Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity

Today was the Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity. Weather was typical of the last weekend in October, Mount Olympus saw a sunrise temperature of 51°F. By the time church was over, it was 73°F under blue skies. Although we had quite a number of people on travel, we had our best attendance in some time with 23 participants by service start:

As usual, Father Acker and Jack Arnold provided music for the welcome or gathering songs. Just like the last few weeks, it seemed to work. When they started singing, we had 8 people present. By the time they finished, there were 23 people!

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 280 days by popular demand
Today continued the forty 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 Micah, one of the minor prophets. The central point of the Book of Micah, a short book of only seven chapters is: God hates the sin, but loves the sinner.

Micah was written about the same time as Isaiah & Hosea (Kings Jotham, Ahaz, & Hezekiah). During the time that Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah, the Lord gave this message to Micah, who was from the town of Moresheth, twenty miles southwest of Jerusalem, near Lachish.

The national disaster Amos predicted for the Northern Kingdom, Micah predicts for South. God will punish Judah for its injustice, but there is hope for the future. He is described as a ‘war correspondent.’ The book may be divided into three sections:

• Chapters 1–3 mainly consist of oracles of judgment.
• Chapters 4–5 of oracles of hope.
• Chapters 6–7 begins with judgment and moves to hope.
 
Micah condemns evil.
He condemns the oppression of the poor, violence, corruption, robbery, covetousness, gross materialism, and spiritual falsehood. His is a personal pleading for repentance.

He brings a vision of universal peace under God.
In days to come the mountain where the Temple stands will be the highest one of all, towering above all the hills. Many nations will come streaming to it, and their people will say, "Let us go up the hill of the LORD, to the Temple of Israel's God. He will teach us what he wants us to do; we will walk in the paths he has chosen. For the LORD's teaching comes from Jerusalem; from Zion he speaks to his people." He will settle disputes among the nations, among the great powers near and far. They will hammer their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again go to war, never prepare for battle again. Everyone will live in peace among their own vineyards and fig trees, and no one will make them afraid. The LORD Almighty has promised this.

Micah predicts the coming of a Davidic King (5.2-5a)
The LORD says, "Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times." So the LORD will abandon his people to their enemies until the woman who is to give birth has her son. Then those Israelites who are in exile will be reunited with their own people. When he comes, he will rule his people with the strength that comes from the LORD and with the majesty of the LORD God himself. His people will live in safety because people all over the earth will acknowledge his greatness, and he will bring peace.

Micah boils down what God wants from us into one sentence) 6.8
The LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.

Jack Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians beginning at the Seventeenth Verse of the Third Chapter. Writing to the church in Philippia, Paul asks them to watch whom they follow, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, … that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” He reminds us of our ultimate goal, of that which for us should have the principal place in our minds, “For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed unto the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.”

BRETHREN, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed unto the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

The Gospel was written in the Twenty-Second Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the Fifteenth Verse. Like many people today, the Pharisees took much comfort in the fact that they followed The Law to The Letter. Not looking to what the law was trying to get them to do and to think, but rather following The Law to The Letter. Jesus presented a threat to their very existence, because he asked the people to do what God willed, not to simply cook their food a certain way, or turn down an invitation to a luau because they served roast pig and drank Bud. Being good followers of The Law to The Letter, they sought to trip Him up. “…they sent out unto Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” Having for so long lived The Law to The Letter, believing The Kingdom of God would be of this world, they could not see the obvious response. They were absolutely floored when Jesus said, “Shew me the tribute money.” With no thought of the answer, “they brought unto him a penny.” Jesus asked them, “Whose is this image and superscription?” Again playing the straight man, walking into the trap they had set for themselves, they answered, “Caesar’s.” Driving his point straight into their hearts, he told them, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”

This ended the encounter, “they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”

THEN went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Sermon – Rights
An election is near at hand. For those of you reading this outside of California, your turn is coming up. This issue is spreading.

Clergy are prohibited from using their pulpit for political purposes except those where there is a clear connection between morality and the issue at hand. In this election, in California we are faced with a choice to make on Proposition 8, an amendment to the state constitution, which would define marriage as one man and one woman. There is a provision for a domestic partnership under California Law which allows homosexuals to register as partners with all the legal benefits of marriage. There had been a law defining marriage as between one man and one woman which was overturned earlier this year by the State Supreme Court. The will of 61 percent of the voters overturned by four men in black robes. The people have come back with Proposition 8. One man, one woman. One of each. Not two of either, no sheep neither!

Almost all of the readers are Christians. But as you will see marriage one man, one woman, is not a Christian thing. It is a society thing. Society is best served by one man, one woman making one family. Take a look at the points below.

In Genesis (2.18, 24) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him.” … a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one.” God intended marriage to be the basis of the family, to unite the two in love and for them to procreate children. As Christians, we need we need to be frank and honest [not Frank and Ernest!].

Twenty years ago, the San Diego Integrity president said, unless we can do away with the authority of scripture we will never see the acceptance of gay rights.

Homosexuals claim to want tolerance. Many do. But, what does tolerance mean? From Webster’s: The endurance of the presence or actions of objectionable persons, or of the expression of offensive opinions. What they really want is more, more than acceptance, more that agreement; what they want is a celebration of their homosexuality.

If Proposition 8 is not passed, homosexual marriage will be the law of this state. Homosexual marriage will be taught as the norm in the public school system. Nancy will have two mothers, etc. and nauseating etc. This is not a scare tactic. It has already happened in Massachusetts. The Bible has been declared hate speech in Canada and Sweden. No joking.

Many have accused the church of being homophobic. It is not. But, understand, the church does not approve of homosexual behavior. It believes it to be prescribed behavior not in society’s best interest. However, as in today’s Gospel, we follow the law of the land, we render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s. Thus, people are free to be homosexual, they just aren’t going to get our endorsement.

Historical Points Regarding Marriage
Marriage in World History
Marriage emerged as a social and religious institution long before the 19• th century, when homosexuals began to argue in favor of same-sex “marriage.”1 The definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman itself goes back even farther than our modern understanding of sexual orientation as a classification.

In all or nearly all human societies, marriage is socially approved sexual intercourse between a woman and • a man, conceived both as a personal relationship and as an institution, primarily such that any children resulting from the union are understood to be—emotionally, morally, practically and legally affiliated with both of the parents.

Even more ancient history illustrates male-female marriage as a common element in diverse societies from • Mesopotamia, India, etc.

The history of marriage demonstrates that non-recognition of same-sex “marriages” does not stem from a • particular religious tradition; it is universal. Even secular and aggressively atheist regimes (like Soviet Russia) have never recognized same-sex “marriages.”

Prior to the thirteenth century, when the Church finally managed to take control of it, marriage was an entirely • social practice.

Marriage only became a sacrament in the Catholic Church in 1439, and the Catholic Church only began • requiring the attendance of a priest for a valid marriage in 1563, after the Reformation.

The state came to marriage even later than did the Church. It was not until 1753, with the passage of Lord • Hardwicke’s Marriage Act, that the British state became a significant player in the joining together of men and women as husbands and wives.

The historical origin of marriage is in society and culture, as a response to the needs of the family, and has only • later been extended legal recognition and regulation.

In fact, some 150 years of systematic inquiry by anthropologists leaves little doubt that heterosexual marriage • is found in nearly every human society and almost always as a pivotal institution. Homosexual marriage outside contemporary Western societies is exceedingly rare and never the basis of “viable social order.”

Marriage in American History
In the United States, the original thirteen colonies and all of the states inherited the definition of marriage as • the union of a man and a woman from English law.

The colonies imported most of the substantive law of marriage created by the English Church and its • ecclesiastical courts. Thus, the civil law reflected the religious English view of marriage as a permanent monogamous union of one man and one woman. The English “inherited traditions relating to marriage from three major sources: from Roman law, from Judaeo-Christian tradition, and from Germanic society.”

Marriage in the Courts
The Washington Court of Appeals opinion noted that “marriage as now defined is deeply rooted in our • society.”
The Ninth Circuit held that same-sex marriage would “violate traditional and often prevailing societal mores

Biblical Points Regarding Marriage
God intentionally designed and created us male and female. •
(Gen. 1:27; Gen. 5:1-2; Matt. 19:4; Mark 10:6)

God intended sexual intimacy to be enjoyed • only within the context of the male and female relationship. (Gen. 1:28; Matt. 19:5, Mark 10:7-8; Romans 1:24-32)

God intends marriage to be a committed, life long, covenant relationship between a man and • a woman based on love, respect, mutual submission and personal sacrifice.

(Matt. 5:31-32; Matt. 19:3-11; Mal. 2:14-16; Mark 10:2-12; I Cor. 7:10-16; Deut. 5:18, 21; Eph. 5:21-33 (Christ-Church Model))

Jesus confirmed that God’s design is only to be fulfilled within the context of a committed • marriage of one man and one woman. (Matt. 19:3-11; Mark 10:2-12).

Children are a blessing--God’s design is that moms and dads create and raise children. • (Gen. 1:28; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 22:6)

God’s design is to have dad and mom train their children to love, honor and obey God. • (Deut. 4:1-9; Proverbs 22:6)
All sexual activity outside of God’s design (marriage) is forbidden—it is morally impure and • personally destructive—individuals will be judged by God for it.
(Heb. 13:4; Romans 1:24-32; Romans 2:5-10; I Cor. 6:9-11; Matt. 5:27-32; Deut. 5:9, 18, 21; Exodus 20:14-17; Deut. 4:1-9)

Divorce is not God’s plan—God hates divorce. •
(Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 5:31-32; Matt. 19:6-9; Mark 10:9-12; I Cor. 7:10-16)

God clearly forbids “same sex” sexual relationships—they are not part of His plan.
(Lev. 18:22; Romans 1:24-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gen. 1:27; Gen. 5:1-2; Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6)

There is tremendous safety and blessing in following God’s plan for marriage. •
(Deut. 5:10; Exodus 20:6; Deut. 4:1-9; Romans 2:5-10)

As God’s people we are specifically commanded to honor and esteem marriage.•
(Heb. 13:4; Mal. 2:15; I Cor. 7:10-16; Deut. 5:21; Exodus 20:14-17)

Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries. We celebrated Jack Arnold’s 16th birthday, Ashley Welter’s 20th birthday and Alan Parker’s 50th birthday with them today.

After Church Hospitality
Today Holly Lizak brought the goodies. With three birthdays to celebrate Holly’s carrot cake was well received and consumed! Her Black Olive Egg Salad Sandwiches were much appreciated by the Beadle and the curried chicken ones loved by Ben. Holly found either the largest grapes known to mankind or some medium plums which tasted remarkably like grapes. Well done!

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was on travel, Don Patton barrista’d up and made great coffee. Father Acker got up early to make (and bring) his signature low carb lemonade.

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

Date Name
2 November 2008 Diane and Greg Chase
9 November 2008 Martha Stevens
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 Martha Stevens

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
Chris, Stephanie, Alex and Andrew are on travel this week.
Tim and Jan are on travel this week.

Departed
Mary Mano (Monny) mother of Mary Parker passed away Friday 17 October 2008. Of your Christian charity, pray for the repose of her soul and comfort for her family and friends who remain here on earth.

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, 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)
, Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Lise (peritoneal cancer), Joy, Evelyn, Kenny (ear surgery), Debbie, Joanna (stroke) [granddaughter of Father Holland a diocesan priest], Al (Ashley’s dad: surgery) Cyndi (arthritis pain; knee replacement 12/2), Scott (endocarditis and cow valve)

Joy has a reoccurrence of abdominal cancer, which is non-operable. She is currently in the hospital with a clot in her lung and blockage in her stomach. She and her family ask your prayers for a miraculous remission. She asks God’s help to deal with the pain and discomfort while keeping a positive attitude during what is a very trying time. Pray also for her family might accept God’s will and enjoy whatever time she has with them here on earth. In particular please pray for peace of mind for Joy and her husband Dewaine that they might put their trust in God and increase their faith.

Mary Parker is in the hospital on the regular floor, which is a major improvement. On Saturday she stood up for the first time in a long time. This is exceeding great news and she is doing much better. There is still a long road ahead of her, but she is doing very well. Please that she and her family will accept the strength that God can give them for the path before them. 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.

Joe Huber was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and will undergo radiation seed implants within the next two weeks. Please pray for peace of mind for him and his family and that they might put their trust in God and increase their faith.

Rod Cook has a reoccurrence of lung cancer. Prognosis is not promising. Please pray for either a miraculous recovery or a maximization of his time remaining here on earth. Pray also for his daughter Lori that she might accept God’s will and enjoy whatever time she has with her father here on earth. In particular please pray for peace of mind for both Rod and Lori that they might put their trust in God and increase their faith.

Muriel Pappin minor injuries from a kitchen cabinet that fell. Fortunately, it only grazed her and didn’t hit her on the way down. And just when you thought you were safe in your own kitchen!

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.

Vince (12 yrs) who has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B) has a tumor in his leg which is not responding well. Please pray for his miraculous recovery. Also pray that he and his family might put their trust in God and accept His comfort.

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 fell out of a car the morning of 27 July 2008. He sustained a closed head injury and potential spinal cord injuries. Joshua underwent three surgeries to relieve pressure on his brain, but has not yet awakened. He is being moved to a long term care facility. He needs miraculous healing as the doctors have done all they can. 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.

Glenn Finch is entering his last week (actually last 3 days) of rehab!!! It has been 3 months since his accident! It is astounding that he began this journey on life support and now is doing so incredibly well. Tuesday he takes a driving test, so that he can start driving again. Every day this week he will have to test out in all the areas...physical therapy, neuropsych, speech, occupational therapy (life skills), etc. Please keep him in your prayers! Thursday is his last day. You will probably hear us cheering from your houses! :-)
Your love, encouragement, prayers, help and support has meant so much to us! Thank you! Caralie

Evelyn Hunt has pain in her jaw, face, & neck. The doctors haven’t been able to diagnose the cause. She has been very limited in getting out, but continued to do her walking in the house. 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 24 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) is doing quite well.  She will need to stay in Pasadena for another month or two to be near City of Hope where her bone marrow transplant took place.  She is still struggling with a few side effects, Graft vs. Host Disease, etc.  Our major prayer for her is that she does not relapse.  Right now the chance of relapse in patients with her kind of leukemia after recurrence and transplant is 40%.  She also has genetic markers that make relapse more likely. Caroline is being homeschooled right now by her parents and is able to make short excursions with a mask on to bookstores, etc., when they aren't crowded.  Please keep praying for this sweet girl to make a full recovery and live a long life, devoted to God and that she will be able to go home to Escondido soon as she misses being at home.  She and her family are Catholic Christians.

George (recurrence of bladder cancer) is undergoing weekly chemotherapy which makes him quite ill.  This last week he wasn't quite as ill as he has been, so please pray that he will be able to continue attending church each Sunday and will have a full recovery.  The future regarding surgery and other treatment is unclear at this point.  Please keep his wife LaVonda and their children Megan and George Jr., in prayer as well.  They live in northern Georgia.

Bruce Denny lives in El Cajon and has experienced two major heart attacks in his early 40's.  He was to have an appointment with a cardiologist last Thursday, but no results yet.  His previous appointment showed further deterioration of his heart, including a fluid build-up in the sac surrounding his heart.  The family is also under severe financial stress because Bruce has been unable to work after his heart attacks.  His wife, Jennifer, is looking for a job and for childcare for their one-year-old.  The church family at Lake Murray Community Church is helping out with taking their older boys to and from school and with meals, etc.  Pray for no further deterioration in Bruce's heart and for help with their finances.

Guidance

Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer, Bob to be guided to a church
Ashley, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, 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

Sarah is still struggling with custody arrangements for her children and would appreciate our continued prayers. A hearing on 24 November 2008 will probably change custody to a more permanent arrangement (the children are currently switching between parents every other day). A hearing in February should finalize things. Sarah really appreciates our 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, John and Sarah

Economic Guidance and Assistance
Matt and Tracey very good friends of the Hubers. Matt is looking for a new job and they have two young children. Please pray that they are able to find employment soon.

Keith has had no work for the past three weeks.  Because of family medical expenses, they have no savings and are in debt.  Please pray for God's leading for a new job or for new clients for Keith's drafting business or for another stained glass commission.  Pray for Susanne as she tutors and teaches online classes while home schooling their four kids, that she may remain strong and able to do all she needs to do to teach their kids and help with finances despite herphysical condition (rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.).  Pray for them also to not fear for the future but to trust in the Lord. 

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.

Mark’s business is very very slow, he asks that God point him to new markets and give him guidance in following God’s will that his business might survive and his employees not lose their livelihood.

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, 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.

What can we do to spread the Word, to increase church attendance and do the Lord’s work?
We are looking for suggestions as to what we can do to reach out to those who do not make it to church. What can we do to get people to come to church in general and Blessed Trinity in particular. We know we have a great product that people need, yet we don’t seem to be able to communicate that outside our usual attendees. What can we do to more effectively spread the Word of God? What can we do to get people to participate? After all, church is like a savings account. What you put in, you get back with interest. But, nothing in, nothing out. If you have any suggestions, please contact Father Acker, the Deacon, the Senior Warden or 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.

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

2 November 2008 Tim Macauley
9 November 2008 Don Patton
16 November 2008 Ben Lizak
23 November 2008 Holly Lizak
30 November 2008 Greg Chase

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

Come next Sunday and see if Father Acker remembers he was going to switch subjects or if he keeps going on the Bible. 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