Today was the Ninth Sunday after Trinity. There was a marine layer breaking up over the church, humidity was a bit high, but temperatures were in the mid-70°s all through the service. With a number of people on travel we had one of our lower attendances with only 18 people present.
Continuing the series of Christian Education Class, Father Acker talked about the language found both in our Book of Common Prayer and the King James Version of the Bible.
People often ask, why does the Prayer Book use such archaic or funny language? It is often thought that people spoke after the manner of the King James Bible at the time it was written. Not true at all. The Bible was translated in an intentionally ornate manner to both retain the meaning of the Word and pay it the honor due. At the same time, careful attention was paid so as to make sure Jesus’ guidance as to how we should regard the Father came through clearly.
While Shakespeare’s English as well as the Book of Common Prayer is considered modern English (as opposed to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales written in middle English), like your kids, they have a language all their own. There are several tips to help you understand the “special language.”
Formal or Familiar?
• Thou is informal, used among friends, and to address a child or a servant. And because of the familiar relationship we are to have with God, thou is also used in direct addresses to God.
• You is formal, used to address a stranger, or someone of a higher position.
• Ye is the plural form, or a synonym for you.
In most other languages, such as Spanish, there is a familiar and a formal form for the second person.
The familiar form of you is used almost exclusively between husband and wife, parents and child or between best friends. You wouldn’t use it for casual acquaintances or any but your closest friend.
Most modern readers first meet the word thou in the King James Bible. The translators wrote the Bible for the common person, and they wanted to make the Bible friendly and approachable. So they chose to use the familiar or informal thou as much as possible.
Likewise, the Book of Common Prayer was written to reflex this intimate relationship Christians are to have with God.
How close are you to God?
Jesus says, we are to say, “Abba. Father.” While it doesn’t roll off the tongue to call God “Dad” or “Daddy”; we are to have that personal relationship.
Unlike all the other people, Our Father is a special relationship.
It is this personal, intimate life into which we have been adopted. It isn’t natural; it is given to us because Our Father really loves us.
Although you is used as a subject or object in a sentence, thou is used only as a subject. Thee is used as the familiar object instead.
Thy and thine are possessive forms of thou, like your. Thy is used before a consonant and thine before a vowel or when used alone, like yours.
The familiar form is used between lovers and friends, between parent and child, between master and servant. A child in an intimate conversation might use the familiar, however, in a public setting respect was shown in using the formal form.
In our prayers we are to be familiar, personal in our conversation with God and our prayer book and hymnal reflex this relationship.
Verbs
Several of the most used verbs (e.g., to be and to have) have a different conjugation of the familiar form adding t, st, or est, depending on the verb.
You shall Thou shalt
You can Thou canst
You do Thou dost
You know Thou knowest
“Thou wilt doesn’t refer to drooping plants; it’s the informal way of saying you will. To say you wilt in the heat, use thou wiltest in the heat.” [Shakespeare for dummies]
Free Teen Guitar Class
In addition to being the Ninth Sunday after Trinity, it was also the first Sunday of the month. Each first Sunday of the month, Father Acker’s Free Teen Guitar Class provides the music for our service. Father Acker sprung a new song on Ashley and Jack, but they were up to it! We really enjoy singing to the guitars; for some reason, it encourages the congregation to really participate in singing the hymns. Ashley’s new acoustic electric guitar sounded great and the new sound system let us hear it.
Alice Acker read the Epistle, which came from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the Tenth Chapter beginning at the First Verse. Paul reminds us we have a common past, regardless of our actual lineage. Spiritually, we are descended from the Jews of the Exodus. Our forefathers drank of “the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” Those who have gone before provide examples, both good and bad. In this letter Paul addresses the bad and suggest we should see what their ill behavior gained them before we set our course and not after. And, let we think ourselves ever so special, he reminds us that we are subjected to no special temptations, only those “as is common to man.”
“Brethern, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he stand-eth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Today’s Gospel started in the Fifteenth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the Eleventh Verse and recounts the story of the prodigal son. A man has two sons, the older is a wonderful young man who strives to please his father in everything he does. The younger son asks for his inheritance, now rather than later, and sets off to spend it wastefully in a far off land. In dire straits, he decides to go home to his father and beg to be allowed to live as one of his servants. He decides to tell his father, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son…” Before he can get the words out of his mouth, his father welcomes him, gives him new clothing and calls the servants to prepare a fatted calf for a big party. The elder son is very angry and hurt. He asks his father what he did wrong; he followed his instructions every day to the best of his ability, worked hard, and yet his father had never even given a small party for him. The father answered, saying, “Son, thou are ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost and is found.” This story, like that of the workers in the vineyard has a number of meanings. Like the father in the story, God wants us to be His faithful child, but rejoices when we return to Him. Like the prodigal son, we should be grateful to live long enough to return to Him. If we are like the oldest son, let us learn from his mistake and be joyful when our brothers and sisters come home to our family. Let us join in the celebration and not begrudge the fatted calf.
“Jesus said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”
Sermon - The Prodigal Son and Forgiveness
The whole point of our being here today is that God is willing to forgive! This point is made over and over again in the Bible.
Why?
What is God’s desire and purpose for you?
Communion—Life with God
For your life to be able to touch and be touched; To know and be known
God “would rather have mercy than sacrifices.” Hos 6.6
Saint Tertullian: “Be of good cheer!…there is joy at your return.”
Look to the parables of Jesus to see what your return means to God:
The woman who lost the coin and finds it. She invites her women friends to share her joy.
The lost lamb that is brought back on the shoulders of the shepherd.
Today’s return of the son who wasted what he was given,
It is, Tertullian says, “the most gentle father…who calls his prodigal son home, and willingly receives him repentant after his indigence, slays his best fatted calf, and graces his joy with a banquet.”
Here is the point:
“Who is that father to be understood by us to be? God, surely; No one is so truly Father; no one so rich in paternal love.”
He will receive you , His own son, back, even if you have squandered what you had received from Him—just because you have returned!
Tertullian reminds us that God’s great joy comes “only if you heartily repent—if you compare your own hunger with the plenty of your Father’s ‘hired servants’—if you leave behind the swine, that unclean herd—if you again seek your Father…saying ‘I have sinned.’ Confession of sins lightens.”
Let that light come into your life again.
Know that forgiveness and joy at coming home!
Birthdays and Anniversaries
No birthdays today, however we celebrated the Ackers’ 13th Anniversary.
After Church Hospitality
Stephanie Boyd brought the goodies today and what a feast; lemon poppy seed cupcakes, chocolate chocolate chip cupcakes, blueberry pound cake, coated peanuts and cherries! If you could not find something you liked, you must not have looked!
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.
Travel
Holly and Ryan are driving to Miami where Ryan will be completing his MBA.
Muriel will be traveling next week.
Karen, Donna and Hamish will be traveling next week.
Father and Alice will be traveling this week.
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.
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 enjoys 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 finally made it to church today, thanks to veteran driver Greg Chase. It seems both had to get up a lot earlier than usual, but from the looks on faces, it was well worth the effort. It was great to see Miney!
Lorraine Winkles is finally recovering from shingles.
Donna Dingwall is doing well enough that she and her family are going on travel next week. 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.
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.
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
12 August 2007 Stephanie Boyd
18 August 2007 Holly Lizak
26 August 2007 Jan Macauley
Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Tenth 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
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