2007 Sixth Sunday after Trinity

Today was the Sixth Sunday after Trinity. Summer is in full swing. Temperatures were in the mid-70°s at the start of the service and in the upper 80°s by the end. Nonetheless, we had 28 people attending.

Continuing the series of Christian Education Class on discovering Church Membership Father Acker talked about the purpose of the Church. As members of the Church, we have made a commitment to follow Jesus’ Commandment and accept His Commission.

But, what are those? The Commandment, which was recorded by Saint Matthew, Chapter 22, beginning at Verse 36:

Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Just after that scripture, in Mathew Chapter 28, Verse 17, we find the Great Commission:
Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

The 5 Biblical Purposes for our congregation:
• Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind
• Love thy neighbour as thyself
• Make disciples of all nations
• Baptizing them
• Teaching them


The purpose of our church is summarized in a single sentence based on these two key scriptures:

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

Hap Arnold read the Epistle, which came from the Paul’s letter to the Romans, beginning at the First Verse of the Sixth Chapter. Paul tells us that as we were baptized unto Jesus in life, so we are baptized unto his death. We share His death on the Cross for our sins and by His death, our sin is dead; then as He was raised up, so are we. It is intended the death we die unto sin is to be permanent and that we go forth and sin no more. Yet, as long as we live here on earth, we sin. Yet, as long as we live in Christ, we live. Thus, we reckon ourselves “to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Today’s Gospel started in the Fifth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning at the Twentieth Verse. Jesus tells his disciples, “Except your righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Very worrisome indeed! Scribes and Pharisees spent their entire lives acting righteousness. There is no way mere mortals could exceed their righteousness. Jesus goes on to tell us that not only would we not go to heaven if we commit murder, but we are in danger of the same judgment of we are angry without just cause. If that were not worrisome enough, we are in danger of hell-fire if we call one another a fool! The text following asks us to do our best to follow Jesus and in return, his sacrifice will serve to set aside the just judgment.

“Jesus said unto his disciples, Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.”

Sermon - Paul’s New Man re-visited
In ages past, it was well known that when someone saves your life, you owe them your life. You are their servant for the remainder of your life, for you literally owe your life to them. Jesus saved our lives by giving His life that we might live. Thus, it must be accepted that we who owe our lives to Him are to be His servants and do His will.

We also should walk in newness of life
It isn’t too often when we realize that our life is at risk. When I was 15, I went hiking with my best friend. Actually we went rock climbing, not that we had been taught; but we were experienced Boy Scouts having grown up in Colorado.

We tackled a step hill face; which turned into a steep rock face before we noticed. As we worked our way up the face with difficulty and great care, There were a few scary parts, I knew I could keep my hold, I could see where to place my hands and feet, where the toe and hand holds were.

Then came to the horrible realization that I was in trouble. I had to come down. Going up I could see my next hand hold and foot hold. Going down, I could not.

If I wasn’t really careful, I could easily fall.

That rock climb changed my perspective on what I did with my life.

We also should walk in newness of life

Many of us are too young to remember our baptism. Most of us didn’t really comprehend the Death to our old life and the New Life which God has given us.

We can walk, or hike, or rock climb as if our life were one which ‘we are getting better & better, everyday & in every way.’

We also should walk in newness of life
 “For if we have been planted”, that is 6 feet under, “in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”

Our Savior, Jesus, leads one place—a whole new life with God.
Our sin, our failings, le\d one place—a hole in the ground.

So how do “walk in newness of life?”
Gospel: Not by knowing the God’s Law.
Scribes and Pharisees—the University Professors of God’s Law.
Jesus: “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
It isn’t the Rules or Jesus wouldn’t have needed to come.

Coming down the rock face, I learned What I did made a big difference.
You’re being here this morning, in your action, says
I will walk in newness of life
Each day is starts “trusting God”, letting God show you the path to walk on & the toe-holds!
Lord, today I will live it for what you want.

Today I will walk in newness of life; It’s your life.
As we come today, we place ourselves upon the altar.
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee.
“With my family, With my friends, When ever & Where ever.
“Lord, Where ever I am; Whatever it takes.”
We also should walk in newness of life

Birthdays and Anniversaries
We celebrated Tim Macauley’s 65th birthday with him today.

And, we celebrated Traci and Aaron Huber’s 11th Anniversary.



After Church Hospitality
Karen Dingwall brought the goodies today. Karen has been absent the last couple of Sundays and now we know what she has been doing. Storing up goodies! There were chocolate chip cookies, rugolah, in two flavors, as well as red and green grapes. All great!

Coffee was provided today by Barrista Ben Lizak and Father Acker made his customary low carb lemonade.

Travel
Don, Sandy and Nick are in Texas and surrounding areas

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. She is now in hospital in Colorado and feeling better as of Sunday night. She should be released to a skilled nursing facility in a couple of days. With only the one “good” shoulder, she will have a difficult six week recovery. Please also pray for her husband Jack who will be under great stress.

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

Miney Farrell is doing well. She asks your continued prayers for Bertha Rose’s balance problems which are compounded by her blindness. Miney would also like to come to church at least once a month. Greg Chase is going to see if he can make that wish come true as soon as he gets a Sunday off to come to church himself.

Barbara Emrich wishes she had better mail service as she has to wait for Father Acker to bring her the Beadle’s Report.

Gene Hunt celebrated his 87th Birthday last week. Evelyn’s doing much better and is back to driving to see Gene on most days.

Lorraine Winkles is finally recovering from shingles.

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

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
While not strictly part of the Front Door Lending Library, we have some personal 1928 Prayer Books. A church in Florida disposed of a nice quantity of personal hardback 1928 BCPs in excellent to new condition, which we were lucky enough to acquire. There are some on the Front Table. We have plenty, although we only put out a half dozen at a time. They are yours to take home as your very own. The only thing the parish asks is that if you ever go to the dark side, please return it. Otherwise, it is yours forever.


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
Recalling today’s pre-service lesson, the last three biblical purposes for our congrgation are:

• Make disciples of all nations
• Baptizing them
• Teaching them

Time to act!

The Diocese of the West and our parish in particular is taking the lead in establishing a Missionary Diocese in Viet Nam. An Anglican priest, a native of Viet Nam who emigrated to the United States, Father Joesph Mai, is leading the effort. The diocese must be established before the end of the year, due to regulatory problems in country.

There are two phases, the first brings potential potential ministry candidates together for a 10 day course. Seven days in to the course, Bishop Boyce will join them in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and confirm successful candidates. Father Acker is working with Father Mai to produce the needed course.

Once that step is complete, the second phase will be to activate at least the first church unit with a primary church with training facility and satellite congregations; operation of the Advisory Board; theological training plan; and other parts of the proposal. The proposal is scalable from 1 to 6 church units. Father Joseph has leaders for several units to participate in Phase 1—Candidates’ Meeting. Funding for Phase 2 is a 3 year commitment for each unit of $100 each month for 3 years.

The cost of Phase One is $8,000.00, Phase Two is $1,200.00 per church per year. $100.00 per month. How much less can it cost to “Make disciples of all nations”?

Our parish has committed $1,000.00 to Phase One and committed to backing one church. Others in the Anglican Communion have committed as follows:

Commitment Balance
Budget Target for Vietnam Mission $8,000.00
Alpine Anglican (APA) 1,000.00 7,000.00
St. Michael’s Carlsbad (ACN) 1,000.00 6,000.00
San Diego AAC 250.00 5,750.00
Anglican Province of America 1,000.00 4,750.00

As you can see, we are closing in on our target funding, but 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.

Opportunity to help the parish
The Vestry identified items that the parish now needs that were 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 signs have become quite worn. We are looking to get a set of new signs to match our bumper sticker with snap on lower panels for times and special announcements. We are looking for people to donate towards that end. 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.

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

22 July 2007 Mike Springer
29 July 2007 Jan Macauley
5 August 2007 Alice Acker

12 August 2007 Greg Chase
18 August 2007 Holly Lizak
26 August 2007 Jan Macauley

Pine Valley Parade – 28 July 2007
For the second year, we will be participating in the Pine Valley Parade, held this year on 28 July 2007. The parade starts at 0900 (9:00 am) in Pine Valley, the drivers will be meeting at the Arnold Wheeled Vehicle Museum at 0745 (7:45 am) to join the parade. If you would like to ride in the parade, let Father Acker or the Beadle know.

Vehicle Driver Remarks
GTB Troop Transport Hap Arnold Free Teen Guitar Class transport
GPW Jeep Traci Huber Crew – Aaron Huber, Emilie Springer and opening for one more
M601 Troop Transport Ben Lizak Crew – Holly Lizak, Alice Acker, Dru Arnold and openings for 8 more
F850 Fire Truck Mike Springer Crew – Annie Springer, Alex Springer and openings for ten more

Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Seventh Sunday after Trinity, traditionally the Sunday of the Senior Warden’s Brunch. If you have been to one in the past, you know how great the food is and how much fun we have. Ben and Holly bid you join them. Not an invitation to turn down lightly!

Summer is getting a firm grip on our area. 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