Today was the Second Sunday after Easter, often referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday, because both the Epistle and Gospel reference Christ as the Good Shepherd. The weather in Alpine was more like winter than the late spring it is supposed to be; temperatures were in the mid-50°Fs with breaks in the overcast. Even though the weather was less than perfect for Southern California, 22 of our members managed to make the service.
Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday
Today was the First Sunday of the Month. This is the Sunday that Father Acker’s Free Teen Guitar Class kids provides music for our service. Today’s guitarists consisted of Ashley Turner, Andrew Boyd, Jack Arnold and Father Acker:
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 140 days by popular demand
Today continued the 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 are now at the first of the two Books of Kings. David is about to die and be replaced by Solomon. Solomon will be given the gifts of wisdom and administration; he will amass great wealth, go astray and die.
As David neared death:
Now king David was old and advanced in years; and although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. (1st Kings 1.1)
One of his “favored” sons, Adonijah, felt he could declare himself king:
Then Adonijah…exalted himself, saying I will be king…And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? Verses 5-6
At this point, Bathsheba called in her markers on behalf of her son Solomon with David from his murder of Uriah:
My lord, thou swarest by the Lord thy God unto thine handmaid saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne. Verse 17 and David said, Even so will I certainly do this day. Verse 30
Then:
Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways…Moreover thou knowest also what Joab…did to me…
Solomon figured his father was warning him to watch his back with regard to his brothers, so:
Now therefore, as the Lord liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day. (1 Kings 2.24)
He executed all his competition, Adonijah, Joab and others.
Not all bad, he asked God for help:
Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statues of David his father…At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” Give thy servant an understanding mind to govern thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to govern this thy great people?
God gave Solomon great wisdom and the gift of administration. With those gifts, he gained great power and wealth. With control over the trade routes for tax income and putting his powers to great use, he amassed a great fortune. Solomon’s father, David, had wanted to build the Temple. He made plans, gathered the building material and wrote songs (psalms) to be used there. He never got to build it. Solomon built the Temple in 966BC
With the grand temple built, there was more to do:
The king also made a great ivory throne, and overlaid it with the finest gold. The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was a calf’s head; and on each side arm rests …while 12 lions stood there. (1Kg10.19-20)
And where did all the money to pay for this come from?
Now the weight of the gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, besides that which came from the traders and from the traffic of the merchants, and kings of Arabia (1Kg10.14)
And do we think that the number 666 associated with money is a good sign? Likely not.
The love of things of this world came firmly upon Solomon:
Now King Solomon loved many foreign women…from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods…He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.” (1Kg11.1-3)
Now God had not instructed His people that 700 wives was a good idea, gift of administration or not, let alone the 300 concubines. But Solomon made it clear where his loyalty lie:
Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of Ammonites, on the mountains to the east of Jerusalem. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their idols. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel. (1Kg11.7-9)
This did not please God:
Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this has been your mind and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but will tear it our of the hand of your son. (1Kg11.11-12)
Next week we will cover the end of First Kings and cover Second Kings.
Hap Arnold read this morning’s Epistle from the First Epistle of St. Peter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse of the Second Chapter. The Epistle reminds us that Christ, who was completely without sin or guile, not only died for our sins, but suffered humiliation and torture without complaint for us. Thus, if we because we believe in God and our Lord Jesus are subjected to unfavorable comment, criticism or even persecution, we should bear this gladly, as our Lord gave us his example. We are as sheep going astray who have been returned to the flock by our Lord, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
We were asked the question, who is this man Jesus? We answered, he is the Son of God; are we following him? In this Epistle again, we are admonished to follow our Lord.
THIS is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto right-eousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Today’s Gospel started in the Tenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John beginning at the eleventh verse. Using the words that give this Sunday its name, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” He goes on to say He is not a hireling, but the shepherd himself, He knows each of His sheep and they know Him, even as He knows His Father and His Father knows Him. Because we are His sheep, He willingly laid down His life that we might live. Jesus also points out He is not here to shepherd only the Jews, but all men, “And there are other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.”
JESUS said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and know my sheep, and am known of mine, even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.
Sermon
From today’s Gospel, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
From the Gospel of Saint John, “So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten
Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
God sent His Son, who came willingly, to bring us salvation. He came as a shepherd willing to give “His life for the sheep.”
The real question is not if you believe in God. That doesn’t matter, He believes in you – no matter. The real question is, “Do you really want to be one of Jesus’ sheep?”
If you really want to be one, you will be one. Thus, if you are a sheep of His flock, you are on you way to eternal salvation. It is a one way trip.
The key is knowing where you are going. After all, if you don’t know where you are going, you won’t know when you get there. You also won’t know if you stray from the path. A lost sheep, so to speak.
Jesus is continually looking for His lost sheep. He calls for them. But, His calling won’t do any good if you won’t listen.
Is Jesus your shepherd?
Are you his sheep?
You were made for Eternity. Sometimes we all forget that. We need to see the big picture so we don’t get tied up in the short term.
We all feel the short term:
• I can SEE what is coming
• I can Be at the center
• I can Have it convenient
We can all see the long term, if only we will take the help Jesus offers:
• You See more from Heaven
• You Get more when God gives
• You have more in Eternity
Discipleship means following Jesus:
• Commiting your life to Him
• Learning how to follow
• Doing what He asks you
• Pointing the way for others
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
Know where you want to go
Know how to get there
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays. Today we celebrated Stephanie and Chris Boyd’s 16th Anniversary with her, Chris could not be with us.
After Church Hospitality
Stephanie Boyd brought manifold goodies today. She made lovely butterscotch oatmeal cookies, nutmeg logs, pita bread with hummus, a massive veggie platter and the biggest strawberries seen this year. The veggie platter had what looked like jalapeños, but were actually very nice sweet peppers.
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was back on station brewing wonderful coffee while Barista Ben Lizak stood by. 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.
Sick or in need of healing
Repose of the Soul
Annie’s brother Raymond passed away on Tuesday 18 March 2008
Walt and Fran’s friend Jack Mathias
Healing
Caroline (age 10 leukemia reoccurrence), Betty, 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, Terri, Mary, Edward, Bert, Jesusa (difficult pregnancy), Sheila, Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Bruce, Susanne, Paul (stroke), Ralph (eyes), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning)
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) – Hospitalized with heart, kidney and lung difficulties with fluid buildup on the lungs and what may be a form of septic arthritis. Please pray for the fluid to dissipate and for her heart to regain regularity. Also, please pray for her to regain her positive attitude. As always, she retains her trust in the Lord, she is just a bit down on things of this earth. Pray also for Mrs. Kay’s family and her close friend Len who are under great stress that they might also keep their trust in the Lord.
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, Sara
Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie, Walter
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Patrick, Justin, Tim, Evan, Jim, Jason, JR, Matt, Phillip
Back Door Lending Library
The Back Door Lending Library is happy to announce the availability of 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.
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.
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.
Flexibility and why we are here
We all like things just so. We have our job, that is our job and no one should interrupt us or ask us to take on something new without significant advance notice.
Nice in theory. What does God want? He wants us to get things DONE. Not thought about or talked about, not ignored, not started, DONE.
So what is the point? The point is our Second Acolyte Nick Patton. Today was Guitar Sunday. Which means that Senior Acolyte Jack Arnold was playing the guitar for some of the time he would normally be acolyting, if that be a word. Nick Patton stepped right in with his Nick-sized smile and picked up both the slack and the wine.
As our Navy friends say, “Bravo Zulu Nick!”
Next time something isn’t going the way you think it should, step in and help, don’t just get the beak!
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
13 April 2008 Dru Arnold
20 April 2008 Jack Arnold
27 April 2008 Alice Acker
4 May 2008 Emilie Springer
11 May 2008 Alex Springer
18 May 2008 Jack Arnold
25 May 2008 Jan Macauley
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Third Sunday after Easter. It is also the second Sunday which is our Vestry Meeting. All members of the parish are welcome.
What about the sermon? Being Eastertide, it seems a sure bet the sermon trend will continue on the Risen Lord, in one form or another. On the other hand, it isn’t a bet if it is sure! Still, what about the pre-service class? Will we have one? Will it pick up where we left off in the Old Testament with Second Kings or will Father Acker lose his place? What about Ezra? Will he overshoot all the way to Job?
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!
Alternate Sources of The Beadle’s Report
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
No comments:
Post a Comment