2007 Eighth Sunday after Trinity

Today was the Eighth Sunday after Trinity. With a Monsoon Season sky, temperatures were in the mid-70°s all through the service, but humidity was high. We were glad of air conditioning in the church. With a number of people apparently half dead from a late Friday, followed by a parade and a late Saturday, we had 22 people attending.

Continuing the series of Christian Education Class on discovering Church Membership Father Acker talked about our beliefs. A creed is a universal statement of faith, in this case Christian faith. The two creeds we are most familiar with are the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed. The word creed comes from the latin for I believe – credo – which is how the creeds start. Creeds are the brandy of scripture:

          Brandy, made from distilled wine—essence of wine
          Not a replacement but the basic facts.
          Believed by all - catholic (not Roman)

Candidates had to accept a short formula of belief which became standardized in the Apostles’ Creed.

“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: Resurrection of the body: And the Life everlasting. Amen.”

The Apostles' Creed, sometimes titled Symbol of the Apostles, is an early statement of Christian belief, a creed or "symbol." It is the basic creed of Reformed churches. It has received the title Apostles' Creed because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament

It is widely used by a number of Christian denominations for both liturgical and catechetical purposes, most visibly by liturgical Churches of Western tradition, including the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheranism, the Anglican Communion, and Western Orthodoxy. It is also used by evangelical Protestant denominations such as Presbyterians, Methodists, Congregationalists and many Baptists.

The theological specifics of this creed appear to have been originally formulated as a refutation of Gnosticism, an early heresy. This can be seen in almost every phrase. For example, the creed states that Christ was born and suffered and died on the cross. This seems to be a statement directly against the heretical teaching, which states that Christ only appeared to become man, and that he did not truly suffer and die, but only appeared as if he did.

The Apostles' Creed, as well as other baptismal creeds, was esteemed as an example of the apostles' teachings, and defended the Gospel of Christ. The name of the Creed comes from the fact that, being composed of twelve articles, it was earlier believed to have been written by the Twelve Apostles, each of whom was supposed to have contributed an article under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost.

Because of its early origin, it does not address some Christological issues defined in the later Nicene and other Christian Creeds. This makes it acceptable to many Arians and Unitarians.

The three sections, concerned with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, corresponding to the three Baptismal questions of the early Church.

God the Father
Creator of all

Jesus Christ, God’s only Son
Conception by the Holy Spirit
Born of a Virgin
Suffered
Died
Rose from dead
Returned to heaven
He will come for judgment

Holy Spirit
Holy Catholic Church
Communion of Saints
Forgiveness of sins
Resurrection of the body
Life everlasting.
Name first used by St. Ambrose in the year 390
The Book of Common Prayer prescribes its use at baptism, as well as daily at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer

We believe through our Great Commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission God will grow a Great Church!

Jan Macauley read the Epistle, which came from Paul’s letter to the Romans, the Eighth Chapter, beginning at the Twelfth Verse. Paul tells us to live out our lives as Jesus instructed us to. If we live as we want, we die and are gone. If we live as Jesus commanded, we will live through to eternity. Life is not about here, it is about doing well enough here so we can get there. If we want the fruits of the heirship we have been given, we must live the part:

“Brethern, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Today’s Gospel started in the Seventh Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning at the Fifteenth Verse. Matthew records the warning that so few heed. Many leaders talk a good line, but how do they actually act, particularly in private? For it is private when none are looking that we are revealed. If you want to get to heaven, you have to act the part, not just talk about it.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Sermon - Hurtful things & Profitable things
We all want what we want. Yet, if we want true happiness, we need to ask God’s guidance for what to want. Wealth is having more than you want, poverty is having less than you want. The key to happiness is wanting the right things.

Life is in many ways random. There is good and there is bad. There is love and there is hate.

I know which one I’ll take every time!
Lord, give me the good stuff. Amen

Sickness, hate, pain, confusion, these are not of God. God does not cause them to test you. Some are of the devil, some are merely the result of our less than perfect state; physical, mental and spiritual. God does not test us, but He does grade our performance when the devil or the world test us.

As CS Lewis put it, Sorrow and loss are “part of the bargain.” Love isn’t just about the joy; with it comes the loss.

We often pray, “Give us what we want.” We should be asking in prayer for God to help us find what we need.

NEED and WANT are both four letter words, words often used interchangeably. It is a major problem when we confuse the two words. They are not interchangeable, they mean two far different things. Like FUN and HAPPINESS, NEED and WANT are not the same concept.

Our life with God, his purpose for us to live in eternity with him, is framework for the Christian life.

While practice bleeding is not part of our creed, being Jesus’ disciple is not about getting out of pain and suffering, but rather acting on the answer to the question, “What would God have me do?”

It’s allowing God to bring about His promise in our life.

God desires to give us what is really important, profitable for us—Life in eternity. We need to be reminded of the “good stuff”: In the midst of the hurt, loneliness, and suffering, God loves us and is bringing us home.
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Today we celebrated Martha Stevens’ 75th birthday today.

We had no reported anniversaries today.

After Church Hospitality
Not only was it Martha Stevens’ birthday, but she brought the goodies, little chocolate cupcake like goodies and watermelon. Both excellent, your Beadle might add. We had a special treat of Kona Coffee from Tim’s House of Coffee brewed by himself, Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley. Father Acker managed to get up in time to make his famous low-carb lemonade; a sacrifice much appreciated by your Beadle, who apologizes for the lack of photographic documentation of the lovely repast. You need not trust him, ask anyone who attended this morning’s service: The goodies were GREAT, almost Tony Tigerish.

Travel
Thanks for a safe return for Shamim, Zach, Aaron and Nadia who the UK to visit Shamim’s family.

Thanks for a safe return for Nelson Chase who was in Greece learning more about the Easter Orthodox church while growing even more facial hair. In the event he does not become an Orthodox priest, he may have a reasonable shot at job as a werewolf.

Sick or in need of healing
Betty Cooke
Diane Chase
Muriel Pappin
Fran Dexter

Marie “Rede” Acker – Father Acker’s mother broke her good shoulder in a fall Saturday morning 14 July 2007. She got out of the step down unit this weekend and is back home with her husband Jack. Please pray for her rapid recovery.

Jenny Winter and her newborn daughter Tristan – This week, Jenny had a very difficult labor which ended in a Caesarian delivery. Both mother and daughter contracted a serious infection. Please pray for their infections to subside and them both to recover; do not forget to give thanks for Tristan’s safe birth.

Annie Springer has been in the hospital with a kidney infection. She was released late this week and is recovering at home. Your prayers are asked for her completed recovery and for strength for the Springer family as she gets well.

Lona Walsh (Wanda Michaelis' mother) surgery has been put off.

Evelyn Hunt was back in the hospital for severe back pain again. While she is back to visiting Gene at Chase Nursing Care several days a week, she has had some on going pain and tests.

Gene Hunt was enjoying the music program on Friday when Father Acker went to take him communion. Gene especially enjoyed hearing “Mini’s” animated performance every 3 weeks.

Barbara Emrich was moved to the Southside of Jacob Health Center. The dining/common room where Barbara spends a good part of the day has floor to ceiling windows looking out into one of the garden areas.

Miney Farrell has been enjoying one of our “donated” prayer books. We’re hoping to work out a ride once a month for her to visit Church instead of Church visiting her. Greg Chase is going to see if he can make that happen as soon as he gets a Sunday off to come to church himself.

Lorraine Winkles is finally recovering from shingles.

Donna Dingwall is doing quite a bit better. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Rest in Peace
Wanda Michaelis’ father, William, passed away on 12 July 2007. He has been on our prayer list for the past couple of months.
 
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord.
And let light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

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 & Bibles
During his many travels and general rooting around, your Beadle has come across some very nice personal 1928 Prayer Books and leather bound Bibles. If you would like one, please contact him directly.

Question that only you can ask
What 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 Nam
If 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.

The Missions Director of the Anglican Communion Network is in weekly contact with Primate SE Asia Bishop John Chew in Singapore. He will seek a formal blessing on the project which would ensure its future in worldwide Anglicanism. There is one Anglican mission in Hanoi, but it is English speaking, a long distance from the house churches which are in the rural area. Efforts will be made to make the Hanoi mission a participant in the developing Anglican Diocese of Vietnam.

While it is a good thing there is a small toehold in Viet Nam, clearly as enunciated in Article 24 of the Articles of Religion, the church should be providing services in the local language:

XXIV. Of Speaking in the Congregation in such a Tongue as the people understandeth.
It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the Primitive Church, to have public Prayer in the Church, or to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understanded of the people.

We hope to be able to complete funding by the end of next month. We need additional funds. Father Acker is approaching all the various Anglican churches, but if you know someone outside the church who might like to help, call Father Acker. This is the most cost effective way your Beadle has seen to spread the Word. Your Beadle is in front of this project and trusts you will follow him with your heart.


Opportunity to help the parish
The Vestry identified items the parish now needs not in this year’s budget:

Trailer – Our parish trailer needs signage on the outside for advertising. If you would like to donate, you can write a check, or just add a bit to your normal contribution and put a note in the memo area.

Signs – Our Sunday morning sign problems have been solved for now. Thanks.

Pine Valley Parade – 28 July 2007
For the second year, we participated in the Pine Valley Parade. Last year we had one vehicle, the GTB. This year we were there in force, with four vehicles, pretty miraculous considering the 0745 start time:

Vehicle Driver Remarks
GTB Troop Transport Hap Arnold Free Teen Guitar Class transport, Father Acker and Jack Arnold
GPW Jeep Traci Huber Crew – Aaron Huber, Emilie Springer and opening for one more
M601 Troop Transport Ben Lizak Crew – Holly Lizak, Dru Arnold, Sandy Patton and Jan Macauley
F850 Fire Truck Mike Springer Crew – Emilie Springer; Big Mike Tombleson and his son Little Mike; Don and Nick Patton; Tim Macauley; Elizabeth, Timothy, Jonathon and Benjamin Barrett

Our vehicles were provided by the Arnold Wheeled Vehicle Museum in Descanso, California. The drivers were all hand picked parade veterans.

For those of you not familiar with the Pine Valley Parade, it is put on by Corrine Lewis and is the BIG EVENT in the East County. Our fire truck lead our contingent driving in Division One, the non-governmental fire trucks, one of five! The green vehicles were in Division Three, the military vehicles. We shared the road with the Sherman Tank from Windtalkers and Flag of our Fathers, two half tracks, one which also starred in Flag of our Fathers, two other Jeeps and three troop transports.

The Driver of the Day award goes to Traci Huber whose Jeep lost is fuel pump at the end of the parade. She got the Jeep off to the side of the road. After troubleshooting by Motorpool, the problem was identified and she was towed the 10 miles back to the museum. Excellent driving, Traci!

After we got the vehicles put back in their buildings, the kids rode the Museum’s Slide for Life, until the grownups got tired.

Then the real fun began, the Under Beadle pulled a pop-up Wiener Dog Feast! Hebrew National Wiener Dogs, baked beans and watermelon! All the ladies pitched in, got the onions chopped and the beans on to warm. Meanwhile, the men sat and drank beer while watching the wieners roast! The men, as usual, had the hardest job. After all, a watched wiener never roasts!


All in all, your Beadle reports though the fare was simple, it was also devoured. There may be a lesson there.


We all felt a bit guilty having so much fun together. After all, each and every one of you were invited and so few came. We had a really fun time and hope more people will take advantage of this fun event next year.

Free Teen Guitar Class in the Park
For the third time this year, the Free Teen Guitar Class did the warm-up act for one of the Concert in the Park series in Alpine on Sunday afternoon. The roadies did a great job of setting up, much faster than the last time.

FTGC
the BAND
www.freeteenguitarclass.com

roadies rule!

The newly organized trailer made a big difference. The teardown was incredible, from the last note until drive-off was less than seven minutes! This time we had a program to hand out which was very well received.

Thanks to Father Acker and his kids for a great performance!

The FTGC played to a crowd of about 500.

The new trailer made a huge difference in set-up and tear-down times.

FTGC
the BAND
www.freeteenguitarclass.com
Near the end of the concert, Lorenzo and Father Acker were ROCKING!

The FTGC had a great time!

Epistle Readers
In response to requests from the congregation and the readers, we will be posting the list of Epistle Readers in the Beadle’s Report from henceforth. This way, you can either plan your attendance or your pre-reading as the spirit so moves you.

Date Reader

5 August 2007 Alice Acker
12 August 2007 Stephanie Boyd
18 August 2007 Holly Lizak
26 August 2007 Jan Macauley

Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Ninth Sunday after Trinity.

Summer is in full swing. We have a lot of people on travel. The Continuing Education Class is back on track as we learn what it takes and what it gives to be a Christian in a local church. Perhaps the sermon will interface with that and maybe tie the propers in. For sure? No and unless you come to the service, you will have to wait until you read the Beadle’s Report to find out.

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 is available 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