Fifth Sunday in Lent - Commonly known as Passion Sunday

Today was the Fifth Sunday in Lent, the Sunday known as Passion Sunday. It was clear on Mount Olympus, but the marine layer came all the way to West Willows Road. By the time church finished, it was a bright and clear day with temperatures in the low 70°s. The almost perfect weather brought out 29 members.

Passion Sunday is the fifth Sunday in Lent, and the first Sunday in Passiontide. All crosses, pictures, images are covered with opaque purple veils and Gloria Patri is omitted during this period. Passion Sunday is so-called because in the gospel for that day (John 8: 46-59) Jesus begins his sufferings by being stoned out of the temple. Under the old calendar, Passion Sunday was also known as Judica Sunday, after that day's Introit: "Judica me, Deus" ("Judge me, O Lord") from Psalm 42 (43), and was called Black Sunday in Germany. This alternate name originates from the fact that after Passion Sunday, the Judica Psalm was not said again until Easter; the German title comes from the old practice of veiling the crosses and statues in the church on that day.

Today in his Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Confirmation – Reception classes in preparation for Bishop Boyce’s visit on 20 May 2007, Father Acker continued his discussion of Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper.

Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper comes from the Passover Supper before Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus entered Jerusalem four days before the Passover on what we now call Palm Sunday. God had entered into His Covenant with the Twelve Tribes of Israel; at the Last Supper, Jesus entered into a New Covenant with the Twelve Apostles representing the new chosen peoples.

One of the central elements of the Passover meal is the ceremonial drinking of wine. At the Last Supper, Jesus “took Bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me. Likewise, after supper, he took the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins; Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

There is but one Last Supper, one Holy Communion with our Lord: a window in time opens each time we celebrate the Last Passover and the first Last Supper; we return to that night before the crucifixion, the last night men were slaves of the law; we rejoin that time before the grace was given in a single offering of a single perfect sacrifice, one time for all time.

Yet at that supper, one was unworthy to dine with our Lord, one man of the twelve was to not just turn his back on the Lord, but turn on Him. Saint Paul warns us of the danger of unworthily partaking of the Bread and the Cup, as stridently as he reminds us of the reward to those who partake with God’s blessings. The Cup comes before the sacrifice of Good Friday.

Hap Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, starting at the Eleventh Verse of the Ninth Chapter. Paul summarizes the symbolism as well as the substance of the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf, “Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”

This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint John, starting at the Forty-Sixth Verse of the Thirteenth Chapter and tells the story of Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees in the temple. Jesus asked them, “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” In a point central to Christianity, he went on, “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.”

Sermon
Sometimes the best of news is not well received. The Pharisees did not want their orderly Rule of Law upset and replaced. They were comfortable living in the Law; they had a loophole for every rule. Then, Jesus told them, “If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.” The Pharisees would not, or perhaps could not, grasp that Jesus’ kingdom, like God’s, is not of this earth. They were concerned of the here and now, not the there and later.

The Jews had a High Priest, who yearly, after making a sacrifice for his own sins, entered in to the inner sanctum and made an Atonement sacrifice for the sins of the Jewish people, dead small animals, year after year. This atonement would have never ended, had it not been for Jesus. While the Atonement sacrifice was to be a firstborn goat or sheep of one year without blemish, God sent Jesus to be not only His great High Priest, but also the sacrifice. A single sacrifice of a truly perfect offering, one time for all time.

Jesus gave His life that we might live eternally. In doing so, He mediated or negotiated a new covenant, a new contract, a new relationship between us and God. Jesus asks us to follow Him to heaven, God gave the perfect offering of His Son that we might live with Him.

Birthdays and Anniversaries
We celebrated Jim Richardson’s birthday today. There were no reported anniversaries.

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

After Church Hospitality
Muriel Pappin brought the goodies today. She made blueberry muffin-like cupcakes, as well as lemon ones. They were both wonderful, according to the Deputy Beadle. In addition, she had fresh roast nuts for those who do not like cake things. Whoever that might be, we do not know.

Barrista Don Patton served hazelnut coffee, as well as tea and hot chocolate. Once again, Father Acker got up in time to make fresh low carb lemonade before the service.

People in our Prayers

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
No reported travel this week.

Sick or in need of healing
Betty Cook
Muriel Pappin
Betsy Lane
Ken Abbiss is recovering nicely from surgery for skin cancer on his nose and the bandages are getting smaller.

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

Miney Farrell is on antibiotics after bronchitis set in following a cold. She asks your prayers for Bertha Rose who has been having some balance problems in addition to her blindness.

Barbara Emrich was feeling less than her usual chipper self this week.

Evelyn Hunt is doing remarkably well. Gene has been doing much better. He’s been able to manage lunch without assistance.

Lorraine Winkles is still suffering with the shingles with which she has been afflicted since Christmas.

Donna Dingwall is doing quite a bit better. She is getting medication that is helping her balance. She is doing so well she is considering going on a cruise with her family. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Back Door Lending Library
The Back Door Lending Library still has several sets of the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, as well as some background books on the series. 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.

You need to get started on this, because the Amazing Grace books are set to come in next week!

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
The Core Singing Group is meeting at 1900 (7:00pm) on Thursday at SCAIR, for details, call Walt, Fran, Holly or Ben, they would love to have you.

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
Bishop and Mrs. Boyce will be with us on 20 May 2007 for both Confirmation and Reception. Afterwards, they will be joining us for the Second Annual Beadle’s Barbeque at the Arnolds’. Confirmation is a very significant milestone in our spiritual lives, as is the Reception into the Church, for those confirmed. We are expecting a big turnout as those who are confirmed bring family and friends. In addition, as those who attended the First Annual Beadle’s Barbeque can attest to, the Beadle’s Barbeque is not an event to be missed.

Lent Classes
During Lent, on Wednesdays, Father Acker is 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

It isn’t too late to start, the classes are kind of self-contained, you can start any time. 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!

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.

Holy Week Schedule
Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, is coming up:

Palm Sunday
We will celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with our customary service time and location: 0830 (08:30 am) at the Alpine Elementary School Auditorium. Inasmuch as many people do not attend the Holy Week mid-week events, Palm Sunday will also review the events of the week until Easter Sunday.

Wednesday
We have an instructional Seder Dinner planned for Wednesday at the SCAIR Center, time and location as for the Lenten Classes. Everyone is invited, you need not be a class attendee to come to dinner. Father Acker is taking a head count, though. He needs to know how many are coming so that he can prepare the necessary food. This is a very interesting event, and if that does not draw you, you need to know it is really fun, with great food.

For more information and head count, please call the church office at (619) 722-1772.

Thursday
Maunday Thursday Service

Friday
Good Friday Service

Easter Sunday
Our Service will be at its normal time 0830 (08:30 am), but will be at the Alpine Community Center (our normal Alpine Elementary Kiwanis is being used by the Kiwanis for breakfast) with breakfast afterwards with the Kiwanis. First time attendees’ breakfast is on the church.

Easter Sunday is the most important day of the Christian year. It is the day the promise of Christ is delivered. If you don’t attend church any other day of the year, join us for the Easter celebration of the Risen Lord.

Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Sunday next before Easter, commonly called Palm Sunday. Father Acker seems likely to talk about the upcoming Holy Week and its impact on our lives today. On the other hand, there is no guaranty. He might go back to the Articles of Religion or maybe a new topic in his Confirmation – Reception classes. 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