Today was the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Sunrise brought a cool, but clear 34°F to Mount Olympus. Down at church it was 58°F when we got there and a lovely 65°F by the end of the service. The superb weather brought 26 attendees.
In addition to being the Fourth Sunday in Lent, this was also the First Sunday of the Month, also known as Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday. As most of you know, Father Acker teaches a guitar class on Wednesdays, which is FREE. Thus, the class is known as the “Free Teen Guitar Class”, or FTGC. They use the first Sunday of each month, as well as special occasions as a performance opportunity.
Rose Sunday
We are halfway through Lent, or close to it, 22 days down, 18 to go. Many people do not realize that Lent has 40 days, as Sundays are not counted. Sundays are not fast days, as we celebrate every Sunday in remembrance of the glorious resurrection of our Lord. Situated halfway through Lent, this Sunday is often called Refreshment Sunday after the Gospel, with the loaves and fishes. The liturgical color lightens from purple to rose as a break in our fasting. It is also the time when English children traditionally came home from boarding schools for Easter. It also is observed as Mother’s Day in England for that very reason.
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 Book of Judges (Hebrew: Sefer Shoftim ספר שופטים) is a book of the Bible originally written in Hebrew. It appears in the Tanakh and in the Christian Old Testament. Its title refers to its contents; it contains the history of Biblical judges (not to be confused with modern judges), who helped rule and guide the ancient Israelites, and of their times. As Judges stands today, the last judge it mentions is Samson, and although there are two further stories, the traditional view is that Samson's exploits probably synchronize with the period immediately preceding Eli, who was both high priest and judge. Both academic views and traditional thought hence view the narrative of the judges as ending at Samson, picking up again at 1 Samuel 1:1 to consider Eli, and continuing through to 1 Samuel 7:2. As for the stories at the end of the Book, which are set in the same time period as the judges, but discuss people other than the judges, there is much affinity between these and the Book of Ruth, and many people believe Ruth originally belonged amongst them.
Throughout the time described in Judges, the Hebrew nation is without a central leader:
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)
As a result, over and over, the nation fell into Apostasy; they were Conquered; they turned to God who Delivered via a leader who he raised up from among them. Then, once all was clear, back to apostasy and the cycle began again.
Threat Judges or Leaders
Mesopotamia Othneil
Moabites & Philistines Ehud & Shamgar
King of Canaan Deborah & Barak
Midian Gideon
Civil War Abimelech, Tola, & Jair
Philistines & Ammonites Jephtha, Ibzan, Elon, & Abdon
Philistines Samson
Judges is the story of the downward spiral of Hebrew history:
• People serve God;
• Do evil;
• Forsake God;
• Follow their own way;
• Enter into depression & warfare;
• They are sold into slavery;
• They repent;
• They cry out to God;
• A Judge is raised and delivers the people.
The story in a nutshell:
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)
A society adrift: morally, economically, religiously, & militarily. Hebrew people end up worse than the people they were replacing, spiraling down the drain.
You see nothing but the ruins of the people. Where is God’s plan of salvation? It’s almost devoid of hope. A ray of hope is in the next book—Ruth.
The Book of Ruth (Hebrew: מגילת רות;) is one of the books of the Ketuvim ("Writings") of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) and of the Writings of the Old Testament. It is one of the shortest books in both Jewish and Christian scripture, consisting of only four chapters and is perfectly structured:
• Prolog of 73 words in Hebrew
• Chapters 1-2: Naomi loses everything
• Chapters 3-4: Naomi gains everything
• Epilog of 73 words in Hebrew
In many ways, it is the greatest love story in the Bible, telling of the friendship of Naomi and Ruth, as well as the marriage of Ruth and Boaz.
Naomi and her husband Elimelech move to Moab with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion . The two sons marry two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. First Elimelech dies, then the two sons, leaving the widowed Naomi with two widowed daughters in law. She tells them to marry new husbands and says she wil be returning to Judah. In response Ruth said, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Naomi and Ruth stay. Ruth goes into a field to glean food, the field is owned by Boaz, who falls in love with her. Under the law, Boaz has the right to redeem Ruth, Naomi and their property. He, as a Kinsman Redeemer, does so, for he has the:
• Position
• Resources
• Willingness
to so do.
This concept of Kinsman Redeemer is the same as that of Jesus Christ, but at a different level for a different redemption.
Ruth has a son with Boaz, who has Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of King David. Kings of Israel starting in 1st Samuel.
Jan Macauley read the Epistle for today, which came from the Fourth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians beginning at the Twenty-First Verse:
TELL me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
The Gospel for this morning came from the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel of St. John beginning at the First Verse.
JESUS went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
Sermon - How much should I give to God?
People often ask, “How much should I give to God?”
The answer is really simple, kind of like the Golden Rule:
Give unto God as you would have Him give unto you.
Give unto God that which you would have Him give unto you.
Think about today’s Gospel. The young man comes forward with all he has, five barley loaves of bread and two small fishes. What is that among so many?
Often we are tempted to do nothing, for what can we, with so little, do for so many?
If we don’t start, the answer is clear – Nothing!
If you want your life, you have to give it to God. If you want success in this world, you have to give your life here to God. God will take what you give Him, put it in order and give it back to you.
Like the five barley loaves of bread and two small fishes, He will take what you give Him, put it in order and make use of it. If you want credit for it, think of this: Other than our Lord, who do we remember from that grassy hillside two thousand years ago? The young boy who gave his all to our Lord.
Five barley loaves of bread and two small fishes -
What do you have to give?
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays or anniversaries today.
After Church Hospitality
Fran and Walt Dexter brought goodies today. Two boxes of local fresh donuts and a huge bowl of mixed fruit. Sadly, your Beadle cannot report on the state of the fruit, but he can comment on the extremely high quality of the buttermilk bar donuts. Ben said the fruit was great and he can be trusted. The Dexters brought two huge boxes of donut, far too many for our congregation. Luckily, the congregation did not know there were too many and ate them all!
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was back visiting his parents in Las Vegas, and brewed wonderful coffee. Father Acker managed to get up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade.
New Nametags
We had two new nametags today, Father Acker’s brother and his wife
Scott Acker Maureen Acker
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 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.
Tim and Stephanie are both traveling 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
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
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.
Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC – www.freeteenguitarclass.com)
The Free Teen Guitar Class is underway on Wednesdays with new times:
New Beginning Class 3:00-3:45pm String 1 and very basics.
Continuing Book Class 3:45-4:30pm We are doing pages 38 & 39 Key of G.
Techniques Class 4:30-5:15pm Starting improvisation on Ionian scale & rhythm part for Surfing with the Alien.
All classes are open to new students. You might know someone who already plays some and wants to join in. If you know someone who wants to play and does not have a guitar, we have a few loaner beginner guitars. If you haven’t done so, have a look at our website: http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com. I think you will like it.
Email me if you want a new FTGC Flyer! frkeitha@alpineanglican.com
The next performance opportunity is March 3rd.
- Father Ironhand
Deputy Beadle
Your Beadle is please to announce the appointment of a new Deputy Beadle. Alex Springer has been appointed a Deputy Beadle. Like all Beadles, he works where the need is greatest, but his primary duties are in the Front Door area. Alex is the son of Mike and Annie Springer and one of our Free Teen Guitar Class members.
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
9 March 2008 Ben Lizak
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 Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called Passion Sunday.
Pre-Service Class
Next Sunday will also be the sixth Sunday in Father Acker’s new 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
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
Each Wednesday in Lent, we are meeting 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 18 – 24.
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 will be 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).
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.
Maunday Thursday Service
On Thursday of Holy Week, there will be a Maunday Thursday service at Victoria Chapel.
Good Friday Service
On Friday of Holy Week, there will be morning and evening services at Victoria Chapel.
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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