The Third Sunday after Epiphany

Lead Photograph - New Years Day - hours before Commander O left for Camp Al Asad, Iraq.

Today was the Third Sunday after Epiphany. If you got to church for setup at 0800 (8:00am), it was a brisk 41°F, by the time the service started it was about 55°F and in the just under an hour the service took, it had warmed to a beautiful 65°F. Although we had a quite a few people on travel, the clear skies and calm winds brought 20 people together for our service.

Today marked the Twentieth Sunday of the Confirmation – Reception classes. Today Father Acker continued the discussion on the first part of our Motto:

Scripture • Reason • Tradition.

Pardoning the pun, but the reason that tradition has put scripture first in our motto is that our church is rooted in Holy Scripture. Our service by phrase count is 83% scripture; we take scripture seriously.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, not dictation by God, but rather recording of the faith of those who wrote it. Accepted as true at the time by the people whose history was recorded contemporarily.

Bible is the English form of the Greek name Biblia, meaning "books, " the name which in the fifth century began to be given to the entire collection of sacred books, the "Library of Divine Revelation."

The name Bible was adopted by Wickliffe, and came gradually into use in our English language. The Bible consists of sixty-six different books, composed by many different writers, in three different languages, under different circumstances; writers of almost every social rank, statesmen and peasants, kings, herdsmen, fishermen, priests, tax-gatherers, tentmakers; educated and uneducated, Jews and Gentiles; most of them unknown to each other, and writing at various periods during the space of about 1600 years: and yet, after all, it is only one book dealing with only one subject in its numberless aspects and relations, the subject of man's redemption.

The Bible is divided into the Old Testament, containing thirty-nine books, and the New Testament, containing twenty-seven books. The names given to the Old in the writings of the New are "the scriptures" (Matt. 21:42), "scripture" (2 Pet. 1:20), "the holy scriptures" (Rom. 1:2), "the law" (John 12:34), "the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms" (Luke 24:44), "the law and the prophets" (Matt. 5:17), "the old covenant" (2 Cor. 3:14, R. V.).

The Old Testament is divided into three parts:
• The Law (Torah), consisting of the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses;
• The Prophets, consisting of (1) the former, namely, Joshua, Judges, the Books of Samuel, and the Books of Kings; (2) the latter, namely, the greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets;
• The Hagiographa, or holy writings, including the rest of the books. These were ranked in three divisions:
o The Psalms, Proverbs, and Job, distinguished by the Hebrew name, a word formed of the initial letters of these books, emeth, meaning truth.
o Canticles, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, called the five rolls, as being written for the synagogue use on five separate rolls.
o Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 and 2 Chronicles. Between the Old and the New Testament no addition was made to the revelation God had already given.

The Old Testament unfolds the history of the world from the creation in Genesis through the Congressional Record of Chronicles. The Books of the Prophets details God’s faithfulness to His people in the face of their faithlessness. The Book of Wisdom details our need for God.

There is a break of 400 years between the Old Testament and the New during which the Books of the Apocrypha were written. These books were written not in Hebrew but in Greek, and during the "period of silence," from the time of Malachi, after which oracles and direct revelations from God ceased till the Christian era. The Apocrypha is generally accepted by Catholics (Anglican, Roman and Eastern Orthodox) as an authentic part of the Holy Scriptures, but has been rejected by many Protestants. The Articles of Religion in Article VI says of the Apocrypha:

And the other Books (as Hierome saith) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine.

The period of New Testament revelation, extending over a century, began with the appearance of John the Baptist. The New Testament consists of:
• Historical books, viz., the Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles;
• These record the lives of Jesus and his Apostles
• Epistles;
• These are both public and pastoral letters to problem congregations.
• Book of Prophecy, the Revelation.

The division of the Bible into chapters and verses is altogether of human invention, designed to facilitate reference to it. The ancient Jews divided the Old Testament into certain sections for use in the synagogue service, and then at a later period, in the ninth century AD, into verses. Our modern system of chapters for all the books of the Bible was introduced by Cardinal Hugo about the middle of the thirteenth century (he died 1263). The system of verses for the New Testament was introduced by Stephens in 1551.

The Bible, really a collection of books, was written in several languages, among them Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, with early translations into Latin. Because one of the Anglicans’ reasons for splitting with the Church in Rome was that they believed strongly that Scripture should be the rock on which the Church stood, they placed Bibles in the language of the people in every church. James the First of England authorized and paid for a translation by the finest scholars of the time using the oldest manuscripts available to them. The translation, which came to be known as the Authorized King James Version of the Bible, or KJV, was published in 1611. While there are a few areas which have since been retranslated, there is no version thought to be more accurate overall. The KJV was intentionally written in a majestic style to be worthy of being accepted as God’s word. People did not talk like that at the time, either.

Over the years the uses of words have changed and people have made additional translations. Some true to the original meaning, some not. The Anglican Church accepts the following as acceptable versions, true in meaning, none perfect:

• King James or Authorized Version
• Revised Standard Version
• New Jerusalem Version – a French translation, translated into English
• New American Version
• New English Version – uses British idioms and syntax
• Today’s English Version – There is some controversy over this translation

There are two modernized versions that bear commenting on:

• The New International Version – This a is a predominately Protestant version which omits the Apocrypha.
• The New King James or Authorized Version – This version modernizes some words and the Apocrypha is currently being translated.

There are many paraphrasing and re-writings. Some are more sound than others. Many, like the 1979 “Prayer Book” use familiar words and twist meanings.

Jan Macauley read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s letter to the Romans, starting at the Sixtheenth Verse of the Twelfth Chapter. Continuing his message from last Sunday Paul tells us not to be self centered, to “be not wise in your own conceits.” To the extent possible, we are to do good, to “recompense to no man evil for evil.” But rather to “provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” While Paul talks often of the punishment of evildoers, we are not to take to vengeance. He tells us, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

The Gospel for today came from the beginning of the Gospel according to St. John, the Second Chapter, beginning at the First Verse.

The Gospel tells the story of the first of Jesus’ miracles, the turning of water into wine. “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.” Cana was a little town of probably 150 people, so Jesus and the twelve showing up was likely a major planning issue. “And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew; ) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Sermon
Things do not have to be perfect. A wise priest once told me, “If its worth doing, its worth doing poorly.” On the surface, this seems contrary to good order, after all, we have all know, “If its worth doing, its worth doing right.” Well, it may be worth doing right, all right. But, getting something done poorly (but good enough) is ever so better than not doing it at all. God expects us to do our best, not the best, but our best. But more than that, He expects us to do, not to talk. When Jesus showed up at the wedding in Cana with a dozen thirsty guys, it wasn’t His time. But He took the time and made the wine.

Jesus does not ask us to “get our life together” or “wait until things calm down” or “when you are ready” or “when you turn your life around and are more worthy of Him” to come and follow Him. He wants you NOW.

When Jesus shows up at your door with his Gang of Twelve (the Apostles or the Church), do you invite Him in or tell Him to come back later? If you are short, ask Him for more wine. Jesus delivers.

“Who could this Jesus be?” • “The Son of God!”

Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays or anniversaries today.

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

After Church Hospitality
Today Patti Jones brought the goodies, produced by George. There was a lovely selection of both sweet and savory pastries, not to mention a beautiful fruit plate. Tim Macauley once again had to work, not to worry though, his House of Coffee provided freshly brewed coffee and hot chocolate under the supervision of Deputy Barrista Ben Lizak. As customary, Father Acker made fresh low carb lemonade, which your Beadle loveth.

People in our Prayers

God’s Guidance
Shamim Gray – Please continue to pray for God’s help and guidance for Shamim as she takes care of her three young children, Zack, Aaron and Nadia while her husband Obra is in Iraq and pray for Obra’s safe return. Pray also that their entire family 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.

Commander O is back in Iraq with the Marines; please pray for him to safely complete his combat tour.
Travel
Tim, Stephanie, Chris, Alex and Andrew
Craig and Lynn
Greg

Sick
Gene Hunt has mostly recovered from his hip surgery; but spends most of his time in his wheel chair. Evelyn comes most days to see him at Chase Healthcare Center when her back is behaving itself.

Barbara Emrich has moved around quite a bit over the last couple of months. She is now at the Jacob Health Center. “Not an ideal arrangement” but she is doing quite well after her diabetes has put her in the hospital several times over the last few months.

Miney Farrell asks your continued prayer for relief of the blurred vision in one eye. Also at Evening Shade Home, Katie Benjamin, is doing well. Although she says sometimes she feels 96, she sure does not act it!

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

Lorraine Winkles, is doing well. Perhaps we can get her a ride to a service now and again from her home in Blossom Valley.
 
Front Door Lending Library
The Lending Library has some new 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.

Free Teen Guitar Class
There is a new Free Teen Guitar Class starting up. As an outreach to the local community, Father Acker teaches a guitar class on Wednesdays at the Alpine Community Center. The class is known as the Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC), but due to a scheduling miracle, the class is now open to Third Graders. If you know anyone with a youngster who would like to learn to play the guitar, have them contact Father Acker. This is an excellent opportunity.

Do not let the word Free in the title mislead you. Many people think something that is Free is not worth anything. That is not the case. Just in case you were not aware of it Father Acker is a professional class guitarist. And at least as important is he is not only a good teacher, but a superb guitar teacher. Many people can play. Father Acker is not just a world class guitarist, but he can teach others to play. Plus, the class is not really free. Once a month, on the first Sunday of the month, the class plays for our 0830 service. If you know much about kids, being in place for a 0830 Sunday service is payback.

Order of Saint James and Saint Matthew
The needs are many, the resources few. But, like loaves and fishes there are sufficient unto the day, with God’s help through our Lord and Savior.

Saint James tells us we are to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Saint Matthew tells us to do our good without fanfare, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Saint James goes further telling us what we are to do to be doers of Jesus’ Word: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

In his role of Parish Chief Constable, your Beadle has established in his offices an Order of Saint James and Saint Matthew. If you know of a parish member who is keeping the Word, doing their duty to God and Country without fanfare, send your Beadle a note at thebeadle@mac.com for consideration of their potential admission to the order.

In keeping with the instructions of James and Matthew, details of the membership will be, as they say, closely held at the codeword level. Much like the Company, recognition is important, even if we do not tell the public.

Coming Up later this year
The pre-service lessons towards Confirmation or Reception have been very well received. Your Beadle believes he has prevailed on Father Acker to continue the classes indefinitely. 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 study Bibles for those who are interested. Please contact the Beadle at thebeadle@mac.com for your copy.

Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Sometimes your Beadle thinks he is writing to the Choir, so to speak. We are really having a great time at church. Father Acker’s Confirmation – Reception classes are doing incredibly well. We are ready for the Bishop to come in the spring.

If you are one of those people who only wants come to church on Christmas or Easter, that is better than nothing, and afterall, better is the enemy of good enough. On the other hand, if you are waiting for an engraved invitation, here it is:

Please join us Sunday
at
0830L (8:30am)
for
Holy Communion

See you next week on Sunday!

The full .pdf version of the current Beadle’s Report posted by Father Acker on the church website and is available at:

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