Today was the Second Sunday in Advent. Sunrise brought a light dusting of snow to Mount Olympus, with temperatures just above freezing and a Santa Ana wind of all things. Down the hill at church, the temperature was 55°F with a thin overcast. Today was behind Sunday. The Beadle, the Under Beadle and the Deputy Beadle all forgot their nametags, the Beadle even forgot his telephone. At the start of the gathering song, we weren’t doing a whole lot of gathering with only 13 people present. But, the gathering song worked, by the start of the service, there were 24 people present.
Father Acker’s Silver Jubilee – 25th Anniversary of OrdinationFriday, 7 December 2007 was the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Father Acker’s ordination. The usual Friday Holy Communion Service was dedicated to this occasion. With much going on, the service drew 10 participants.
Just in case you were wondering – Of course there were goodies, after all we are Anglicans! After the Holy Communion service, there were snack - cranberry bread and hot chocolate.
We are very lucky to have Father Acker with us. While many are aware of his high level of qualification for the job, the far more important thing is that he is an exceedingly good man and dedicated to our Lord. The fact that he is well trained and industrious makes him all the more helpful to the cause.
On the day of his anniversary, Father Acker penned the following to the members of our congregation:
Feast of Saint Ambrose, December 7, 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today I celebrate 25 years as a priest of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I am truly blessed ministering among people who truly seek to live reading, marking, learn, and inwardly digesting the life giving Word of God. As I renewed my promises kneeling in the midst of this fellowship of the Blessed Trinity this morning, I was struck by how wonderful it is that these people, you, know and love God and encourage me to be a faithful priest; how you encourage one another in your own ministry in Christ Jesus. I am in awe as lives are “taken, blessed, broken, and given” that God’s love is made known today in our midst.
During this Advent we look for Christ’s coming. We intentionally choose this time to make our Pledge to the life, ministry, and mission to which God has called us. I hope that individually you will use this Ingathering to offer your life in service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ once again—“I will endeavour so to do, the Lord being my helper.” [The Ordering of Priests, BCP p.542]
Rose Sunday, December 16th, will be our Pledge Ingathering, an opportunity to respond to God’s asking you to follow Him, to be part of the life, ministry and mission of this fellowship of the Blessed Trinity as we celebrate the birth of Christ and move into the New Year. We will offer our Ingathering at the Altar asking our Lord Jesus to take our lives and fill them with His Love and Grace and to use us to His Service and His Glory.
May our Lord bless your life as we prepare for His coming!
Rev’d Keith Acker
Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity
Pearl Harbor DayFriday was also another day important to us as Americans. Sixty-six years before, “7 December 1941 – a date which will live in infamy - - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. Two thousand three hundred fifty Americans gave their lives defending our country, giving their blood that we might live in freedom.
At least two of our parishioners had relatives at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day. Suzanne Barrett’s grandfather (her mom’s father) father was on a destroyer just outside the harbor on that fateful morning. The crew of the USS Ward spotted, fired at, and sunk a Japanese submarine just outside Pearl Harbor.
Then precisely three years after Pearl Harbor, 7 December 19454 Ward was hit by a kamikaze in the Leyte Gulf, and my grandfather, Ward’s captain at the time, managed to safely evacuate all his men before Ward sank.
The Arnolds’ Uncle Jack, Admiral Jackson D. Arnold, was the Engineering Test Pilot at NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese struck, then LT Arnold made his way to Pearl Harbor under fire. After quite a bit of trouble convincing the crew of a whaleboat to take him to Ford Island, his normal duty station, he finally got to the island. There, during the middle of the first wave’s attack, he fired up a Wildcat, the only flyable one on the island. A ground crew member crawled up on the wing telling him, “You can’t take this airplane!” “The heck I can’t, get off my wing!” he replied. “But, it doesn’t have any ammunition!” came the response. He jumped out near the base of the tower and picked up a BAR from a Marine who did not need it anymore. A long time shooter, pistol and bird, a member of the All Navy Pistol Team, he was a very good shot. Anyway, he shot down a torpedo plane coming in to strafe the new control tower that he was standing at the base of. The plane crashed on the field. Between the two waves, Jack and a couple of sailors went over to look at the wreckage. They found it was the first wave’s Torpedo Squadron Commander, they drank his sake and got on with the war.
That kill from the ground was later to make Jack the only known pilot who shot down five aircraft (one with a BAR, two with an Avenger, two with a Hellcat) who is not Ace!
During the lull between attacks he commandeered a motor whaleboat and began picking up survivors from his first ship, USS ARIZONA and others in the harbor. The first person his boat pulled from the water was the Petty Officer in Charge of the Number Four turret on ARIZONA of which Jack had been the Officer in Charge years before. Jack did not recognize him as he looked like a seal, black with oil head to toe.
After 66 years ARIZONA still leaks bunker oil into the harbor, a few drops at a time. ARIZONA and UTAH were the only two ships not raised after the attack.
Sadly, Jack passed away yesterday at 95. Still, you have to think on that Sunday many years ago, it never occurred to him he would see 66 more years.
Four Chaplains While researching for this report, your Beadle came across articles on the Four Chaplains. Given this is also Father Acker’s Silver Jubilee, your Beadle thought it important that you understand a bit about the life to which Father Acker has been called. While many of you know this story, it bears repeating. For those of you who have never heard the story, please read this brief tale of four men who truly understood Jesus’ Summary of the Law. Read about four US Army officers, Chaplain Lieutenants: Rabbi Alexander Goode,
Reverend George L. Fox,
Reverend Clark V. Polling,
Father John P. Washington; one Jew, one Roman Catholic and two Protestant. Each a brother serving the Father.
When the soldiers boarded in New York on 23 January 1943 the Dorchester certainly was filled to capacity. In addition to the Merchant Marine crew and a few civilians, young soldiers filled every available space. There were 902 lives braving the frigid North Atlantic and the ever present threat of German submarines.
Most of the men who boarded for the trip were young, frightened soldiers. Many were going to sea for the first time and suffered sea-sickness for days. They were packed head to toe below deck, a steaming human sea of fear and uncertainty. Even if they survived the eventual Atlantic crossing, they looked forward to the cauldron of war on foreign shores. They were men in need of a strong shoulder to lean on, a firm voice to encourage them, and a ray of hope in a world of despair. In their midst moved four men, Army Chaplains, called to put aside their own fears and uncertainties to minister to the needs of others.
Perhaps Chaplain Fox thought of his own 18-year old son, serving in the Marine Corps, as he walked among the young soldiers on the Dorchester, giving strength and Spiritual hope to those he could. Before leaving he had said goodbye to his wife and 7 year old daughter Mary Elizabeth. It was Chaplain Fox's second war, for the "war to end all wars" ..... had not!
In other parts of the ship Father Washington likewise did his best to soothe the fears of those about him. A Catholic Priest, his closest brothers were the other three Chaplains on the Dorchester. They leaned on each other for strength, as they tried daily to mete that strength out to others. Surely as he prayed for his makeshift parish, Father Washington also whispered a prayer for Chaplain Fox, Chaplain Poling and Rabbi Goode. Not only had Chaplain Fox left a son and daughter behind, Rabbi Goode had left behind a loving wife and 3 year old daughter. Chaplain Poling's son Corky was still an infant, and within a month or two his wife would be giving birth to their second child. In time of war, perhaps being single had its advantages.
With so many men crammed into so small a space, all of them so much in need of the ray of hope Spiritual guidance could afford, differences ceased to be important. All of the soldiers shared the same level of misery and fear, whether Protestant, Catholic, or Jew. The title "Rabbi", "Father", or "Reverend" was of little consequence when a man needed a CHAPLAIN. A prayer from Rabbi Goode could give strength to the Catholic soldier as quickly as a hymn from the beautiful voice of Father Washington could warm the heart of a Protestant. The Jewish soldier facing an uncertain future on foreign shores could draw on the strength of a Protestant to help him face tomorrow. When sinking in the quicksand of life one doesn't ask for the credentials of he who offers the hand of hope, he simply thanks God that the helping hand is there.
The crossing was filled with long hours of boredom and misery. Outside, the chilly Arctic winds and cold ocean spray coated the Dorchester's deck with ice. Below deck the soldiers' quarters were hot from too many bodies, crammed into too small a place, for too many days in a row. Finally, on February 2nd, the Dorchester was within 150 miles of Greenland. It would have generated a great sense of relief among the young soldiers crowded in the ship's berths, had not the welcomed news been tempered by other news of grave concern. One of the Dorchester's three Coast Guard escorts had received sonar readings during the day, indicating the presence of an enemy submarine in "Torpedo Junction".
Hans Danielson, the Dorchester's captain, listened to the news with great concern. His cargo of human lives had been at sea for ten days, and was finally nearing its destination. If he could make it through the night, air cover would arrive with daylight to safely guide his ship home. The problem would be surviving the night. Aware of the potential for disaster, he instructed the soldiers to sleep in their clothes and life jackets....just in case. Below deck however, it was hot and sweaty as too many bodies lay down, closely packed in the cramped quarters. Many of the men, confident that tomorrow would dawn without incident, elected to sleep in their underwear. The life jackets were also hot and bulky, so many men set them aside as an unnecessary inconvenience.
In the distance a cold, metal arm broke the surface of the stormy seas. At the end of that arm, a German U-Boat (submarine) captain monitored the slowly passing troop transport. Shortly before one in the morning he gave the command to fire.
Quiet moments passed as silent death reached out for the men of the Dorchester, then the early morning was shattered by the flash of a blinding explosion and the roar of massive destruction. The "hit" had been dead on, tossing men from their cots with the force of its explosion. A second torpedo followed the first, instantly killing 100 men in the hull of the ship. Power was knocked out by the explosion in the engine room, and darkness engulfed the frightened men below deck as water rushed through gaping wounds in the Dorchester's hull. The ship tilted at an unnatural angle as it began to sink rapidly, and piles of clothing and life jackets were tossed about in the darkness where no one would ever find them. Wounded men cried out in pain, frightened survivors screamed in terror, and all groped frantically in the darkness for exits they couldn't find. Somewhere in that living hell, four voices of calm began to speak words of comfort, seeking to bring order to panic and bedlam. Slowly soldiers began to find their way to the deck of the ship, many still in their underwear, where they were confronted by the cold winds blowing down from the arctic.
Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, reeling from the cold, headed back towards his cabin. "Where are you going?" a voice of calm in the sea of distressed asked.
"To get my gloves," Mahoney replied.
"Here, take these," said Rabbi Goode as he handed a pair of gloves to the young man who would never have survived the trip to his cabin and then back to safety.
"I can't take those gloves," Mahoney replied.
"Never mind," the Rabbi responded. "I have two pairs."
Mahoney slipped the gloves over his hands and returned to the frigid deck, never stopping to ponder until later when he had reached safety, that there was no way Rabbi Goode would have been carrying a spare set of gloves. As that thought finally dawned on him he came to a new understanding of what was transpiring in the mind of the fearless Chaplain. Somehow, Rabbi Goode suspected that he would himself, never leave the Dorchester alive.
Before boarding the Dorchester back in January, Reverend Poling had asked his father to pray for him, "Not for my safe return, that wouldn't be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty...never be a coward...and have the strength, courage and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate." He probably never dreamed that his prayer request would be answered so fully. As he guided the frightened soldiers to their only hope of safety from the rapidly sinking transport, he spoke calm words of encouragement, urging them not to give up. In the dark hull of the Dorchester, he was more than adequate. He was a hero.
Likewise Reverend Fox and Father Washington stood out within the confines of an unimaginable hell. Wounded and dying soldiers were ushered into eternity to the sounds of comforting words from men of God more intent on the needs of others, than in their own safety and survival. Somehow, by their valiant efforts, the Chaplains succeeded in getting many of the soldiers out of the hold and onto the Dorchester's slippery deck.
In the chaos around them, life boats floated away before men could board them. Others capsized as panic continued to shadow reason and soldiers loaded the small craft beyond limit. The strength, calm, and organization of the Chaplains had been so critical in the dark hull. Now, on deck, they found that their mission had not been fully accomplished. They organized the effort, directed men to safety, and left them with parting words of encouragement. In little more than twenty minutes, the Dorchester was almost gone. Icy waves broke over the railing, tossing men into the sea, many of them without life jackets. In the last moments of the transport's existence, the Chaplains were too occupied opening lockers to pass out life jackets to note the threat to their own lives.
In less than half an hour, water was beginning to flow across the deck of the sinking Dorchester. Working against time the Chaplains continued to pass out the life vests from the lockers as the soldiers pressed forward in a ragged line. And then.... the lockers were all empty... the life jackets gone. Those still pressing in line began to realize they were doomed, there was no hope. And then something amazing happened, something those who were there would never forget. All Four Chaplains began taking their own life jackets off.... and putting them on the men around them. Together they sacrificed their last shred of hope for survival, to insure the survival of other men.... most of them total strangers. Then time ran out. The Chaplains had done all they could for those who would survive, and nothing more could be done for the remaining... including themselves. Those who had been fortunate enough to reach lifeboats struggled to distance themselves from the sinking ship, lest they be pulled beneath the ocean swells by the chasm created as the transport slipped into a watery grave. Then, amid the screams of pain and horror that permeated the cold dark night, they heard the strong voices of the Chaplains. "Shma Yisroel Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echod." "Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done."
Looking back they saw the slanting deck of the Dorchester, its demise almost complete. Braced against the railings were the Four Chaplains...praying...singing, giving strength to others by their final valiant declaration of faith. Their arms were linked together as they braced against the railing and leaned into each other for support, Reverend Fox, Rabbi Goode, Reverend Poling, and Father Washington . Said one of the survivors, "It was the finest thing I have ever seen this side of heaven."
And then, only 27 minutes after the first torpedo struck, the last vestige of Dorchester disappeared beneath the cold North Atlantic waters. In its death throes it reached out to claim any survivors nearby, taking with it to its grave the four ministers of different faiths who learned to find strength in their diversity by focusing on the Father they shared. On that day.............
They made their "Father" very proud!Pre-Service Class - Background of Jesus' birthWith twenty centuries between us and Jesus’ birth with, during much of which there was little or no records keeping, sifting through bushels of folklore and legend, we ask,”What really happened?” Or, maybe even, “Did it happen?”
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Normally Jesus would have been born at the home in his city or village. Things in the Middle East at the time were small by comparison. The distances while small in number, were large in time. Rome was far away, in distance half way across our continent for comparison; but in time almost all the way across the world. Think Moscow! In Rome was Caesar Augustus; Julius Caesar’s grandnephew, born Gaius Octavius, and adopted as heir to the throne. He took the name Caesar Augustus. He had a 44 year rule of peace and prosperity. He was transforming Rome from brick to marble. Pax Romana.
Augustus was a religious reformer trying to revive interest in the state religion of Roman gods. He was convinced that belief in the “old gods” was what had made Rome great; he restored 82 temples in the city of Rome. Augustus became the Pontifex Maximus (high priest).
Like many today, Augustus was alarmed at the rise of promiscuity and drop in marriage and birth rates. He saw the decline and sought reform. He could see that if Rome continued on her course, she would founder.
His tax scheme provided for people to enroll in their ancestral or tribal home of Bethlehem; both Mary and Joseph were descendants of King David. The trip was short, only 80 miles, like from Alpine to San Juan Capistrano. A short trip, unless of course you were walking!
Enrollments were not only the basis for tax income estimates, but to gauge the success of his legislation to give tax advantages to married couples with three children or more.
You wondered where the complicated tax law got its start!
"He took a census of the Roman people street by street "- Augustus 40
"He took a census of the people three times" - Augustus 27
Seutonius Roman Historian - Lives of the Twelve Caesars
"Cyrenius, one that had been consul, was sent by Caesar to take account of people's effects in Syria. Cyrenius came himself into Judea, which was now added to the province of Syria, to take an account of their substance." Josephus - Antiquities of the Jews - Book 18
“That all the world should be registered.”
Between 28BC and 14AD, the number of male Roman citizens rose from four to five million. But, Augustus wanted to measure the whole world, i.e., the Roman Empire, which was thought to be about 55 million.
The census of Palestine was likely regional and the one recorded in BC8, and wasn’t implemented until BC5.
Of course that brings up the actual year of Jesus’ birth. Oddly enough, that is next week’s lesson.
Hap Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s letter to the Romans, starting at the Fourth Verse of the Fifteenth Chapter.
Paul tells us the scriptures up to that time were written that we might have hope. He now reminds us to treat each other the way Jesus treated those about him, to open our hearts to each other as Jesus opened His. The promise of Jesus was not to Jews only, but to all people (Gentiles). Paul tells us Jesus Christ was a minister of … the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.”
He reminds us of the writing of Esaias, “There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.” Paul leaves with the blessing, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, the Twenty-First Chapter, beginning at the Twenty-Fifth Verse. In preparation for our recollection of the First Coming, the Nativity, we read St. Luke’s description of the Second Coming, “and there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts fail-ing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.”
As clear as the Second Coming will be, so was the First Coming to those who would see and hear it. Once again, we are reminded that there are none so blind as those who will not see and none so deaf as those who will not hear.
Can you see Him? Will you hear Him?
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts fail-ing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Sermon - Are you ready?Advent is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, in other words, the period immediately preceding Christmas. For Christians the season of Advent serves a triple reminder: the original waiting of the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah, the waiting of Christians today for the second coming of Christ and the more mundane, but likely closer coming of this year’s Christmastide.
The real message of Advent is that we need to be ready for Christ’s coming, here on earth or us in heaven.
So, where are we in the Gospel story?
Jesus is teaching at the Temple, the Colonnade. He contrasts true worship and what they see going on, much like the book with the very short title, “A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Higher and Middle Classes in This Country Contrasted with Real Christianity” by William Wilberforce; published by the American Tract Society, 1830.
Jesus, not being a “main line” Jew was creating a bit of controversy, much as if I held class outside the Religious Studies Building at the Roman Catholic University of San Diego or perhaps on the grounds of the Vatican. Not surprisingly, the Chief Priests, the doctors, the scholars and, yes, Campus Security all came to challenge his authority. They wanted him GONE with a capital G. This fellow who wanted to replace 613 perfectly good laws that they had ways around with two simple laws that had no loopholes.
The timing was perfect, as you might expect of an event put on by God. This was the year predicted that God would send his Messiah.
Jesus tells them ‘All your efforts will not stop God’s plan.’ Judaism isn’t the Temple, the Temple will be destroyed, the temple will live on. The message was clear:
It’s the People, not the Steeple!This world, that is the Jewish Temple and its system of laws in, Jerusalem will be laid in ruins, as in “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away”
Do not let this take you by surprise.
No one should be discouraged from the joy of Advent and the upcoming Christmastide. At the same time, there is more than anticipation, parties, shopping, helping others, decorations and presents. They are fun, but nothing in comparison with getting ready to receive our Lord.
To be filled with all joy and peace, abounding in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that you might be ready at Jesus’ Coming.
Birthdays and AnniversariesThere were no reported anniversaries today. We did celebrate Betsy Lane’s 81st Birthday.
Happy Birthday, Betsy!After Church HospitalityMartha Stevens brought the goodies today. With the seasonal tablecloth and lovely flowers, she more than kept up with Alice’s presentation last week. The goodies were superb, chocolate roll tacos , mint chocolate rollups, cherry pie and for the points impaired, beautiful tangerines. Oh yes, and color matching plates and napkins. Stunning and tasty!
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley handled the coffee on behalf of Tim’s House of Coffee. Once again, Father Acker got up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade, a sacrifice much appreciated by your Beadle.
New NametagsWe no new nametags today.
People in our PrayersIf you are on our prayer list, or you have submitted a person for us to pray for, please update Father Acker in person, by telephone or e-mail. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is good to give thanks!
TravelKen is on travel this week.
Sick or in need of healing
IllnessAnnie, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Richard, Fran (poison oak), Kathy, Richard, Christian, Trish, Marie, Wanda, Karen, Yvonne, John, Lois, Jennette, Heather, Holly, Ken, Linn, June, Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Anne, Veronica, Melanie, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Betty, Terri, Mary, Edward, Bert, Mary, Nicholas, Carmen, Stella, John, Shelly, Jesusa, Carson, Michele, Roy, Kevin, Tristan, Bruce, Susanne
GuidanceChristiana, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, Terry, Margaret, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Cindi, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Rick, Carol, Steph, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Kathyrn (Carson’s mom), Eric, Chris, Andrew
Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie
Armed Forces & Contractors Tillman, Patrick, Justin, Evan, Jim, Jason, JR, Matt
Departed Jackson, Paul, Jane
Rest in PeaceThe Arnolds’ Uncle Jack, Jackson D. Arnold, Admiral, USN Retired, passed away on Saturday 8 December 2007 at 95. Commander of Air Group Two, HORNET CV-12, Jack was the last surviving Air Group Commander of the second war cruise. He will be missed by all who knew him here, but he is happily at home now. A memorial service is currently scheduled for 19 January 2008 at MCAS Miramar chapel.
Back Door Lending Library We have some new Amazing Grace books of several flavors, in addition, there are still several sets of the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, as well as some background books on the series. There are plenty of sets, so don’t be shy. There are also Annotated Holy Communion Books. These books have the Prayer Book Holy Communion service on the left page and an explanation on the right page. They are a great way to learn about the service. Pick one up when you come in and use it for the service, if you like.
Personal 1928 Books of Common Prayer & BiblesDuring his many travels and general rooting around, your Beadle has come across some very nice personal 1928 Prayer Books, including a couple with Hymnals attached and leather bound Bibles. If you would like one, please contact him directly.
Advent CalendarsAs we did last year, we have Advent Calendars. For those of you who are not familiar with them, the calendars count down the days of Advent to Christmas.
The calendars are a bit generic, in that they number the days sequentially, presumably so they can use the same artwork year to year. There are twenty-four numbered doors to open as you count down towards Christmas. Behind each of the doors numbered one through twenty-four is a piece of chocolate. You can either start early on 1 December and end up on 24 December or you can open one door a day starting on Advent Sunday with Day 1 and then pig out with what is left on Christmas Eve!
The Building or How can I feel like I’m in church when I know it is an elementary school auditorium?It has been brought up by several people that we might be able to better grow if we had a building of our own, a nice building that resembled an upside down Viking Long Boat with a nice steeple on one end like any proper church should look.
Yes, we might draw more people with such a building. On the other hand, England is littered with such buildings all empty during the week and just to show ecumenical spirit on Sundays, too. The Minster at York, the second largest cathedral in the United Kingdom, a beautiful structure built to the honor and glory of God had less people at its Sunday service than our auditorium when your Beadle was there this June. Perhaps it is not the building.
Yes, an eye-catching building might attract some potential worshippers. But, buildings come with costs. Not only monetary, but spiritual as well. Right now, we have no building to worship or get attached to. Not a bad thing. Our church is clearly our people, the Body of Christ, the Body of Believers. That is what Jesus meant by establishing a church. He did not mean a building.
As to the worship environment, we have a quiet, clean place to worship. As the Under Beadle points out, it has air conditioning, heating and two restrooms, as well. Our after church snack area is co-located with the main service area so that we do not lose people in the transition. At the risk of seen to be pointing out the obvious, perhaps if you find the auditorium distracting, you are not concentrating hard enough on the Cross.
At the same time, like our trailer, a building might be a handy thing to have. We will do another search for potential locations. If any one has an idea of where or how we might have a more permanent location, please contact the Beadle. Also, if anyone would like a great tax writeoff, in the say $1.5 million range, by making a donation to allow us to buy a church, your Beadle has established a special 800 number. Please feel free to call (800) 207-9301 x13 and ask for Hap. He will be pleased to provide the details needed to make the donation.
In the mean time, why not join us on Sundays at 0830 at the Alpine Elementary School Auditorium and see how much it feels like a church if you just concentrate on the Cross.
Question that only you can askWhat would you like to know about our history, what we believe, what we do or how we operate? Father Acker is looking for material for the continuing education class and the Beadle is looking for Thought for the Day material. Help us help you. Please send your question to the Beadle so we all can get an answer. Just because you don’t know the answer to your question doesn’t mean you are the only one who doesn’t know. But, if you don’t ask, no one will know.
Missionary Diocese of Viet NamIf you did not get the initial briefing on the Anglican Missionary Diocese of Vietnam, please look at the Beadle’s Report for 22 July 2007.
Now that Bishop Boyce and Father Mai have returned from Vietnam, we will be working on a plan for Phase II. It appears we will need to adjust our original plan to allow for further introduction to the Anglican Church for the local priests. We note that there is no Book of Common Prayer currently available in Vietnamese. This will be a priority, in addition to funding the new priests and deacons.
Father Acker hoped to get Bishop Boyce together with Archbishop Chew, of the Province of Southeast Asia, while he is in the States later this month to discuss possible cooperation on the Missionary Diocese of Vietnam.
We invite you to join in the prayers we have been praying each night that:
• The people of Vietnam will not lose their ardor for the church;
• The people here will provide the support they can;
and where prayer is most needed:
• The church hierarchy will not place roadblocks in the way of the Lord's Work.
Advent Book StudyOn Wednesday, 12 December 2007 from 7:00-8:30pm at the SCAIR Learning Center, 2518 Alpine Blvd Father Acker will lead a book study on the fairly new book: The Gospel According To Starbucks. This is designed to be a one shot deal, but it might stretch out, depending. If you want to come and have not ordered a book through Father Acker for a mere $10.00, order your own from Amazon or go shopping on you own.
Fair Notice – This is going to be a really fun time. You will be sad you could not spare the time to come. You won’t get the great Lenten Soup special, but you will enjoy it!
Pre-Christmas Party InvitationThanks to Diane (the lovely wife of our Treasurer, Greg) Blessed Trinity will have a pre-Christmas Desert and Coffee get together on Tuesday, 18 December 2007 from 7:00-9:00pm (1900-2100) at the Chase home:
1527 Penasco Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
This is in the Rancho San Diego area. Please RSVP by email (dlchase@cox.net) or phone (619) 270-7828.
Epistle ReadersWe post the list of Epistle Readers in the Beadle’s Report each week so you can either plan your attendance or your pre-reading as the spirit so moves you.
Date Reader
16 December 2007 Jack Arnold
23 December 2007 Alice Acker
30 December 2007 Alex Boyd
6 January 2008 Stephanie Boyd
13 January 2008 Greg Chase
20 January 2008 Ben Lizak
27 January 2008 Holly Lizak
The Week ahead, as well as Next SundayNext Sunday is the Third Sunday in Advent. Come find out what is new!
See you next week on Sunday!Father Acker posts a .pdf version of the current Beadle’s Report on the church website:
http://alpineanglican.com/BeadleReports.htm
An alternative version of the Beadle’s Report without photographs and simple text is available at:
http://thebeadle.blogspot.com/
or with one photograph per issue and colorful text at
http://web.mac.com/thebeadle/iWeb/BeadleBlog/Blog/Blog.html
All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from:
thebeadle@mac.com
