2007 Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Today was the Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity and the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The Santa Ana was back, fall was gone at least in San Diego County. On Mount Olympus, the morning brought a warm 60°F. At church, temperatures were in the mid 70°s, with clear skies, although looking down the hill, we could see a marine layer. Perhaps it was the weather, perhaps it was the promise of Jack and Father Acker playing the guitars and our lovely organist Marianne back from travel. Whatever it was, we had 27 people in church by the start of the service.


The Anglican Way or One Ring to Rule them All.
Continuing his series on the Anglican Church, Father Acker discussed What is Anglicanism?, reviewing the tract included in this morning’s bulletin.

Anglicanism is a word used to describe a Confederation of National Churches, throughout the world, in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, maintaining the historic Christian faith and order of the undivided Church. The Anglican Churches owe their historic origin to the mother Church of England. There are some 80 million Anglicans living in around the world. Our congregation is a member of the Anglican Province of America, which is a member of the Common Cause Partnership and the Federation of Anglican Churches in North America.

Anglicanism is bound, above all, to Holy Scripture for the Bible is the “Word of God.” The Bible is the record of God’s revelation in Christ, the story of what God did, out of which the Good News comes all people of the world. In the Old Testament (Hebrew scriptures) God prepares people for his promise of a savior. In the New Testament God fulfills his promise. Together they tell of the story of divine redemption given to the Christian Church.

Anglicanism gives allegiance to the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed; and through these statements of faith, to the central Christian dogmas which the Creeds express. Every creedal statement is to be believed insofar as it may be proved (that is, tested) by an appeal to Scripture [Articles of Religion, Article 8 in the Book of Common Prayer].

Anglicanism has no official theologian in its history. It welcomes contributions from many theologians but it finds absolute authority in none. We learn from Augustine and Aquinas, and from Luther and Calvin, but we are not bound to any one or any set of theologians or school of thought.

In the Creed we have the essence of Scripture. Our system depends on the individual member keeping priests and bishops honest. If a priest or bishop teaches or preaches contrary to scripture, members are not only allowed, but rather expected to call them on it. As much as we adore our Book of Common Prayer and believe its editor Thomas Cranmer to have been divinely inspired in his editing, we recognize it as just that, editing. Bishop Cranmer simply recompiled scripture into a format that would allow more effective worship. He invented nothing and would be horrified if anyone thought he did.

We work to more fully understand the mind and working of God. God embodies, defines truth—He does not change. As truth, He cannot change. Sometimes our perception changes as we learn more about Him.

The correct interpretation of the Scriptures is critical as it records the truth of God’s saving acts is passed down to us. We need to read and understand what Jesus said and did, which is recorded in Scripture, the Gospels. We need to read and understand to what Jesus’ Apostles learned from Him and put into practice, which is recorded in Scripture, the Acts of the Apostles and the various Epistles. This is the Word of God written by eyewitnesses and those who heard their stories.

Anglicanism does not intend to preclude theological development nor deny the right use of human reason. However, it insists that nothing can be taught as necessary to salvation which is not contained in the Holy Scriptures. This is used to test any development as valid.

Anglicanism flourishes knowing that the basis for the Christian faith is in the saving acts of God, recorded in Holy Scripture. Likewise, Anglicanism appeals to history or tradition, believing the ancient Fathers of the Church provided an invaluable insight into the correct interpretation of the Scriptures which is sound and accurate—a standard by which later interpretation of the Scriptures should be judged.

Anglicanism is committed to thoughtful study and careful reasoning to spiritual, and indeed, every other realm of experience. If we are to appeal to Scripture and to its interpretation by the Fathers of the Church (the first four centuries of Christian faith), we must employ our minds; fruitful Christian living demonstrates that our experience is enriched and deepened by the truth.

Anglicanism is not so much the statement of particular truths as it is a way of understanding and evaluating all truth. Instead of focusing on absolutes, it emphasizes the fullest expression of the truth for our Christian living. It does recognize the rightful place of divine authority. Anglicanism strives to embody orthodox living, evangelical zeal, and catholic (universal) belief.

Anglicanism is a network of national churches headed by Primates, or Archbishops, in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury rather than a centrally controlled worldwide church like the Roman Church. The Archbishop of Canterbury serves as the titular head of the Anglican Communion, but has no “special powers” as to theology. While the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury has a special place in the church, he cannot himself move the church from its theological position. At this time, the Archbishop of Canterbury seems to be moving his office away from its foundation of Scripture, Reason, and Tradition following The Episcopal Church (TEC) rather than leading the worldwide communion. The drift away from the trifoil of Scripture, Reason, and Tradition has resulted in the development of a defensive “communion of bishops and congregations” been necessary as laity and clergy need to embody in their own daily life and fellowship this foundation of Scripture, Reason, and Tradition. It is hoped that the continuing churches will come together to form a new national church in the Anglican tradition.

Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity invites you to explore God’s purpose for your life with a focus on Scripture, Reason, and Tradition. Every Sunday, at 0830 (8:30am) before the start of each service, we conduct a ten minute class to help us understand God’s purpose for our lives. We experience God’s presence so that we enjoy the abundant life God has planned for the present and into eternity.

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lmighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Stephanie Boyd read the Epistle for today which was written in the First Chapter of the Saint Paul’s letter to the Colossians, beginning at the Third Verse. Writing to the people of Colossus, Paul tells them that he is constantly praying for them and exhorts them to do their very best to actually fulfill the promises they have made to God, to Walk the Walk, not just Talk the Talk; to study hard the Word and use the strength they will get from God to act on the things they have learned and professed.

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e give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.

The Gospel was written in the Ninth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the Eighteenth Verse. While Jesus was talking to some of the disciples of John the Baptist, one of the local politicians whose daughter had just died came to Him with faith that He could return her to life. As he was leaving His meeting with the disciples to follow the politician, a woman who had been ill for many years, reached out in faith to “touch His garment.” She knew He was the key to her life, though she likely had no real understanding of just how. She had faith in Jesus. As she touched his garment, He turned saying, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” She was instantly healed. Like the Faithful Centurion: Truth set her free, faith made her whole. Jesus continued on to the politician’s house and returned his daughter to the living.

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hile Jesus spake these things unto John’s disciples, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, he said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Sermon - Secret Santa
While Secret Santa by its name may seem like a Christmas topic, today we are looking at it from the Thankgiving perspective. Most of us have been involved in the Secret Santa scheme: you are given someone’s name and you choose a gift for them. All anonymous. The real challenge is to figure out who the giver is based on the gift. In giving and receiving a gifts, we see something about the giver and the person to whom the gift is given, the giver and the givee, if there be such a word.

A great Secret Santa when looking for a gift, looks for that gift the givee needs and cannot or would not for themselves procure. The gift tells as much about the giver as the givee. How well one knows the other, or not as the case may be.

As we come on Thanksgiving, we should be thankful for that most powerful of all “Secret Santas”, that Person who gave His Son, that we would get the gift we cannot procure for ourselves, Eternal Salvation and Life Everlasting. The gift which came to you the first you heard the Gospel and knew the Grace of God.

God gives us grace, saving grace. In Jesus’ death and resurrection, God gives us life. In God’s saving grace we come to know God - who “saved a wretch like me.” But, wait, there’s more: He provides the opportunity to know ourselves
, as he “fills you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that His Spirit gives.”
“to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him”
“produce all kind of good deeds”
“grow in your knowledge of God”
“made strong”
“able to endure everything with patience and with joy.”

He “brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.” 
Col 1.13-14 (TEV)
 
God is big,
I mean big,
really
big!

Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today.

After Church Hospitality
Alice Acker brought the goodies today. There were cranberry bars, sherry cake and diabetic friendly gingerbread cakes, as well as some very non-friendly chocolate bars. Your Beadle thought the gingerbread was the best, then he had one of the sherry cake slices. That was Superb! So were the second and third pieces. This was the first time ever for the sherry cake, which came from a recipe brought down from Colorado by Father Acker’s mom, Rede.

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley handled the coffee on behalf of Tim’s House of Coffee. Once again, Father Acker got up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade, a sacrifice much appreciated by your Beadle.

New Nametags
We no new nametags today. Father Acker’s mom and dad, Rede and Jack Acker were visiting. In addition, Ashley brought a friend, whose name did not get recorded.

People in our Prayers
If you are on our prayer list, or you have submitted a person for us to pray for, please update Father Acker in person, by telephone or e-mail. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is good to give thanks!

Travel
Ken is on travel this week.

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

Betty Cooke has good days and some not so good. She occasionally gets picked up to go out to lunch from time to time. She and Shilo, her cat, are enjoying the sunshine streaming in her living room as she has a makeover going on in her front yard.

Victor – Donna Dingwall’s husband, is recently 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 doing very well in her recovery. She is now in her 4th week of major muscle rehab for her shoulder. She and Jack (Father Acker’s dad) were in town with the Ackers for Thanksgiving; prayers of thanksgiving are in order.

Evelyn Hunt is doing very well. She was at church four weeks ago with her daughter Kathy.
 
Annie Springer did not make it to church this morning because Mike had to work. She still has problems with her vision which preclude her from driving right now. They are working on stabilizing her diabetes and blood pressure medications. Your continued prayers are asked for successful stabilization of her medications, as well as improvement of her vision to allow her to return to driving. In addition, please pray for strength for the Springer family.

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

Miney Farrell was in church five weeks ago. She is doing great. Thanks to Greg Chase, she will in here at least once a month.

Lorraine Winkles is showing small increments of improvement with a prolonged case of shingles. 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.

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.

Now that Bishop Boyce and Father Mai have returned from Vietnam, we will be working on a plan for Phase II. It appears we will need to adjust our original plan to allow for further introduction to the Anglican Church for the local priests. We note that there is no Book of Common Prayer currently available in Vietnamese. This will be a priority, in addition to funding the new priests and deacons.


Father Acker hoped to get Bishop Boyce together with Archbishop Chew, of the Province of Southeast Asia, while he is in the States later this month to discuss possible cooperation on the Missionary Diocese of Vietnam.

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.

Advent Book Study
On Wednesday, 12 December 2007 from 7:00-8:30pm at the SCAIR Learning Center, 2518 Alpine Blvd Father Acker will lead a book study on the fairly new book: The Gospel According To Starbucks. This is designed to be a one shot deal, but it might stretch out, depending.

If you want to come and have not ordered a book through Father Acker for a mere $10.00, order your own from Amazon or go shopping on you own.

The main idea of this book is not Starbucks. The author uses Starbucks to show how they connect with their customers. He urges the church to observe what they do. He uses Starbucks to show how they have connected with the culture–in fact they have transformed the culture. If you go to Starbucks they expect you to know “their” language -Venti, Grande and Tall (large, medium and small).

The author says people go to Starbucks not for the coffee but for the experience. He says that is what the church should be. People should come to connect with God not just go through the motions. He uses a acronym EPIC to describe what the church should be like:
• E- Experiencial
• P- Participatory
• I- Image-rich
• C- Connective

Experience- Sweet asks when is the last time you saw people lined up to go to church? Well, Everytime I’ve been to Northpoint in Alpharetta I have been in a line. The atmosphere is electric. Sweet says we should be so authentic at our churches that people will line up to hear the message that we have preached through our lives. Again, this isn’t about looking cool or trendy tricks, it is about being authentic.

Participatory-Sweet told a funny story about when he went to a Starbucks in Ohio and ordered a “Black eye” and the bartista said that wasn’t in the Starbucks Bible (their handbook). He said Starbucks makes people learn their language and he is multilingual. Sweet said we need to become G.O.O.D. Get Out Of Doors. He said churches need to be less of the Staff perfoming and more of the church participating.

Image-rich-Sweet said we live in an image rich society. When you go to Starbucks it has an image-rich atmosphere. He said the church needs to preach with passionate images much like Jesus did. He used metaphors. I think I have this one down in my speaking. I usually have about 100 slides per message.

Connective-Finally people love to connect over coffee. Sweet said the church used to be the central place in the community. Meetings such as homeowners, government planning meetings, AA, etc… used to be held at churches. Not much anymore. He said the church should be like the front porch in a home where people feel welcome and hang out. He asks this question:

If your church fails as a sacred space for connection, what is missing? (p.133)

Come join in our discussion with dessert & Starbucks Decaf Coffee!

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

25 November 2007 Jan Macauley
2 December 2007 Dru Arnold
9 December 2007 Hap Arnold
16 December 2007 Jack Arnold
23 December 2007 Alice Acker
30 December 2007 Alex Boyd


The Week ahead, as well as Next Sunday
Wednesday evening at 1830 (6:30pm) our church is sponsoring the Alpine Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church. Father Acker will be running the service and the Free Teen Guitar Class will be playing for the service.

During the week - Father Acker reminded everyone of the Alpine Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, held at Queen of Roses at 1900 (7:00pm) on Wednesday, 21 November 2007 and the Thanksgiving morning Holy Communion at 0830 (8:30 am) on Thursday, 22 November 2007, at Victoria Chapel. For directions to the chapel, call the church office (619) 722-1772.

Next Sunday is the Sunday Next before Advent, as well as the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day.

You need to come to church to find out what Father Acker is going to say in the next of his pre-service classes. They are really more interesting in person than the Beadle’s dull summary. 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