Today was the last day of summer. Last day of summer or not, the sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was 46∞F, the marine layer was dense and came all the way to the Tavern Road off ramp.. By the time church finished we were at 72∞F under clear skies. Even though we had perfect weather and a freshly vacationed organist, we only had 16 participants by service start.
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. This was our first fall season class after summer vacation, even though it was on the last day of summer. Amazingly, Father Acker must have kept notes because he picked up right where he left off, not missing a beat and no repeating!
As is customary, 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
Today was a short review of the Bible to date. We have made our way through the Bible from Genesis (the beginning) to the Book of Hosea, one of the minor prophets.
The Old Testament consists of four parts:
1. The Law/The Torah
o Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
2. The Histories
o Joshua, Judges, Ruth
o Samuel (1 & 2), Kings (1 & 2), Chronicles (1 & 2)
o Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther
3. The Poetry/The Writings
o Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs
4. The Prophets
o Major (long books)
♣ Isaiah, Jeremiah & Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
o Minor (short books)
♣ Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
To put the Books of the Prophets in to historical context and place their time in history, you drop back into the time of the Kings. The major event of Isaiah was the Assyrians destroying the North in 701BC. King Uzziah took it on himself to burn incense on the Temple altar. He was a bad king. Hosea was written at the same time as Isaiah, but in and of the Northern Kingdom. He was a prophet for 50 years and saw the captivity prophesy come true. God’s message in Hosea is that God is the Judge and is like a faithful husband, no matter the infidelity of the wife (Israel). The wrongs of Israel will be judged, the betrayal noted. God tells Hosea to take Gomer for a wife, a woman with three children from illicit affairs, who runs off with another man. Yet, God calls on him to take her back to him.
Time after time, God is faithful.
Feast of Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
21 September is known as Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. "It's not about Matthew." This day, like all others, is about Jesus Christ. Only on this day, the life of Matthew is the context in which we see the life of Jesus.
Matthew as an Apostle and one of the four evangelists of the New Testament. In the lists of the disciples given in the Synoptic Gospels, Matthew is sometimes called Levi. Before his calling, he was a tax collector for King Herod Antipas. The Gospel of Saint Matthew contains more of the teachings, parables and sayings of Jesus than any other gospel. It is also the only Synoptic Gospel written in a Jewish, rather than a Hellenistic, style.
Dru Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, the Fourth Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. In the Epistle, Paul asks us to reflect Jesus in the living of our lives, reminding us that we are “very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son (Christ), which is the blessed company of all faithful people.” We are to treat the Word of God as it is plainly read, not crafting new meaning to suit our own purpose and do an end run around God’s clear desire for us. We are to make manifest our faith in God, not our goodness, but rather His. This, that God’s greatness might shine out of us, not our dimness interfere with His brightness.
THEREFORE seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Today’s Gospel came from the Ninth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning at the Ninth Verse. In Matthew the Publican, Jesus not only found a loyal and talented disciple, but a poster child for the concept that His church is for sinners in need of help.
AND as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Sermon – Who do you reflect?
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (AV)
Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (ERV)
Before you cut off the other person, think – “How do my actions reflect on my Lord?”
As Christians we do, or certainly should:
• Refuse to wear masks and to play games for real.
• Maneuver or manipulate behind the scenes.
• Never twist God’s Word to suit ourselves.
• Keep everything we do and say out in the open.
• Make certain the whole truth is on display, so those who want can see and judge for themselves.
Jesus said, “I require mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to invite virtuous people, but sinners.” Mt9.13 NEV As Christians we need to be where we can bring the news and help of God’s mercy, not “a guilt trip” Bible thumping, Hell fire & brimstone with a holier than thou attitude.
Fire and brimstone may elicit fear, but the fear of disappointing the One whom you love is far greater a motivation.
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. St. John iii. 16.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no anniversaries today. Although she could not make it to church, we celebrated Miney Farrell’s 95th birthday today on her behalf.
Counting The Coin and praying the Prayer on behalf of Miney’s 95th!
Miney loves the birthday prayer and we were pleased to pray on her behalf.
Sermon by Richard Boyce, Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the West of the Reformed Episcopal Church
During his annual visit last week, Bishop Richard Boyce preached on the many meanings of the Cross. This is the text of his sermon. It is a bit long, but extremely well done. You might be tempted to skip it, don’t. I encourage you to read this, preferably out loud to a family member or friend. You will appreciate the time as well spent:
It is not far from Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, to Golgotha, where He died on the Cross. The distance is only about 5-10 miles. You can walk it in a couple of hours. As you stand on the lonely hill at Golgotha, and look all the way back to Bethlehem, one rather haunting question might come to mind: Was it worth it—was Jesus’ trip worth what it cost? On that fateful day when the sun hid its face in shame, when He cried out from the top of the Cross: ìIt is finishedî, just what had He done? When He ascended into heaven, leaving a 33 year history of God trying to speak to humanity, ìWhat did He leave behind? What is the legacy of Jesus, to a world that scorned His coming, and chose to worship Him—only when He was gone?
What was there about Him, that made Him the central figure of the human race, and the person whose birth date has become the dividing mark for all time? What did He leave for us to use, in an age like this, to help people like you and me? Does the legacy of Jesus have a word for us, in our troubled times when evil clings so closely, and sin is now an acceptable way of life for most people. Today the world wants to justify everything it does by putting blame on everyone else or on something else.
I believe that Jesus left the Cross for us, which shames the worst in us, but which also challenges the best in us. The Apostle Paul wrote the following words which echo down the corridors of time, îGod 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.î (Gal 6:14) For all Christians those words remain as fresh, instructive, and illuminating, as when the Holy Ghost inspired Paul to write those words over 1900 years ago.
And Paul could have glorified in many things. He had been educated at the feet of perhaps the greatest biblical scholar of that day, Gamaliel. But he did not glory in that. He could have gloried in his membership in the religious establishment of his day, the Pharisees, but he didn’t. He could have gloried in his mastery of languages, for he spoke Greek, Latin and Aramaic. But he didn’t. He chose to glory in—of all things, the Cross. The Cross, which was the symbol of suffering and shame in the Roman Empire. I believe, that in the Cross, Paul saw the paradox of man’s guilt, but he also saw the manifestation of God’s love.
I think that William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was correct, when he made the statement when someone suggested that believing in the Cross was a morbid idea that kept mankind in a morbid kind of religion—Booth said: ìIt is just because Jesus died on the Cross, that it is the one authentic sign of the Pure love that we have in our hate—filled world.î The Cross is the legacy that Jesus has left to inspire and nurture us even to this day. So this is a good time to explore for a few minutes some few meanings of the Cross and we might remember them as the four ìH’sî.
I was reading about an American who was traveling in South America and became overwhelmed by all the Crosses, and it caused him to say, ìCrosses, Crosses, everywhere. When will the real meaning of the Cross be known?î And that intrigued me a bit. ìCrosses, Crosses, everywhere.î
Today, we can find the Cross everywhere. Many people wear Crosses around their neck. You can even go to stores and find them on sale. All sizes and shapes. Wouldn’t Jesus love that—a half-priced Cross on sale. Everything you want in a Messiah, but less, just like us.
A couple of fellows were discussing the cost of the Crosses on the steeples of their respective churches. A young teenager heard them and said, ìYou talk about how much you paid for your Church Crosses, but there was a time when Christians got them for free, whether they wanted to be hung on one or not.
I’m sure you know that right here in this Church there are lots of Crosses. Each of the prayerbooks and hymnals probably have a Cross on them. There is the processional Cross, The Cross upon the Altar. There is the Cross around my neck. There are Crosses on the Altar cloths, on the Chalice, all around us there are Crosses. Crosses, Crosses everywhere. Why are there so many reminders of the Cross? What is so special about the Cross and it’s many meanings that we keep it before us?
It really doesn’t matter how many Crosses we see in a day’s time, but it does matter if we know what the Cross has done for our lives. I have listed four things, that we might look at briefly. First, the Cross reminds us of the horror of our sin. I use the word horror intentionally because so many people today have a great interest in horror movies and the violence that is contained in them. The current concept is that horror is funny. But there was nothing funny about the most violent event in human history that took place on the Cross. The worst horror scene ever, was the nailing of the Son of God to the Cross as reported in Luke 23; 17-21.
In Genesis 3:5, we read of Adam’s sin and his desire to be like God. It was Adam’s sin and it became our sin also. Our sins must be extremely horrible—for Christ to die for them. If you take the word SIN , the middle letter is I. If you take the word PRIDE , which the early Church Fathers listed as the worst of the seven deadly sins, you will once again notice that the middle letter is I. Basically, SIN is the big I.
According to Paul in Roman’s 1:18-25, it is when we begin to worship the creature rather than the CREATOR. It is when we want to decide what is right or wrong, to forget God’s law and Will and replace it with our laws. The Cross serves as a reminder to us of how much we have done to put Christ there. ì Were you there when they crucified my Lordî says the hymn. YES, YOU were there!
You see, God is Holy, just, and good. So is His law. God cannot abolish the moral constitution of things which He has established in His law. So the law which condemns us is also God’s good gift to us in that it points us to Christ who takes the penalty for our sin. However, we are still the one’s who break the laws. Roman’s 6:23, reminds us that the wages of sin – is death, and given the fact that Christ was incapable of sin, then He died for someone else, not Himself. We say in the Liturgy that ì Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.î His Blood was shed for each of us. And so the Cross is a painful reminder of how we try to erase God from our lives, and fill it with horrors of our sins. It is a reminder of how far mankind will go in hate and in horror.
Secondly, it reminds us of the heart of God’s love. John 3;16 exclaims ìGod so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.î If you want a picture of what the heart of God looks like, then look no further than the Cross. Do you realize , that God loves you, and me, so much that even if you and I were the only people to come after Adam, He still would have sent Jesus to die for our sins that we might have eternal life!
One of the early Church Fathers, Iranaeus, said it was by a tree that Adam sinned, and it was also by a tree that Jesus died on to save us from the penalty of sin and to grant us the forgiveness of our sins. One tree represents our rebellion and sin--- the other our forgiveness from God. Somebody died that you and I might have the forgiveness of sin. On the one tree we see the gravity of our sin: on the other tree we see the majesty of God.
In Stroudburg, Pennsylvania, there is a tomb to an unknown Union soldier who died fighting in the Civil War. When President Lincoln heard of it he had the tomb inscribed with the words, ìAbraham Lincoln’s substitute. He died that I might live.î So, you see----that Cross represents our substitute. Jesus died in our place. It is that simple.
It is hard for me to even comprehend how large God’s heart really is, but I do know for sure that it is in the shape of a Cross. NOW, let me make one thing very clear. God does not love us because Christ died for us. Jesus Christ died for us because He loved us. The Cross truly reveals the heart of God’s love.
Thirdly, The Cross is the herald of God’s power. The herald is the good news or the announcements of God’s power and plan.
How do you and I live our lives each day? How do we deal with the temptations and peer pressures and all the choices we must make each day of our lives? There is only one way we can claim victory and that is through the power of the Cross. The Cross alone has the power to lift us above all these circumstances.
If you were to read St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans Chapter 8: Verses 35-39, there you would find the answer in verse 36---ì---For Thy sake we are being put to death all the day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. In these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.î The only way you and I can be overcomers---- the only way we can be victorious, is by the death, burial, and Resurrection with Christ. I would ask you to please notice the great statement of bold confidence in verses 38 and 39, ìFor I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.î---that becomes the eternal security of the Christian believer.
That means, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, that in any given circumstances---you and God---make a majority of one. You do not need to watch the Gallup polls. Just keep your mind, body, and soul fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ, for He alone is worthy. He alone is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. The Cross is a reminder that there is a power beyond all the power of the world. There is no power that has ever equaled the power of the Cross.
Fourth, the Cross is the hope of our future. I have to ask you---what is your hope this morning? Upon what are you planning your life? There are two important verses here. In 1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul shares with us, ìAs in Adam all died, so in Christ, shall all be made alive.î In 1Timothy 6:17 and I would urge you to read this daily, I think it speaks to the heart of many. Paul writes, ìInstruct those who are rich in this world that they do not fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies all our needs in Christ Jesus.
If you ask many in Churches who their confidence is in—this is the reply you might get—ì I have power and a well paying job. My barns and bins are getting fuller.î But you may never hear them once talk about their faith and commitment growing and reaching up from the fertile soil of God’s kingdom. You see, everything that you place your hope in can be taken away in a moment—except—for Jesus Christ.
A Pastor was once asked why he spent the money to have spotlights shine on the steeple at night? His reply was ,îSo that people might see that the Cross was the real hope of the World.î Is your Cross lighted today? Do the people know at work, in the beauty shop, in the market or in the schools that you are a Christian? Or are your lights all burned out?
Our hope is not in the economy. Our hope is not in our relations with others. Our hope is not in jobs. There is only hope left—and we must focus all of our faith into that hope. It is the hope of the Cross. In the Cross we can see how far mankind will come in hate—the horror of our sin. But then again, on the Cross I see how far God will travel in His love for you and me.
How much does God love us? So much, that He stretched out His arms on the Cross, and died for us. Amen.
After Church Hospitality
Today’s goodies were brought by Alice Acker. She knew there was a Vestry Meeting today, so she made a lagniappe. There was chocolate cake and chocolate brownies, some rectangular and some square, all good!
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley made his usual excellent coffee and Father Acker got up early to make (and bring) his signature low carb lemonade.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
28 September 2008 Dru Arnold
5 October 2008 Opportunity Available!
12 October 2008 Diane and Greg Chase (Greg’s Birthday!)
19 October 2008 Martha Stevens
26 October 2008 Holly Lizak (Black Olive Egg Salad Sandwiches!)
2 November 2008 Diane and Greg Chase
9 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
16 November 2008 Alice Acker
23 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
30 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
7 December 2008 Stephanie Boyd
14 December 2008 Alice Acker
21 December 2008 Opportunity Available!
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.
Departed
Todd Allred 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, 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 (ear surgery), Debbie, Al Turner
Everett Joshua (EJ), grandson of Father Josh Acton, Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Yuma, was rushed back to the emergency room Tuesday night via ambulance from the Acton home. He has been struggling with breathing and we took him to the hospital the other night. They kept him overnight for observation and tests, and then released him. He stopped breathing and his eyes rolled in back of his head. Janine tried CPR. He was able to breathe in starts and fits as the ambulance took him away. He was scheduled to go back to the hospital as a follow up to his visit to a few nights ago. No one seems to know what exactly is wrong with him, but they have been testing everything including lungs and heart. Needless to say, the entire family is distraught.
Everett Joshua is with his Mom and Nana (Janine) at Phoenix Children's Hospital. He has been tested in every conceivable way, heart, lungs, nervous system, etc. It seems they have a pretty good idea what is going on - but still need to wait and evaluate more. Everett seems to have a condition where he cannot swallow breast milk, but instead actually chokes on it. It is a severe reflux and causes asphyxiation in infants. Vanessa is now having to pump her milk and add "thickening fluids" to her milk and then feed by bottle. Apparently Vanessa watched an Xray of Everett swallowing, and consequently, choking on milk. His air way is clogged after every time he feeds. This is not the definitive diagnosis. It sure beats the other possibilities. It is a dangerous but treatable condition, from what Vanessa told me. So there we are. We will wait and see. Your prayers and offers of help and support are greatly appreciated.
Please keep EJ and his family in your prayers.
Vince (12 yrs) who has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B) is doing well, things are much better of late. Please pray for his continued good progress!
Mary Parker was moved back to the ICU at the Sharp Memorial Hospital. She now has fluid in her lungs along with an infection. The doctors are fighting it with every available antibiotic they. Please pray for the infection to be knocked down and for her to gain back some of the 50 pounds she has lost since the first of the year. In addition, please pray 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 underwent surgery on 5 September 2008, which apparently went well. Fran asks in particular you pray for peace of mind for both Alice and Rick that they might put their trust in God.
Kenny had surgery to improve his hearing. It was hoped his hearing would improve over the next two or three months. There’s no improvement yet and he’s feeling frustrated. It is very difficult to have physical ailments and even harder when “promised” improvements apparently fail to materialize. Please continue to pray, not only for his improved hearing; but more importantly for his improved state of mind and faith.
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 and came 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 is still in SICU and hasn’t regained consciousness. The staph infection has been taken care of, but he needs some miraculous healing as the doctors have been doing all the things that are available. Joshua 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 three surgeries to relieve pressure on his brain, but he has not yet awakened. After his most recent surgery, he is now less responsive than previously. 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.
George, husband of LaVonda and friend of Susanne Barrett, whose bladder cancer has returned. George, the husband of my friend LaVonda, has been going through chemo after the recurrence of his bladder cancer. They are Christians who live in northern Georgia, and LaVonda has been such a prayer support for me when Susanne’s been ill. Saturday morning LaVonda e-mailed with this information:
George became very confused, the most he has ever been last night after we woke him up to bring him home from the hospital after the hydration was finished. He was completely talking out of his head. I don't know if this is normal for chemo after-effects or if it is because of kidney function being off and having toxins building up in his system. We have to go back today for more tests & more hydration, and we're hoping to come back home later today, but as of now I am unsure if he will be admitted. I didn't put all of this on the CaringBridge page because so many of the hospital employees read there also.
LaVonda is now talking to Carmen (Caroline's mom).
Specifically, you are asked to pray for:
• George to not react so strongly to the chemo;
• Not be so ill after each treatment;
• To be able to maintain, if not gain, weight;
• For his complete healing from the cancer;
• For LaVonda as she cares for him with no outside help;
• For their children, Megan and George III, as they struggle with their dad's illness.
• George is becoming very discouraged so please pray for the peace and hope that are in Christ Jesus to fill his heart, no matter how much his body is suffering.
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 21 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 and doing wonderfully well! As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude. Mrs. Kay 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
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. The custody of her children is going to mediation (9/9/08). She has appreciated the prayers and is asking for the decision to be in the best interest of the children. 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.
Guidance and Protection
Christina
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
Please pray for Kevin in the UK. He has been looking for a job for a long time and is 52. Please pray he might find an opportunity for gainful employment where he can use his talents to make a positive impact on the world. Please pray also for his family, in particular his wife Beverley, that they might open their hearts and minds to God’s guidance for their future.
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), John Kelly (USS Ronald Reagan)
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
Reformed Episcopal Church
As a parish, we have been asked to accept the Constitution and Canons of the REC, this is an 80 page document, available here:
http://rechurch.org/Txtpdf/C&CAdopted.pdf
So far your Beadle is on page 11 and has found nothing untoward, quite the contrary. It makes sense and is agreeable so far. If you need a printed copy, please contact the Beadle.
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
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
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity.
Come next Sunday and see if Father Acker remembers he is still off vacation and there is a pre-service class. See if he continues from 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
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