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. Although today was the “Spring Forward” day for Daylight Savings Time, 18 of our members managed to both remember to change their clocks and make worship more important than 60 minutes of missed sleep; more than expected as we had quite a few people on travel.
Passion Sunday is the fifth Sunday in Lent, and the first Sunday in Passiontide, the last two weeks of Lent, beginning on Passion Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter). 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.
In the calendar reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church has universally suppressed Passiontide. They now refer to Palm Sunday as “Passion Sunday.” Traditional Catholics still observe Passiontide as well as its rites and ceremonies. Passiontide is observed in the Anglican Communion.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 140 days by popular demand
Today was the fifth in a twenty week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching each Sunday, beginning at 8:30am. The class started with one of the Collects for the Day, applicable to the subject at hand, in this case the Second Sunday in Advent:
BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Second Sunday of Advent BCPp92
We have been making our way through the Bible and arrived at the Books of Samuel (Hebrew: Sefer Sh'muel ספר שמואל) The Books of Samuel are part of the Tanakh (part of Judaism's Hebrew Bible) and also of the Christian Old Testament. The work was originally written in Hebrew, and the Book(s) of Samuel originally formed a single text, as they are often considered today in Hebrew bibles. Together with what is now referred to as the Book(s) of Kings, the translators who created the Greek Septuagint divided the text into four books, which they named the Books of the Kingdoms. In the Latin Vulgate version, these then became the Books of the Kings, thus 1 and 2 Samuel were referred to as 1 and 2 Kings, with 3 and 4 Kings being what are called 1 and 2 Kings by the King James Bible and its successors.
The two books can be essentially broken down into five parts:
• God’s rejection of Eli, Samuel's birth, and subsequent judgment (1 Samuel 1:1–7:17)
• The life of Saul prior to meeting David (1 Samuel 8:1–15:35)
• Saul's interaction with David (1 Samuel 16:1–2 Samuel 1:27)
• David's reign and the rebellions he suffers (2 Samuel 2:1–20:22)
• An appendix of material concerning David in no particular order, and out of sequence with the rest of the text (2 Samuel 22:1–24:25)
A conclusion of sorts appears at 1 Kings 1–2, concerning Solomon enacting a final revenge on those who did what David perceived as wrongdoing, and having a similar narrative style. While the subject matter in the Book(s) of Samuel is also covered by the narrative in Chronicles, it is noticeable that the section (2 Sam. 11:2–12:29) containing an account of the matter of Bathsheba is omitted in the corresponding passage in 1 Chr. 20.
In Judges, we saw the settling the Promised Land; followed by a downward spiral. In Ruth we were introduced to the concept of the Kinsman Redeemer, dependent on: Position, Resources, Willingness. The First Book of Samuel brings us to the last Judges – Samuel. In Samuel's old age, he appoints his sons as Judges, but they do not follow his example, so the people clamour for a king.
Up to this point, God had been the King of the Jews, the Jews, a loose confederation of tribes until a threat arises and a Judge emerges. This was unlike other peoples. Now they wanted to be like other people. But they were to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.
God told Samuel, "They have not rejected you, but Me." Warn them what a king will do to them. At God’s instruction, Samuel told them what a king would do to them, he would:
• Take your sons to run in front of his chariots;
• Assign them to a military;
• Plow & reap the king's ground;
• Make equipment for war;
• Daughters as domestic servants;
• Take the best of your fields & vineyards;
• Take a tithe of your income for keeping his government;
• Take the best of your servants;
• Take a tithe of your livestock & you will become his slaves;
• When that day comes you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen & the Lord will not answer you in that day.
But the people wouldn't listen to Samuel. They wanted a king, to be like other nations. A king to lead us, to go before us into battle. Samuel told God what the people demanded. And the Lord, in total disgust, says "Listen to them; give them a king."
Having a king was not a good thing.
In 1050BC, the people choose their first king, Saul. Tall Saul - a head taller than everyone else - a king from central casting who looked the part; tall, dark haired, handsome.
Things were not all peaceful. If you recall, back in the Book of Judges, one of the later Judges, Samson began to defeat the Philistines, but didn't finish the job. Now King Saul is trying to defeat the Philistines, but the two armies are camped out for a great climatic battle--winner take all.
The scene was the Valley of Elah, one of the four main east-west valleys connecting the Coastal Plain with the Judean Hill Country. The Philistines on one hill and the nation of Israel on the other. A battle between the two armies would be a blood bath, they would fight nearly to the last man and the winner would take all that was left.
The leader of the Phillistines, Goliath came forward challenging the Hebrews to single combat, the winner again to take all, saying, "I'll fight for the Philistines, you choose a man to fight for you; winner take all; why shed all this blood. If you win, we'll become your subjects. If I win you'll become our subjects.”
Who should have stepped forward to represent his nation in battle? The leader of course, Tall Saul. But, there was a small catch. Goliath was over 9 feet tall, wearing heavy bronze armor, a spear like a 4x4. Tall Saul had no intention of damaging his handsome visage. Every day, morning and night, Goliath issued the challenge. No answer.
In comes David. David, the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons. David from the tribe of Ephraim, living in Bethlehem in Judah. David who was bringing food to three of his older brothers serving in Saul’s army, left the food and came out to the line. While he was there, he heard the daily challenge. Saul and his army are afraid to do anything.
David asks, “What's the deal?” He heard the king would give a fortune, his daughter in marriage, and exemption from taxes forever anyone who would defeat Goliath.
David tells the king, "I will go and remove the disgrace of Israel; I will fight him."
Saul looks at the 16 year old and says "Look at you. You're just a kid. Goliath is a professional soldier. You're just a shepherd boy."
David says, "When I keep my fathers sheep, when a lion or bear came, I would kill them with my sling. If it turned on me I grabbed it and killed it. This Philistine will be like one of them. The Lord who delivered my from the paw of the lion and bear will deliver me from this Philistine.”
When he put on Saul the Tall’s armor, he could not move. David decided to fight the way he trained. He chose 5 smooth stones, sling in hand he ran towards Goliath. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face.
• David takes his sword, cuts off his head.
• The Philistines flee. And David is a national hero.
• David is a hero and Saul is known as a coward.
• David becomes a leader, he would lead his army into battle.
• Everyone wanted to serve under David.
• Saul descends into madness as David becomes more popular.
• Saul's son, Jonathan and David become fast friends.
Ben Lizak 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.”
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.”
JESUS said, Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 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 - Passiontide
Today we enter into Passiontide. Lent began with focusing on our sin, turning to God. Now we focus on God’s plan for our sin. Like the cross today, God’s love is veiled to us, yet He made for us one time, for all time, for all mankind: a sin offering and by the blood of His own Son an atonement. We know Jesus died in our place, for us. We know Jesus did it because he loves us. In the words of a recent pre-service song:
“Amazing love, how could it be?
That you my king would die for me.”
How much does God love you? In the heavenly Tabernacle, a Sin Offering has been made for your sin—A perfect male lamb.
Jesus is the sacrifice, His life taken to restore us to life.
How much does He love you?
In the heavenly Tabernacle, Jesus’ blood is taken into the Holy of Holies, to the throne of God. Sprinkled upon the mercy seat, upon the Ark of the Covenant. That the mercy of God might be given to us sinners.
Jesus’ blood is offered that we might enter into communion with his heavenly Father.
At-one-ment: that we might be one as Jesus & Father.
How much does He love you?
We enter Passion to see what’s veiled from our eyes.
We enter Passion having been restored—a sin offering
We enter Passion to experience that unity of Divine Love, the At-one-ment.
How much does He love you?
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays or anniversaries today.
After Church Hospitality
Martha Stevens brought the goodies today. Two kinds of cookies: lemony and chocolaty they were, fresh oranges and mixed nuts. Very nice!
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was back with his parents in Las Vegas. Barista Ben Lizak stood in for the CMCB and brewed wonderful coffee. Father Acker managed to get up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
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!
Please note that on the green or orange cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the “prayer team”, those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, your can ask that the names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.
Travel
Ken is on travel this week.
Aaron, Traci and Warren are on travel this week.
Tim is on travel this week and is moving his dad back home.
Walt and Fran are on travel this week.
Sick or in need of healing
Healing
Annie, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Bethany (collision), Greg (shoulder surgery), Kathy, Richard, Christian, Trish, Marie, Wanda, Sarah, Tina, Mark, Lois, Jennette, Linn, Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Theresa, Don (post surgery), Melanie, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Betty, Terri, Mary, Edward, Bert, Jesusa (difficult pregnancy), Sheila, Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Kevin, Bruce, Susanne, Paul (stroke), Ralph (eyes), Allison (kidney)
Father Acker administered the Healing Blessing to Annie Springer
Guidance
Christiana, Alexander, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, Stella, Shelly, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Cindi, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Ed, Ruthie, Rick, Carol, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Donny, Chris, Andrew, Keith, Jeff, Penny
Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Patrick, Justin, Tim, Evan, Jim, Jason, JR, Matt, Phillip
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.
I’d like to get a different point across or announce something
If you have a different point of view, I would be happy to give you room to get your point across. While this publication is my perspective on events, I recognize not everyone may agree and that some people would like to express their own opinion.
If want to write an article or make an announcement, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to the following address: thebeadle@mac.com.
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.
Epistle Readers
We post the list of Epistle Readers in the Beadle’s Report each week so you can either plan your attendance or your pre-reading as the spirit so moves you.
Date Reader
16 March 2008 Holly Lizak
23 March 2008 Alex Boyd (Easter)
30 March 2008 Jan Macauley
6 April 2008 Hap Arnold
13 April 2008 Dru Arnold
20 April 2008 Jack Arnold
27 April 2008 Alice Acker
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Sunday next before Easter, commonly called Palm Sunday. Sunday being the first day of the week, it is also the first day of Holy Week.
Pre-Service Class
Next Sunday will also be the seventh Sunday in Father Acker’s pre-service class series, Around the Bible in 70 Days, a ten week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching that begins at 8:30am on Sundays. The class provides an overview of the entire bible. This is the forest view for those feeling lost among the trees. Actually it a good reminder on the overall story and our reading it as God’s story.
The 10 minute teaching series begins at 8:30am each Sunday! This is an excellent opportunity to bring a friend who would like to know more about the Bible and Christianity.
Potential Deacon to Be Greg Chase and the Home Study Group - 13 March 2008 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
Greg Chase is applying to be a Deacon in the church. This process is multifaceted and may or may not be in the order presented:
• Greg first convinces the Vicar that he is deacon material;
• The Vicar convinces the Vestry Greg is deacon material;
• The Vestry and the Vicar recommend Greg to the Bishop (Bishop Boyce);
• The Bishop provides an application and test;
• Greg’s background is investigated;
• Greg completes the application and test;
• The Bishop provides a course of study;
• Greg completes the course of study to the Bishop’s standard;
• Greg’s application is accepted;
• Greg is ordained a Deacon in the church;
• Blessed Trinity has a Deacon.
This brings us to the heading, Home Study Group. Greg’s course of study is heavily weighted to the Book of Common Prayer, in particular the version in use by our church, that of 1928. There are various reasons for the emphasis on the BCP, because deacons are expected to:
• Know what our church stands for, else how can they be leaders;
• Lead church services, which come from the BCP;
• Provide guidance for parishioners and others, much of which is in the BCP;
• Understand the history of our church, which resulted in the BCP;
• Lead others to the church.
To help Greg in his study, he and Father Acker have established a Home Study Group to delve into the Book of Common Prayer. The group will meet at Greg’s home the second Thursday of each month. The first meeting will be 13 March 2008, the time will be from 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm). These sessions will be a great chance for Greg to learn the BCP and gain experience in group dynamics. They will also be an excellent opportunity for participants to gain an insight into one of the finest sources of religious experience outside the Bible.
Join Greg and Father Acker the second Thursday of each month from 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm). For details talk to Greg at church or e-mail gnchase@cox.net.
Lenten Book Study – Last Chance!
Each Wednesday in Lent, we meet at 1815 (6:15pm) at the SCAIR Center in Alpine to discuss the book The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. This week we are covering Chapters 25 through the end. This is the last meeting, don’t miss it. Feel free to jump in the middle.
Evening Prayer 1815 (6:15 pm)
Soup Dinner Starts 1830 (6:30 pm)
Discussion Starts 1915 (7:15 pm)
Discussion Ends 2000 (8:00 pm)
Doubt not: this study is entertaining, the food great, and when you are done, you will feel far more comfortable and be far stronger in your Christian beliefs. If you have not ordered your copy, either call Father Acker or scrounge in the Lending Library (there are some there).
Holy Week Activities
Wednesday
Instructional Seder Dinner
The last Wednesday in Lent, we will be having an instructional Seder dinner at the SCAIR Center at 1815 (6:15 pm). Join us to find out what a Passover Dinner was like. Everyone is invited and very wanted. This is interesting and a lot of fun. Join us. If you don’t have a great time, the Beadle will personally refund double your money (easy to do as it is free). If you are coming, call, e-mail or see Father Acker so we can get a head count.
Thursday
Maunday Thursday Service
On Thursday of Holy Week, there will be a Maunday Thursday service at Victoria Chapel.
Friday
Good Friday Service
On Friday of Holy Week, there is an ecumenical service at noontime at Queen of Angels and an evening service at Victoria Chapel.
Saturday
There will be the traditional Easter Eve Service at Victoria Chapel with the first desert of Easter following.
Sunday
Easter Sunday Service
Our service for Easter Sunday will be held at the Alpine Community Center, as in years past. If you invite a friend and they come, you will each get a $25.00 iTunes gift card.
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 a single photograph and simple text is available at:
http://thebeadle.blogspot.com/
or with one photograph per issue and colorful text 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
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