2007 Third Sunday in Lent

Today was the Third Sunday in Lent. Last Sunday, there was snow on the ground and today, thanks to a light Santa Ana, or offshore wind, skies were clear and the temperature about 76° by the end of the service. Although today was the “Spring Forward” day for Daylight Savings Time, 20 of our members managed to both remember to change their clocks and make worship more important than 60 minutes of missed sleep.

Today in his Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Confirmation – Reception classes in preparation for Bishop Boyce’s visit in late-Spring, Father Acker discussed the last part of our motto: Scripture • Reason • Tradition.

Tradition is the Christian Faith as it has been lived and practiced for two millennia. It is critical to understand that while people like new and different things, they also have a need for unchanging truth. While most everyone has said, “Well, we do it that way, because that is the way we have always done it.” Like the lady who always cut both ends off her ham before baking it. She did it because that is the way her mother did it, who likewise did it that way because that is the way her mother did it. No one knew that grandmother cut the ends off to fit in her very small oven.

Tradition can be grounded in reason, convenience or just because.

The tradition of our motto is Holy Tradition, it is traditsio, that which is handed down. Christians should immediately recall the words of Saint Paul who said, “What I have received, I have given you.” Those words are the heart of Apostolic Succession. Bishop Boyce traces not only the outward sign of his ordination, the laying on of hands, back to the Apostles, but also the teachings and practices of two millennia.

The traditions of the church are not just the bowing before the Cross, the saying of this prayer here or there, but rather the Apostolic teaching of God’s Grace working in His Church. It is the Word of God, Word not seen and known only by the Apostles two millennia past, but through them by us today.

Our Church, given to us by God, through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ: One holy, catholic and apostolic church. Not just words, but reality. Understand the reality of God’s Church does not depend on whether you believe in it or not. It is here; it is real.

Dru Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s letter to the Ephesisans, starting at the First Verse of the Fifth Chapter. He echoes the advice of St. James in his general epistle, to be Christians, not just claim to be followers of Christ, when James wrote, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”

This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint Luke, starting at the Fourteenth Verse of the Eleventh Chapter. “Jesus was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”

Sermon
Christianity is not about “Shared Values.” While we do share many values with others, we are directed to those values by Christ. We are not Christians because of our values, but rather we hold those values because we are Christian. Christianity is not a set of values, an idea, a way of thinking; rather Christianity is a description of where we are as a result of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. It is about what Jesus Christ did for you. He died on the Cross so that you might live.

You cannot reduce Jesus Christ to a set of values. Christianity is Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. A reality here on earth. Yes, He preached certain behavior. Yes, He told us to act, not just talk. Yes, He preached values. But, things of this world change. God does not change, His commitment to does not change. Sometimes our understanding of what He wants changes, but not what He wanted in the first place.

Christians believe that God, through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ is the source of our absolute values. Goodness, Righteousness and Truth.

There is black, there is white; there is good, there is evil. Many will tell you there are no simple answers to the complex problems of this world. That is wrong, the answer is simple, the problem is that many do not want to hear it.

We are not here to share values. We are here to worship God, through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Birthdays and Anniversaries
Today we celebrated Alice Acker’s 53rd birthday with her. Her actual birthday is Saint Patrick’s Day and she asks that you not send any corned beef. There were no reported anniversaries today.

New Name Tags on Sunday
We had no new nametags today.

After Church Hospitality
Stephanie Boyd brought the goodies today, not an easy feat on the first day of Daylight Savings Time. But, it was a feast. Stephanie made hazelnut banana biscotti last night, which went very nice with the hazelnut coffee from Tim’s House of Coffee.

Don Patton is this month’s barrista. Don does not drink coffee or tea, but makes excellent coffee! In addition to the biscotti, Stephanie put up an absolutely lovely fruit assortment and coated peanuts. Father Acker got up in time to make fresh low carb lemonade before the service.

Blessing of the Cars
Following an Anglican tradition of blessing horses in days gone by, parishioners often ask to have their cars blessed. Ben and Holly Lizak brought their new Chevy truck, Jan Macauley brought her new BMW and Patti Jones brought her Honda in for blessings.

Father Acker warns that the blessings do not extend above the posted speed limits.

Baptismal Bible and Book of Common Prayer
One of our parish traditions is to present a leather bound Bible and Book of Common Prayer to each member baptized in our church. The supplier has been out of stock for some time. We were not able to make the presentation to Tim Macauley on the day he was baptized, but the books finally came in and Father Acker presented him with his very own Bible and Book of Common Prayer, along with his Baptismal Certificate.

While Tim may continue to use his own personal red Book of Common Prayer for the service, he now has a combination Bible and Book of Common Prayer that will serve him well the rest of his life.

People in our Prayers

Thanksgiving
The Gray Family – Please give thanks for a successful and safe ground combat tour in Iraq for Obra Gray.

God’s Guidance
Please pray that Obra, Shamim, Zack, Aaron and Nadia will come to know God’s love, which can bring them happiness and strength by following the clear instructions He has given us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Travel
Ken is on a business trip.

Sick or in need of healing
Betty Cook
Muriel Pappin
Betsy Lane
Ken Abbiss is having surgery this Friday for skin cancer on his nose. He should be in church on Sunday, perhaps with a bandage or two.

Lona Walsh (Wanda Michaelis' mother) who is going to have surgery this week. She is in good spirits and says she isn’t the least bit worried. Nonetheless, we ask you to pray for her in anticipation of the upcoming surgery.

Miney Farrell is keeping bundled up against the winter chill and is happy it has turned warmer. She still enjoys the company of the household at Evening Shade Manor. She asks prayers for Bertha Rose who has been having some balance problems in addition to her blindness.

Katie Benjamin had another small stroke. She is not doing all that well and likely will move to hospice. We ask your prayers for her.

Barbara Emrich has moved to the Atrium wing of Jacob Health Center (State College Area) in a private room. The food is very good, but there aren’t many visitors.

Gene Hunt is recovering from pneumonia again. He is hoping to move from bed to the hallway so he can see more of the folks and activities of Chase Health Center. Evelyn comes daily to visit Gene, usually at lunchtime. One of their daughters is staying with her at the house, which she has found to be a big help in the evenings.

Lorraine Winkles has had a terrible bout with shingles since Christmas. Father Acker did anointing for healing again this week. Please keep her in your prayers during this very painful illness.

Donna Dingwall is doing much better. She is grateful for your prayers. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Paul Shove is unknown to most of you, but Father Acker takes him communion once a month. Paul has a severe mental illness he has lived with his entire adult life. He and the Ackers have been friends for over 20 years. Paul asks for prayers of thanksgiving for the many blessings he has received during these past months.
  
Back Door Lending Library
The Back Door Lending Library has just gotten in several sets of the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. If you have never read the series, both the Beadle and his family highly recommend it. 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.

The Lending Library is a resource you need to use. Most of the books are short, understandable, but very powerful. Also, if you have any books you would like share, please bring them in.

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.

Core Singing Group
Walt and Fran Dexter have come together with Ben and Holly Lizak to form a Core Singing Group for our church. They would like a few more people to join them. Walt wants everyone to know this is not a choir, but core singing group. They aren’t planning on meeting every week for four or five hours and singing over and over. Rather they are planning on rehearsing the songs for each week so they can form a loud and clear core we can sing with. Our singing has gotten better and better each week, this should help even more.

It really doesn’t matter if you can sing, you just need to be able to read – Oh, yes, and be willing to sing loud and clear. If you want to join the group, tell Walt, Fran, Holly or Ben, they would love to have you. So would we.

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 Catechism 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.

Very Important
This is Christ’s Church, which makes it your church; it is not Father Acker’s church, the Beadle’s church, the Senior Warden’s church; it is your church, it is a gift from Christ to you. It is up to you to make it the very best you can.

So, if you see something that needs doing, do it or ask someone else to do it. If there is something you would like to see done or not done in our church, if there is something not being done right, tell someone. Let Father Acker, the Beadle or one of the Vestry know. You have an obligation to make this the very best church you can. Tell us how to help.

If you have a suggestion, criticism or query, tell the Vicar, the Beadle, one of the Vestry, or drop a note in the plate. We must have your help.

Church is like a bank: you get a certain return on your investment; but, if you don’t put anything in, you won’t get anything out.

Coming Up later this year
Father Acker will be continuing the pre-service classes. As the Confirmation – Reception subjects are completed, he will be discussing portions of the Bible, as well as Christian history and Anglican history in particular. We have some very nice King James Version study Bibles for those who are interested. Please contact the Beadle at thebeadle@mac.com for your copy.

Lent Classes
During Lent, on Wednesdays, Father Acker will be leading a study of Ecclesiastes, Job and the Song of Songs using Peter Kreeft’s Three Philosophies of Life as the textbook. We will be meeting at the SCAIR Learning Center, 2218 Alpine Boulevard, across from the Alpine Inn. The schedule is as follows:

1815 (6:15 pm) Evening Prayer
1830 (6:30 pm) Soup Dinner
1910 (7:10 pm) Study Group begins

If you have never attended one of our mid-week events, this would be an excellent opportunity to let God into your life mid-week. We have a great time!

Your Beadle reports Holly and Ben Lizak met the Black Bean Soup challenge issues last week and came up with both broccoli soup and red bean soup that was superb. Once again, the salad wonderful and the rolls went with the soup and salad beautifully. As it is Lent, there was no dessert, and no Mandarin Oranges this time, but the soup was so darned good, your Beadle had a third bowl as dessert.

If you have any questions, please call the church office at (619) 722-1772.

Stations of the Cross
During Lent, on Fridays at 1830 (6:30pm), there will be Stations of the Cross held at Victoria Chapel, for details or directions, please call the church office at (619) 722-1772.

Amazing Grace – The Movie
Yesterday Father Acker lead a trip to Parkway Plaza theater to see Amazing Grace, a movie about William Wilburforce, the Anglican who lead the movement to eliminate the slave trade in England. The last movie your Beadle went to was Ground Hog Day, which he enjoyed. He liked this one a lot more. The movie was incredibly powerful and showed the power of God acting through man. There will be books on the subject in a month or so.

If you have not seen Amazing Grace, go see it. It comes with a money-back guarantee. If you are not thankful you went to see it, hand your ticket to the Beadle with a written explanation for a full refund (not including snacks). That means you have to come to church to hand it to the Beadle.

Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Father Acker might talk a bit about the movie Amazing Grace, he might talk about the Articles of Religion in his Confirmation – Reception classes, or he might talk about Lent or maybe a new topic. But, 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://www.alpineanglican.com/Beadle/beadle.pdf

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