,"Who do people say I am?" Each disciple gives a different answer. Peter is finally the one who makes the proclamation. Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus is pleased with Peter's answer acknowledging that the Father in heaven has revealed this to him. That is when he tells Peter,..."on this rock I build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it...." The rock is the foundation of the church. Peter is that rock. Peter is an instrumental factor in the building of the church. He later becomes a Bishop. Where are you in your life? Who do you say Jesus is?****


Scriptures


First Reading Exodus 1:8-2:10


Second Reading Romans 12:1-8



Gospel Matthew 16: 13-20***


Announcements


The last First Sunday Potluck Luncheon for the summer will be held after our regular church service on Sunday, September 7th. Please stop by the bulletin board and sign-up to bring something to make this a very special luncheon. We will play a game that will allow everyone to win something so bring two (2) "no gender" gifts that cost no more than $5 in the event we have visitors. Plan to come and make this a special 'sharing' and if you have any questions, please contact Jackie Nixon via e-mail or phone. Looking to see you there.***
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+The swim party was rained out last Saturday. The swim party has been rescheduled for this Saturday, August 30, 2008 same time, same place.

***** +Vestry meeting will be held this Thursday August 28, 2008 at 6:00p.m.
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+Today's announcement insert contains a tear off portion at the bottom. List your favorite hymns (up to four) in the spaces. Tear off and place in the Offertory plate or on the back table after service. As the choir reconvenes in September, they will try to sing many of your favorites this fall.
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+Today is the deadline for the St. Mark's T-Shirt Design Contest. The Vestry will choose the best 3 and the church body will vote on the final winner. The winner will be announced on September 7th and win a $25 gift certificate.
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+Giving flowers for the altar is a wonderful way to honor, celebrate and remember special people and events in out lives. Consider placing flowers on the altar for one Sunday this year. The sign up calendar is outside the Fellowship Hall.
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+Join us on Sunday mornings as we continue our study of Healthy Congregations. These lessons take place on Sunday mornings from 8:45a.m.-9:45a.m.***
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Candid Shots Coffee, the bonding beverage


George Ladd sips a cup of Joe while mingling with others.



Olivia Washington enjoys a cup of java as she contemplates the remainder of her Sunday.

Happy New Year

Rev. Jayne Pool

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated with Rev. Jayne Pool. With the restarting of school Rev. Jayne wished students and teacher's a Happy New Year as they embark upon the brand new school year. Rev. Pool's sermon revolved around God's never ending forgiveness and His allowing us to start afresh so many times. As Jesus and His disciples traveled about they were judged by the Pharisees in everything they did. This included even eating a grain of wheat on the Sabbath as they traveled. The Pharisees wanted to bring Jesus and his followers into the legalistic doctrines of the Sabbath. Rev. Jayne pointed out that the Sabbath was made to benefit humanity and not the other way around. God ultimately has the claim of what is right and wrong. As in the present we often reject the vehicle of God's love because we judge what we see with human eyes. Every opportunity is one to start anew. It is an opportunity to start new life. Happy New Year and Happy New Life.

l. to.r. Kirbey Pool, Jim Pool, Jayne Pool

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Scriptures

Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133: 1-5; Romans 11:1-2a,29-32; Matthew 15:(10-20),21-28

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Communion

The Communion hymn , I Will Trust In the Lord was led by the church musician, Sundra Smith.

Sundra Smith, musician

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Announcements

The last First Sunday Potluck Luncheon for the summer will be held after our regular church service on Sunday, September 7, 2008. The sign-up list is posted on the bulletin board, please stop by and sign-up to bring something to make this a very, very special luncheon. This time, we are going to play a game that will allow everyone to win something and will be lots of fun. Plan to bring two (2) "no gender" gifts that cost no more than $5. I am asking for two gifts in the event we have visitors and this will allow them to participate also. I am very excited about September's First Sunday Potluck Luncheon, so please help to make this a wonderful one. Should you have questions, please contact Jackie Nixon. Thank you so much.

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Next Sunday, (August 24, 2008) come prepared to have your picture taken for the St. Mark's Picture Directory. What a beautiful directory we will have once completed ---- putting a face with a name.

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Deacon Carolyn Foster

Next Saturday from 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Deacon Carolyn will host a Back To School Swim Party at her home. Come and enjoy some last summer 'moments of fun and sun.'

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Vestry meeting will be held this Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

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St. Mark’s T-Shirt Design Contest
Win a $25 gift certificate
Please include in your design the following:
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Birmingham
A lion
Founded 1891
Episcopal Shield
Welcomes you
The entry deadline is August 24, 2008. The vestry will choose the best 3 and the church will vote on the final winner. The final vote and announcement of winner will be September 7, 2008.

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Charles Townsend Named To Housing Board

Charles Townsend

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Giving flowers for the altar is a wonderful way to honor, celebrate and remember special people and events in out lives. Consider placing flowers on the altar for one Sunday this year. The sign up calendar is outside the Fellowship Hall.

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Join us on Sunday mornings as we continue our study of Healthy Congregations. These lessons take place on Sunday mornings from 8:45a.m.-9:45a.m.

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Check your e-mail for your own private showing of:

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ST. MARK'S HISTORICAL PORTRAITS

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Candid Shots
Marcus Smith extinguishes the candles

Anthony Joseph mugs for the camera
Spotted outside a church

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Trading My Sorrows

Deacon Carolyn Foster
Morning Prayer was officiated by Deacon Carolyn J. Foster. The Deacon's sermon centered around Matthew 14:22-33. In the scripture Peter's faith is tested when he asks the Lord to allow him to walk on water. The Lord bids him to "Come." At first Peter is successful with his walk but, when a strong wind arises Peter becomes frightened. Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches him. Then Jesus says to Peter, "You of little faith why did you doubt?"

Our failure to hand over our struggles to God was further demonstrated in Deacon Carolyn's sermon. Our struggles would be less of a burden if we let Jesus come in and take control. Further clarification was given by the Deacon as she recited the words to Trading My Sorrows. The Voices Of Praise (VOP) sang this song at the annual Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage held in Sawyerville, Alabama. Trading involves giving up one thing for something else. Give up a burden, sorrow, or struggle by handing it to the Lord.

I'm trading my sorrow

I'm trading my shame

I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.

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Morning Prayer: Book Of Common Prayer page 78

Scriptures First Reading- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

Second Reading-Romans 10: 5-15

Gospel- Matthew 14:22-33

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Offertory & Communion

Heager Hill & Ellarine Stroud

During the Offertory St. Mark's was witness to the solo debut of Heager Hill. Along with veteran songstress, Ellarine Stroud they sang, "Precious Lord Take My Hand" known to be a favorite of Heager's. Each of the duo sang a stanza of the song then blended voices at the chorus. Music accompaniment was provided by church organist, Sundra Smith.

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Nikara Washington

During Communion Nikara Washington displayed her melodic skills. The soft piano solo she played enhanced the sacredness of the Eucharist.

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The annual Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage was held in Sawyerville, Alabama. Click here for a slide show of the events.

Announcements

*A tee shirt contest for members of St. Mark's is underway. Details can be found on the bulletin board in the hall. Three designs will be selected from all entries. The congregation will vote on the three selected with the winner receiving a gift card. The design will be placed on tee shirts that may be purchased and worn during the Fall Fling.

* Portrait Sunday will be August 24, 2009. Wear your Sunday Best. The pictures will be placed in the church roster.

* The youth will receive an invitation to a pool party at Deacon Carolyn's house.

* Won't YOU join us on Sunday mornings from 8:45-9:45 a.m. for Healthy Congregations. Allow this special effort spearheaded by Deacon Carolyn to aid us in learning how to be a more healthy congregation.

*Consider placing flowers on the altar for one Sunday this year. The sign up calendar is in the hallway.

The blogmistress apologizes for the lateness of this week's newsletter due to technical problems beyond her control.