Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

Today was the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity. Saturday night saw a cold front move through bringing the first frontal system rain since April, ¼ inch of rain which was very welcome and a sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus of 49°F under cloudy skies. By the time church was over, the front had passed; it was 64°F under scattered clouds and beautiful. Even though we had a number of people on travel, the cold front (of Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday) brought two more people than last week and we had 18 participants by service start.

Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday
This being the first Sunday of the month, the music was provided by Father Acker’s Free Teen Guitar Class (http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com). Playing with Father Ironhand were Ryan Howell and Nick Patton. The music was great, we got to sing lots of fun songs and the kids did a super job!

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. 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

We have made our way through the Bible from Genesis (the beginning) to the Book of Amos, one of the minor prophets .

The verse central to Amos is - “Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” Its themes are:

• Judgment is coming
• Call for Justice & Righteousness
• Perhaps God will have mercy

The Prophet Amos wrote the Book of Amos between 760 and 753 BC during the reign of Jeroboam ben Joash (Jeroboam II), ruler of Israel from 793 BC to 753 BC, and the reign of Uzziah, King of Judah, at a time when both kingdoms (Israel in the North and Judah in the South) were peaking in prosperity. He was a contemporary of the prophet Hosea, but likely preceded him.

The Book of Amos is set in a time when the people of Israel have reached a low point in their devotion to God - the people have become greedy and stopped following and adhering to their values. The wealthy elite are becoming rich at the expense of others. Peasant farmers who once practiced subsistence farming are being forced to farm what is best for foreign trade, mostly wine and oil.

Amos was a shepherd and a fruit picker from the Judean village of Tekoa when God called him. With no education or priestly background, Amos' mission was directed to his neighbor to the north, Israel. His messages of impending doom and captivity for the nation because of her sins were largely unpopular and unheeded, however, because not since the days of Solomon have times been so good in Israel. Amos' ministry takes place while Jeroboam II reigns over Israel, and Uzziah reigns over Judah.

Amos can see that beneath Israel's external prosperity and power, internally the nation is corrupt to the core. The sins for which Amos chastens the people are extensive: neglect of God's Word, idolatry, pagan worship, greed, corrupted leadership and oppression of the poor. Amos begins by pronouncing a judgment upon all the surrounding nations, then upon his own nation of Judah, and finally the harshest sentence is given Israel. His visions from God reveal the same emphatic message: judgment is near. The book ends with God's promise to Amos of future restoration of the remnant.

Sometimes we think we are a "just-a"! We are just-a a salesman, farmer or housewife. Amos would be considered a "just-a." He wasn't a prophet or priest or the son of either. He was just a shepherd, a small businessman in Judah. Who would listen to him? But instead of making excuses, Amos obeyed and became God's powerful voice for change.

God has used "just-as" such as shepherds, carpenters, fishermen all through the Bible. Whatever you are in this life, God can use you. Amos wasn't much. He was a "just-a." "Just-a" servant for God. It is good to be God's "just-a."

Make it your aim to do what is right, not what is evil, so that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty really will be with you, as you claim he is. Hate what is evil, love what is right, and see that justice prevails in the courts. Amos 5.14-15

Stop your noisy songs; I do not want to listen to your harps. Instead, let justice flow like a stream, and righteousness like a river that never goes dry. Amos 5.23-24

God – Honor – Country

Greg Chase read the Epistle for today, which came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians beginning at the Fifteenth Verse of the Fifth Chapter. “… the days are evil. … understand… what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; …” God wants us to be happy, to be good and to enjoy life. The key to happiness is to do what God asks of you. No more (you can’t), no less. Though you fall short, keep trying, that is all God asks. If you find this no other place, listen to the words of St. Paul.

SEE then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

The Gospel was written in the Twenty-Second Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the First Verse. Talking to the priests and scribes, Jesus told one of the wedding parables, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then” he sent “his servants … into the highways” to “gather… together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

JESUS said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

Sermon – God changing our world, working through us
Consider the point of today’s Epistle, “Look carefully then how you walk…making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5.15-16 Then think of Amos on the Evil Days: Injustice, Insincere religion, & false peace & prosperity. Speak to one another with words of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to praise God. Thank God for everything in Jesus Name.

Look back to two weeks ago’s sermon. When others look at you do they see the reflection, however poor, of our Lord in you. Even though a poor mirror, are you doing your best to reflect our Lord’s light in your countenance? Do you “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”?

In paraphrase of Augustine of Kent, He who sings, prays twice. Do you comprehend the words you are singing? Will you understand the meaning behind John Newton’s “Amazing Grace”? Notice, the question is not can you?, but rather will you?

While it may be normal to remember what did not go our way and gloss over that which did, our lives would be much better if we would follow God’s will. God would have us learn what we can from that which did not go our way, then thank Him in the name of our Lord Jesus for that which did go well. Small or large, we need to recognize all that went well and give thanks. Not just give thanks, but feel it in our hearts and souls. In the words of the Doxology (Hymn 139) which we sing about 51 Sundays out of the year as a closing hymn to remind us of our wonderful fortune to have been created in God’s image:

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays today. We celebrated the Pattons’ 22nd anniversary with them.

After Church Hospitality
Today’s goodies were brought by Jan Macauley. There had been no one signed up for goodies, your Beadle stepped into the breach with a gallant sign up. Jan, being ever thoughtful and mindful of the general well being of the parish, crossed his name off and wrote hers in. That in of itself was no minor gesture as her kitchen is undergoing a SLEP. As always, Jan’s goodies were great! Micro-quiches, chocolate covered pretzels, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, chocolate sucker things and red flame grapes. The cookies were freshly baked and really superb. Your Beadle was advised by Nick Patton that the pretzels were THE BEST. All in all a very good show at the last minute by Jan. Thanks!

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley made his usual excellent coffee, as well as bringing Don Patton up to speed on coffee making. Don will be filling in at least next week. Father Acker got up early to make (and bring) his signature low carb lemonade. The Deacon (In Training) advises that Father may have forgotten some of the sweetener, as he could not get his lips apart after the first sip.

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

Date Name
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
Aaron, Traci and Warren are on travel this week.
Dru and Jack are on travel this week.
Ben, Holly and Ashley are on travel this week.
Chris, Stephanie, Alex and Andrew are on travel this week.

Departed
Jim for whom we have been praying recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. Of your Christian charity, pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family and friends who remain here on earth.

Healing
Betty, 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), Lise (peritoneal cancer), Joy, Martha, Evelyn, Sheryal, Kenny (ear surgery), Debbie, Joanna (stroke) [granddaughter of Father Holland a diocesan priest], Al (Ashley’s dad: surgery)

John and Isabel Wilhelmy’s family ask your prayers on their behalf for God’s help through eye surgery and illness combined. We also pray that they will accept their family’s loving assistance in this difficult time.

Everett Joshua (EJ), grandson of Father Josh Acton, Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Yuma, seems to have a condition where he cannot swallow breast milk, but instead actually chokes on it. It is a severe reflux and can cause asphyxiation in infants. His mother 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. Your prayers and offers of help and support are greatly appreciated.

Please keep EJ and his family in your prayers.

Bruce Denny, a friend of Susanne Barrett, is a young father who has had two heart attacks before age 40. Bruce just went to the doctor for a standard pacemaker/defibrillator check up. The test showed his heart has weakened some since the last test and he has fluid around his heart. Now the test showed it has weakened more from last time, although it could just be due to using a different machine since his last test with a different doctor as they just changed physicians. They are not sure about the fluid around the heart. They might be able to just adjust his medications and that will take care of it. He has an appointment with the cardiologist next week. Hopefully there will be more answers. He has not been feeling very well the last few weeks but is still working two jobs. This is the latest update on his condition from his wife, Jennifer. They have three boys. Please pray for Bruce and his family.

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 is in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Sharp Memorial Hospital with an infection and was not conscious. On Thursday, she opened her eyes. Her organs are getting better each day, although she is on a respirator. Doctors are amazed since they gave her 24/48 hours to live on Monday. Her family believe it is God's and her decision to still be here. They hope to take the oxygen tube out on Friday.
 Please continue to pray for God’s will to be done and that she and her family continue to put their trust in Him. In particular, please pray for her family’s peace.

Martha Stevens had a back spasm this past week, so bad that she went to the Emergency Room where she was given medication. She had an adverse reaction to the medication, but has gotten over that. Please give thanks for her recovery so far and pray that she will return to one hundred percent.

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.

Joshua Hamilton has been upgraded to stable and was moved to a regular ward , but he still 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. 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 is 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 has an ear infection for which she has been taking antibiotics. The antibiotics, in turn, have been adversely affecting the rest of her system and she feels terrible. Please pray for a triumph of the antibiotics over the ear infection, so she can get off them and the rest of her feel better, as well as an abatement of the nerve problems in her legs. Most importantly, pray for her to keep a good attitude and maintain a trust in God, so she will not worry.

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 (USN - 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

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

12 October 2008 Alice Acker
19 October 2008 Ben Lizak
26 October 2008 Jack Arnold

Anglicans on Travel
Our Under Beadle and Deputy Beadle are currently on an educational field trip covering the Revolutionary War period, which explains why they were not in church today. The Deputy Beadle has posted a travelblog which can be viewed here:

http://web.me.com/jackpippin/Site_2/My_Albums/My_Albums.html

Your Beadle encourages you to not only look at the photographs, but check out the update page which has narrative.

The Under Beadle and Deputy Beadle attended an REC church in Arlington, Virginia today. The church borrows the building from a Greek Orthodox church for a 0930 service. Their sign is more permanent, but the message is the same! Their accouterments are a bit fancier and they are bit higher church. On the other hand, their priests and acolytes don’t play the guitar. Maybe we could provide them some acolyte shirts to lighten things up a bit. While the Greeks may not believe we are really Christian, they are reportedly quite agreeable landlords. The church is about twice the size of ours (still clearly not a megachurch), with an average attendance of just over 40 people.

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity.

Come next Sunday and see if Father Acker remembers what book comes after Amos (hint – it is NOT Andy). Or, maybe 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