Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity

Today was the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday. The weather was cooler than last week with a sunrise temperature of 62°F on Mount Olympus. By the time church was over we were only at 76°F. The beautiful weather brought out a total of 20 participants by service start.

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 140 days by popular demand
The customary pre-service class is on hold. The Ackers are on vacation. Father Acker will resume the class next week.

Sing low, Sweet chariot!
The usual class time was taken up with a couple of extra welcome songs with music provided by Father Ironhand, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold. They have been playing additional welcome or gathering songs before the service. It must be working, at the start of singing, just like last week there were twelve people and by the time they were done, the congregation had grown to twenty!

Alice Acker read the Epistle which came from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the Eleventh Verse. Paul continues to warn us of the conflict in our lives between the things valued here on earth and those which are valued by the forces of heaven (God). Writing to the Gentiles in Galatia, using to the rite of circumcision as a symbol for all of the law, he warns, “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” Those who are every eager to have you follow the “law” themselves fail to follow it. He goes on to say that Jesus’ new covenant transcends the law and the law no longer has hold over man. For in Jesus there is salvation, may “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”

YE see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Today’s Gospel was written in the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning at the Twenty-Fourth Verse. Jesus tells us, “No man can serve two masters …Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” There is only one first place, only one can be in that place. We either place God in first place or we put something else there. If we wish riches in this world as the most important thing in our life, we place the things of this world in first place. If we follow our Lord Jesus and His instruction, we place God in that first place. But, what of this world? “Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they?” Jesus tells us not to worry, for worry is of no positive value. When faced with a problem, we must do our best, not merely claim to do our best, and trust in God. For, “which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?” God knows we have need of the things of this world while we are in it, he knows we worry about, “What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” If we first seek “His kingdom, and His righteousness” He will take care of all our necessities. But we must do as He asks, not merely say we are doing so. If you follow God’s directions, you will be wealthy beyond description. While you will never be “Bill Gates” rich, you will never lack what you need.

Jesus tells us, “Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” We are not to worry, but to our best and let the morrow come as it will. We are to do our best, not merely say we are doing our best. For if we truly do our best, then that is all that can be done and there is no point in worrying.

Using an earlier phrase, Trust in God and Dread Naught.


NO man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Sermon – Living a life made for glory
This time of year (returning to school), the media inundates us with “Back To School” ads. The marketers thoughtfully want to make sure you and your kids are wearing the “right stuff” for school, that you have the “right” gear, the “right” things you “need” to succeed in school or even at work. They focus on the external, not the internal. It is not the “Clothes that make the man”, but rather the “Man that makes the clothes.” Yet there is no profit for the marketeers in that thought.

Jesus tells us that our lives are made for glory. Eternal and joyous life is ours for the accepting. We don’t have to even ask for it, just accept it. Yet there are two things he asks of us:

• Live with Responsibility
• Live with Purpose

In the words of Saint Paul:

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5.15-16

Saint Paul admonishes us to take care of what we do, to keep the big picture in mind at all times. The world about us is evil, we need take care in it.

Jesus also asks that we live our life with purpose. God put each of us here on earth to make a difference. It is our choice whether it be a positive or negative difference. Who will we serve? Yet in many respects those who allow their life to be meaningless in many ways work more the devil’s work than those who do evil.

Like Christ be ready with a hand to help those in need. Not to do for them what they can and should do for themselves, but rather to do for them what they cannot do. In this way, you can help them to their feet so they can stand on their own. Recall the Penta Mandatum:

• Love the Lord (heart, soul, & mind)
• Love thy neighbor
• Go…make disciples
• Baptizing
• Teaching

How are you doing with the Penta Mandatum? Who are you serving? Have you done your part for that life made for glory today? Remember, tomorrow never comes. It is always today. So get on it!

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

After Church Hospitality
Martha Stevens brought the goodies today. Although they are referred to as goodies, if it were a word, they would have been greaties. First and most important were the deviled eggs, then there were cranberry cookies, lemon cookies and pineapple. The Command Master Brewer and the Beadle passed judgment on the deviled eggs as excellent. And believe me, they know deviled eggs!

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley once again took time off from fishing and made excellent coffee. Father Acker got up early, vacation or no, and made his famous low carb lemonade. Thanks!

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

Date Name
7 September 2008 Stephanie Boyd
14 September 2008 Bishop’s Visit and Beadle’s Party
21 September 2008 Alice Acker

New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.

People in our Prayers - http://www.blessedtrinityprayerteam.blogspot.com/
Prayer is an extremely important activity.
It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God's work.

The Prayer Team of the Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.

Who can be on the list? Do I have to be a member of the Blessed Trinity Church to be prayed for? No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.

What is the commitment from the prayer team?
Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at last once per day.

How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?
You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Greg - gnchase@cox.net or Dru - dru@descansorodents.com, or call the church office at (619) 722-1772 or fill out a prayer card at church.

What should I ask for?
Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.

Updating the Team
If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Father Acker in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice 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, you can ask that their names and purpose be kept confidential, and then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.

Travel
Traci and Warren are on travel this week.
Stephanie and Alex are on travel this week.

Departed
Walter, Alice Acker’s uncle, passed away, his funeral is Tuesday, 2 September 2008. Of your Christian charity, pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family who remain here on earth.

Healing
Betty, Annie (diabetes), Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Karl, Christian, Marie, Wanda, Frank+ (brain tumor), Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Melanie, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Terri, Mary, Carmen, Yolanda, Jodi, Ken, Sheila, Nancy, Leucrecia (cancer), Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Teiko, Ernie, Ray, Betty, Hazel, Bruce (heart attack), Susanne, Paul (stroke), Ralph+ (eyes hip), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning)
, Joy, Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Jim (pancreatic cancer), Lise (peritoneal cancer), Joy, Martha, Evelyn, Sheryal, Kenny (eye surgery)

Mary Parker has gone home from Sharp Memorial. She is still in the recovery process and in need to continued prayer. Please pray also for her family who are very concerned for her.

Alice, friend of Fran Dexter, had lung cancer and surgery five years ago and has been in remission. After she started coughing up blood, radiological testing found a spot on her lung. She and her husband Rick ask your prayers for her and the surgeons and medical personnel taking care of her as she undergoes surgery on 4 September 2008. Fran asks in particular that you pray for peace of mind for both Alice and Rick that they might put their trust in God.

Kenny, who is to have eye surgery.

Denise, Father Acker's sister-in-law's niece, is in her early 30's and has started to have numbness in fingertips and toes. There was a concern she might have Multiple Sclerosis. Tests were done on 8 August 2008 andscame back negative. They also did secondary tests for cancer cells that came back negative. They think she has carpel tunnel in her wrists and possibly needs some dental work for the numbness in her fingers and facial area. All the prayers are much appreciated, and we thank God for the wonderful test results.

Joshua Hamilton remains in SICU. He fell out of a car the morning of 27 July 2008. He sustained a closed head injury and potential spinal cord injuries. Joshua has undergone two surgeries to relieve pressure on his brain. He was in an induced coma, the coma inducing medication has been discontinued. He has not yet awakened and the MRI did not have a very positive if he should awaken. We are praying for God’s miraculous intervention and to do those things best for Joshua in his life with God. Please continue to pray for his wife, Tulani, and two children, Isaiah & Keanu, and of course his mom, Jo Ann, and his James brother who is in our FTGC, asking for God’s presence and comfort.

Sara, a good friend of John an old family friend of the Ackers. Sara has two small children and an abusive ex-husband. The ex-husband took the children and Sara is in court trying to get them back. Sara asks you pray that God’s will for these children will be realized and they will be put in the best custody situation possible. Please pray for God’s guidance in the lives of the ex-husband, John and Sara and that they might hear Him.

George, husband of LaVonda and friend of Susanne Barrett, whose bladder cancer has returned. An update from George's wife, LaVonda:

George finished his 10th and final radiation treatment and starts chemotherapy again. Pray God will bless all aspects of the chemotherapy treatments, and use the chemotherapy to destroy all corrupt, unnatural, cells in George’s body. Pray during the chemotherapy God will protect the healthy cells in all parts of George’s body. Surgery is not an option at this point. Specifically, you are asked to pray for:

• Healing for George
• Pain relief for George
• Emotional and spiritual strength for George, LaVonda, Megan, and George III
• Continued weight gain for George, even after resuming chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy will do no harm to healthy cells, but destroy all unhealthy cells
• George and LaVonda will get peaceful, restorative sleep each night

Glenn Finch – is awake and walking. Glenn was discharged this Thursday! He will be living with Ron and Caralie for awhile. Since he needs 24 hour supervision and help, we will be getting trained this Wednesday by the therapy team. Though we are thrilled to be there for him, it's a bit scary and overwhelming. Someone suggested that we set up a resource calendar defining all his needs, in case there are those who would like to help. So that's what we are doing. It will be on www.carecalendar.org; type in ID number - 6351 and Code - 7647 to get to Glenn's calendar. I'm working on it, so give me a day or so.

Also, if you would like to be a helper in any way, please send me your name, email address and phone number so we can begin a file. Send to normancj@cox.net. Glenn will need rides to and from rehab 5 days a week; meals; TLC visits; people to help him with his therapy homework on the weekends; people to hang out with him, errands, etc. Glenn's Mom, Ron and I really will need some help I think.

Please pray that insurance will give Glenn an outpatient rehab agenda that will last longer than a month so that he can get the most out of this crucial time to work on all the parts of his brain. Thanks for your continued thoughts, prayers and care. Caralie

Evelyn Hunt is just not feeling right. She has generalized shaking, pressure in her head, blurred vision, nausea and fatigue. Although she has undergone many tests, they have not been able to determine the cause of the problem. She goes back to the doctor on Tuesday for more results. Please pray for a determination of the cause of her problems, a cure and a cessation of the symptoms.

Miney Farrell has had pain and weakness in her leg that has been limiting her activity.

Lorraine Winkles is still dealing with shingles (now over 18 months). The level of discomfort varies but the condition is persisting.

Lona Walsh is in significant discomfort, but it looks like it is not Lupus. A recent MRI indicates she needs shoulder surgery on both sides, not great news, but much better than Lupus. She hopes for more information shortly, in the mean time, she asks that you continue your prayers for healing.

Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) – is home from the hospital now, though she continues to have with heart, kidney and lung difficulties with fluid buildup on the lungs and what may be a form of septic arthritis. She is doing much better. Every so often she has a flare-up of the severe shoulder pain, accompanied by chills and shivering- but the last time it happened was much relieved by Cortisone injections. Also, please pray for her to maintain her positive attitude. As always, she retains her trust in the Lord, she thankful to get her positive attitude back. 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. 

 Mrs. Kay sent the Prayer Team a card and asks that everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers.

Nicole Ethridge - age 27, mother of two - Has a form of liver disease, which is causing her liver to shut down. She is near dialysis and would like you to pray for her disease to go into remission so that she can keep off dialysis and avoid a liver transplant. She asks that you pray for her continued faith and good spirits, as well as strength to take care of her children.

Caroline (age 10, leukemia recurrence) Update on Caroline from Caroline's mom, Carmen, 28 August 2008:

This has been quite an eventful week. It has been filled with joy and concern. Caroline is doing quite well. Her platelets and hemoglobin have both made very nice increases and she is in the normal range with both of those! Her liver enzymes have also continued to drop, but are still on the elevated side. Thank you to everyone who has been praying. One area of significant concern is her white blood cell count. It has skyrocketed. Dr. Rosenthal is not too concerned and assures us that this happens sometimes as the new marrow is trying to equalize. However, it is definitely something he is keeping an eye on. We are praying that her white blood cell count comes down to the normal range and that she is cured and rid of the leukemia.

Guidance
Lloyd & Jennifer, Bob to be guided to a church
Ashley, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, Jerry, Martha, Matt, Marci, Nicholas, Carmen, Mary, John, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Margie, Phyllis, Walter, Rick, Carol, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Donny, Chris, Eric (job), Andrew, Keith (job decision), Sara, Mark, Alexandra, Nelson, Perlita, Lewis, Sam & Susie

Economic Guidance and Assistance
St. Andrew’s Academy (Lake Almanor, CA) Father Brian Foos (headmaster) – Please pray for help and guidance for the school, which is under severe pressure from economic down turn. 
 You can pray and turn your heart towards this problem. If you can do something concrete to help them, contact Father Acker.

Eric and Eric both to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new company more successful.

Sonny and Carol have lost their business, their home is in foreclosure. Please pray that they might find an opportunity for gainful employment where they can use their talents to make a positive impact on the world.

Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie

Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, Jim, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, Joe (USAF - Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait)


Anglican Communion
Archbishop Peter Akinola, the head of the GAFCON Primates’ Council has asked us to pray for our Anglican Communion. Specifically during September to December, we are bidden to pray for:

1. Guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the GAFCON Primates Council that they may be united in their leadership for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

2. Upholding the Bible as authoritative for the life, faith, and conduct of all Christians

3. Remaining faithful in the central task of the Church to mission and evangelism, saving the lost, bringing life and health to the poor and needy

4. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit to bring renewal, revival and transformation of individuals, communities, and societies

5. Anglicans to focus upon God’s agenda set forth in Scripture, God’s authority as given by Jesus Christ, and God’s mission in saving sinners and by the Holy Spirit turning them into saints

6. The setting aside all other agendas, that Jesus alone be Lord

Original Text follows -----------
----- Original Message -----
From: GAFCON@anglican-mainstreamnet
Subject: GAFCON Prayer Request
To: All GAFCON Participants & All Church, Diocesan and Provincial Intercessors

PRAYER BULLETIN SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2008

Grace and peace from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise and glory be to the One who was, the One who is and the One who sits on the throne for ever and ever. Amen.

The Primate of all Nigeria, the Most Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola has been moved in his spirit to call on all intercessors throughout the world to seek God's face fervently, spending nights and days on our knees, praying earnestly for our Anglican Communion. At his instigation, we therefore bring before you the first of a series of quarterly Prayer Bulletins, and ask that you join us in praying for the following:

1. Pray for a Spirit-led, united leadership for the GAFCON Primates Council, that they may remain faithful to the teachings of the Bible, steadfast in promoting the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and uncompromising in the pursuit of the truth of the word of God and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also pray for the GAFCON Theological Resource Group and the GAFCON Leadership team that they may remain faithful, focused and not distracted.

2. Lift up before the throne of grace the Jerusalem Statement, which represents the collective mind of the participants at GAFCON, as revealed by the Holy Spirit, that this statement may be a guide in the pursuit of the two fundamental resolutions of GAFCON, i.e. :

a. that the Bible be upheld as the final authority for the life, faith and conduct of all believers;

b. that mission and evangelism, saving the lost, bringing life and health to the poor and needy, remain the main tasks of the church.

3. Pray earnestly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit powerfully to bring about renewal, revival and transformation of lives, communities and environments.

4. Pray for a clear focus for the Anglican Church to pursue God's agenda from Scripture, God's authority as given by Jesus Christ, and God's mission in saving sinners and turning them to saints through the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray sincerely that all other agendas be lost, and Jesus alone be Lord.

We count it a privilege to be called upon for this great task in the vineyard of the Lord.

The Lord be with you ,

+Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin A. Kwashi

Archbishop of Jos and Co-ordinator GAFCON Prayer Teams

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.

Keeping Up to Date with the Parish and the World
In an effort to keep us in touch with each other and the Christian and non-Christian world, Father is posting updates at the Thursday Evening News, oddly enough on Thursdays. This is a nice mid-week update for us, drop in and take a look. It is also linked to from the various Beadle’s Blogs.

http://thursdayeveningnews.blogspot.com/

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

31 August 2008 Alice Acker
7 September 2008 Tim Macauley
14 September 2008 Jan Macauley
21 September 2008 Dru Arnold
28 September 2008 Jack Arnold
5 October 2008 Alice Acker
19 October 2008 Ben Lizak
26 October 2008 Jack Arnold

Bishop and Mrs. Boyce Visit
Bishop Richard Boyce and his lovely wife Cathie will be making their annual visit to our parish on 14 September 2008. After Sunday’s service, we will be holding our annual Beadle’s Party at the Arnolds’ home. This is a guaranteed good time. With the Boyces about, it has to be. If you have never had a chance to talk to Bishop and Cathie, this is your chance. They are really wonderful people and we are lucky that they have committed their lives to our Lord’s cause.

For those of you who do not actually attend Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity on a regular (or any other) basis, but read the Beadle’s Report or somehow hear of the party, you are very welcome and much encouraged to come. There will be maps and signs from the church, or e-mail the Beadle (thebeadle@mac.com) for instructions on how to get there. Church starts at 0830 (8:30 am) and ends at 0930 (9:30 am), we will be leaving for the Arnolds’ at about 0950 (9:50 am). You don’t even have to come to church, although your Beadle would not personally miss a chance to hear Bishop Boyce talk.

Mark Sunday 14 September 2008 on your calendar. Be there!

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Come next Sunday and see if Father Acker remembers he is off vacation and there is a pre-service class. See if he remembers where he left off in the Bible tour or he finally tells us what the Green Season means.

What about the sermon? Will he preach on the Gospel or something all together different? 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