2007 Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity

Today was the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. The morning temperature at Mount Olympus was 46°F and almost overcast, it was warmer down the hill with temperatures at church in the mid-60°s. With almost fall-like weather, we had 22 people present.

Every couple of years, Father Acker does a series of instructional Holy Communion services. He provides contemporary footnotes as it were for the service. This gives us a chance to find out why we do what we do and what it means. This is not only interesting but fun and you have a lot more appreciation of what we are doing each Sunday. This was the last week of the instructed Holy Communion services.

We have made our way to Page 82 of the Book of Common Prayer and discussed the service up to The Lord’s Prayer, where we pick up the instruction today:

The Lord’s Prayer
The prayer Our Lord taught his disciples, we join in saying with the centuries of the faithful. This is our prayer asking that we might be sanctified with the food and drink of life in heaven, daily bread that sustains us for eternity making God’s kingdom and will present in our life in this world.

Fraction
In the ancient tradition, the Bread is broken. The Fraction reminds us that our lives are to be broken and made anew by God.

Broken and divided is the Lamb of God; broken yet undivided, eaten yet not consumed, but feeding as many as partake thereof.

Fragmentum
A fragment of the Host is placed into the chalice to symbolize there is one Sacrament of the Altar. When the Christians grew numerous enough, satellite congregations met for Communion in outlying parts of the city. The Bishop would break a piece of the Host which was carried by a Deacon to be placed in the Chalice at the various remote locations. This practice was soon dropped for practical reasons, but the idea there is only one Communion was kept in placing a fragment of the Host into the chalice. In the life of the Church, together we celebrate one Communion throughout the entire world. It also reminds us in receiving just the Host or just the Chalice we receive the whole Sacrament. Host only in taking to the homebound. Or on occasion someone needs to receive only from the Chalice.
 
Prayer of Humble Access
Bowed or kneeling, and hands directed toward the sacrament, the Priest, frequently joined by the Congregation asks that we might worthily approach the Holy Sacrament. It is not our worthiness that allows us to approach, but the mercy of God. It is about our sanctification, personal holiness—“made clean by his body…washed through his most precious blood.”

Agnus Dei
Rubric: “Here may be sung a hymn.” Customarily, we use the ancient hymn “Lamb of God.” At the Jewish Passover, the sacrificial lamb marked participation in the Passover in Egypt and the Red Sea. Christ is the Lamb of God who was sacrificed for us and is present with us.

Invitation
In words of invitation, the priest holds up the Host and Chalice. As the bell rings we come to the altar rail to receive our communion.

As an add on, or personal devotion, in this congregation, as in many, the priest and many in the congregation paraphrase the words of the faithful Centurion saying, “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof; but speak the words only and my soul shall be healed.” Beating upon the breast symbolizing our hearts not yet ready to receive the gift being given to us.

Communion
Rubric specifies that the Priest receives first. If you host a party, When do you serve yourself? At the end after everyone else. It is critical to understand that the priest is not the host; Jesus is the host.

Assisting with Communion. When sufficient clergy are not available, the bishop may give license to a layperson to administer the Chalice, but not the Host. Ben & Hap have been licensed for that function as we don’t have a Deacon at present. The Bishop prays that God will call a deacon to serve at each parish.

Leaving the pew, many give an outward demonstration of their reverence to our Lord present in the Sacrament as they come to the altar rail—Genuflecting in Jesus presence or perhaps bowing the head. The Sign of the Cross may be made before and after receiving the host and chalice.

Upon returning to our pew, we continue our private devotions of thanksgiving and joy.

Clean-up
Jesus being Really Present in His Body and Blood, we carefully either consume the leftovers or some is kept to be taken to the Homebound. Each week I reserve 8-10 consecrated hosts placing them in the Pyx placed into a special case with the priest’s stole and oil of the infirmed that I can deliver it during the week. The paten and chalice are carefully washed out.

After eating the remaining hosts, the crumbs are wiped into the chalice. The chalice is consumed. Then the acolyte pours in a little wine to rinse it clean. This is drunk. Then the acolyte rinses the priest’s fingers, having touched the Sacrament with a little wine, and a little water, giving a final rinse to the chalice.

Thanksgiving
Together we express our gratitude to God for the gifts we have just received and asking God to make our lives living proof of our union with Christ. The parts are reassembled while we say a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of Holy Communion and the holiness of life given us.

Gloria in Excelsis
The Gloria is one of the most ancient hymns of the Church. As a hymn it brings to mind the angels proclaiming the joy of the Incarnation at Bethlehem and singing the praises of the Blessed Trinity. If we do not say or sing the Gloria, we are directed to use some other proper hymn. In this congregation, we customarily use the Doxology (Hymn 139) also praising the Blessed Trinity.

Blessing
We must now carry into the world the great gifts given to us by God and live our lives as His true children. The priest sends us forth with the Blessing of the Holy Trinity. Many make the Sign of the Cross expressing our faith in the Holy Trinity.

Dismissal for Snacks
We properly, then extend our Communion meal, to a meal shared together in the fellowship of faith. That’s Snacks and Conversation. Most importantly is our extending our welcome to those who are new to our gathering. It is expected you would be in contact with people you already know in the congregation, perhaps meeting together for Bible Study, Prayer and Ministry during the week.

Sunday is about new folks present with us. We admit our liturgical for worship needs some explanation. Visitors who are not from some other Anglican church or who are not theological historians (and that admittedly is most of them) will have lots of questions about how are these folks having a great time using what seems to be Elizabethan English meeting in an Auditorium. They want to know what is important and is it something that will help them to learn more about God and his healing power. Snacks are the basic answer. Come again for more explanation.

Jan Macauley read today’s Epistle, which came from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, the Third Chapter beginning at the Thirteenth Verse. Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, prays that the people might “be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” More simply put, Paul asks that we open our hearts to God and to Christ, that they might work in our hearts the miracle of love.

I
desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Today’s Gospel started in the Seventh Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the Eleventh Verse. Jesus was going into the city of Nain with his disciples and many followers. “When he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.” In those days, a widow with only one son had little, a widow with no son was in deep trouble. Taking compassion on her and also the opportunity to make His power evident, He came to the bier, and touch it said, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.” The young man arose and began to speak; whereupon Jesus brought him to his mother. Not surprisingly, news of this event was spread “forth throughout all Judæa, and throughout all the region round about.”

A
nd it came to pass the day after, that Jesus went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judæa, and throughout all the region round about.

Sermon - Are you letting God work in your life?
If you wish to be a disciple of our Lord, you must by definition let God work in and through you. This is not the working like the useless “under construction” web page. You must let Him into your heart and let Him lead you to great things. Understand, God starts getting you ready for your purpose even before you say Yes to him. When you say Yes, in your being reborn in the waters of Baptism, God is building your life for eternity.

In the words of Paul, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” In his espistle, Paul writes the Ephesians that he wants to strengthen their faith; that if they will be faithful and do as He (God, not Paul) asks, God will do more for them than they can even imagine to ask for. He will be at work in them, if only they will let Him into their hearts. As God worked in the people of Ephesus, He will work in you.

Ronald Reagan had a sign on his desk in the Oval Office that said “It is amazing how much you can get accomplished if you don’t care who gets the credit.” That is the point of Paul’s epistle, Let God into your heart, let Him act on you and through you, do what He asks, when you do great things, give the credit to Him to whom it due. All things are possible through and to the glory of God. Good comes when we not only listen to Him, but act on what He has so clearly told us.

Today we are here to say YES to God; as we place our lives before God and under His direction, “the power that worketh in us” will give glory to God.

Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We did have the opportunity to celebrate Jan Macauley’s 61st birthday and Annie Springer’s 50th birthday with them. In an amazing coincidence, both came up with the fancy new two-tone fifty cent pieces to count their ages out.


Happy Birthday, Annie and Jan!

After Church Hospitality
In the spirit of This is my Church, Jan Macauley dominated the day: first, she read the Epistle, then we celebrated her birthday and she finished by bringing the goodies today.

Making sure no one would forget her birthday, Jan brought her special deviled eggs, of which your poor Beadle was able to snag only one before they were all hogged up, raspberry almond bars, banana drop cookies and mocha fudge cookies, for the points impaired she brought lovely fresh strawberries.

While the Deputy Beadle tried to convince all present that the decoration for the table was a bowl of odd apples, it was not. Tim picked a whole bowl of pomegranates, which were taken home by the congregation at the end of the service.

Tim’s House of Coffee provided the drinks under the careful supervision of Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley. In addition to coffee, Tim made some wonderful hot chocolate as attested to by Acolyte Nick. Once again, Father Acker got up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade, a sacrifice much appreciated by your Beadle.

Guests
We had no new nametags or guests today.

Travel
Patty and George are on travel.
Stephanie, Chris, Alex and Andrew are on travel this week.

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

Victor – Donna Dingwall’s husband, just got out of the hospital and is in need of prayer for increased strength. Please pray for his rapid recovery.

Marie “Rede” Acker – Father Acker’s mother broke her good shoulder on 14 July 2007. She is back home with her husband Jack. Please pray for her rapid recovery.

Annie Springer is still recovering at home from a kidney infection, she is also having vision difficulties and problems stabilizing her diabetes medication. 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.

Miney Farrell is doing great an looking forward to getting back to church in the next week or two!

Lorraine Winkles is still battling the shingles. She hopes not to set records for the most persistent case. She appreciates our praying for her on Sunday mornings.

Donna Dingwall is doing well enough that she and her family were able to do a bit of travel. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Rest in Peace
On Friday, 14 September 2007, Helen Lizak, Ben’s mom who has been in nursing care for several years, passed away. Please pray for Ben and his family as the mourn her passing and for the repose of her soul.

On Saturday, 15 September 2007, Barbara Emrich passed away. There likely will only be a memorial service at Victoria Chapel. Father Acker will provide details as available.

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord.
And let light perpetual shine upon them.
May their souls, 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, including a couple with Hymnals attached 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.

Forward in Faith, NA has fallen by the wayside. They are of no help, but at least so far no hindrance as they appear to move towards irrelevance.

Plans are moving forward. Bishop Boyce has finalized the schedule, now a seven day trip instead of ten. The twelve candidates have been chosen and named:

• Nguyen Huu The
 • Nguyen Ly

• Huynh Ngoc Thien • Ynien Apor
• Nguyen Quang Dang • Nehermi Apor
• Nguyen Van Thanh • Le Khanh Tan
• Nguyen Binh An • Pham Ngoc Hue
• Bui Quang Trung • Name yet to be released

We are still looking to complete funding by the end of September 2007. 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.

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.

Please also pray for a safe and successful mission for Bishop Boyce and Father Mai.

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

30 September 2007 Stephanie Boyd
7 October 2007 Alex Boyd
14 October 2007 Greg Chase
21 October 2007 Holly Lizak
28 October 2007 Ben Lizak

Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. Father Acker will be on his final Sunday of instructional Holy Communion, providing contemporary footnotes as it were for the service. You will have a chance to find out why we do what we do and what it means. This is not only interesting but fun and you will have a lot more appreciation of what we are doing each Sunday. Don’t miss it!

Come to church so you won’t want to wait for the Beadle’s Report to find out what happened.

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