Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Christmas Day Dinner, Feast of the Holy Innocents, Superceding The First Sunday after Christmas

Christmas Eve
The weather for the Christmas Eve service was textbook Southern California, low 60°sF, clear and calm. Just before the service, it was raining, but we came out to a beautiful sky, clear with the evening star in the west. It does not get any better than this. All this and the coming of the Lord! What more could you ask? With the almost perfect weather, just like last year we ended up with 20 people for the carols and service.

This seems a pretty low turnout, but several factors came into play. A number of our congregation do not drive at night, two families were working, several were sick. We wish everyone could have come. We had such a great time, we kind of feel guilty.

Christmas Carols
Father Acker and Jack Arnold (Ack & Jack) played Christmas carols on their guitars before the service for a half hour. The carols were all in the bulletin. Too bad Father Acker had a bulletin with one set of words and the rest of us bulletins with a different set of words. Even more embarrassing, we did not figure it out until after the service! But, it was really fun and there were a couple of hymns your Beadle had never heard. What a great time!

It was really fun to get a chance to sing together, making a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Ryan Welter read the Epistle, which came from Paul’s letter to Titus beginning in the Eleventh Verse of the Second Chapter. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Paul tells Titus to do what is right, trust is God and worry not. Quoting a later author, “Trust in God and Dread Naught.”

THE grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Tonight’s Gospel is the narrative of the Nativity from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, the Second Chapter, beginning at the First Verse.

AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David: ) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Sermon – The Three Points of a Merry Christmas
Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth. For the past few weeks, there have been parties out the kazoo. Most of us have been going full tilt. Tonight we are celebrating something quite different. Tonight we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Son, born over 2,000 years ago. He has been around forever. More literally, for ever. So, how do you get invited to this party? Jesus and His family invite you. After all, it is a family you choose to join. He wants you to understand, to truly know:

You’re important to God.

There are three things you need to remember:
• God loves you;
• God is with you;
• God is for you.

God loves you:
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. Jn 3.16

He wants you not only here at the Birthday Party, but to be part of His life everyday for eternity. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know Him very well, He knows you VERY WELL.

God is with you:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). Mt1.23

No matter how many times you’ve been alone or abandoned, Jesus is “God with us.” He says, “I’m with you all the time.” You don’t have to face 2009 by yourself—You can invite God’s presence into your situation; but only if you want.

God is for you:
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Jn3.17

God wants you to win, not to feel bad. Many of us feel guilty when we face God, but you’re important.

As Eugene Peterson put it, “God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger…He came to help.”

You, me, everyone needs God’s help. I want God’s help. They want God’s help. Do you want God’s help? Being a follower of Christ isn’t about condemning people, it is about helping people come to Christ so they can be helped by Him. We come to Him for help and it is nice to bring company.

Christmas Day
Our Christmas Morning service was at Victoria Chapel. The 0930 service was originally scheduled for those who were uncomfortable driving at night or had to work, but drew those who awoke early. It was rainy and cold (okay, California Cold, about 44°F), there were only three present, but the service did not suffer for numbers.

Jack Arnold read the Epistle for Christmas Day, which came from the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, beginning at the First Verse of the First Chapter.

GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint John, the First Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. This particular Gospel is known as the Last Gospel as it comes from the last Gospel to be written, that of St. John, and it brings the final Word of Jesus to us.

IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Christmas Sermon - The express image of his person
The Christmas sermon was short and to the point. In today’s Epistle, Paul refers to Jesus and the “express image of his person.” That is one of the biggest points of Christmas. God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to this world to take on our form, that we might see and understand Him. Jesus came here to help us. We need to accept His help.

What is one man against so much evil? Imagine the power a single candle has in utter darkness. Now imagine the power of our Lord and Savior in the darkness of your life and those around you.

Christmas Point to Ponder
“If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.” Unknown

Christmas Day Dinner
Until this year, Charlie Howell had been putting on a Christmas dinner at the Alpine Community Center at noon on Christmas day with the sponsorship of the Alpine Ministerial Association. This year, for reasons unknown to your Beadle, Charlie withdrew from the event and the Alpine Ministerial Association apparently had no interest in carrying on without him. Our parish decided Christmas is about family, in this case the family of God. We decided that Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity could and would put on the dinner on its own. The Boy Scouts, who had traditionally provided the “service” said they were a go for the dinner and thus it went forward. Very smoothly, it might be added, with Ben Lizak acting as Dinner Commandant and Stephanie Boyd as Director of Decorating and Food Service.

The event is for those who have no “place” to go, no family to be with. You need not be “poor” to go to the event; you need not be rich. All you need is to realize your life would be better if you shared Christmas with your family. When you have no family near by, look for some. God has a big family. The dinner’s purpose is to get the family of God together. Some of the attendees were poor, some were without fixed address, others had plenty of material items and no family nearby. When it was over, everyone had more family than they did before. Most of our family left with take home food for the morrow. Most importantly, no one left empty, body or soul.

Father Acker brought the Free Teen Guitar Class to provide music for Christmas Carol singing before the meal. Father Acker, Andrew Boyd and Jack Arnold played a variety of songs. It was a well thought out performance with music books, carol handouts and the whole nine yards. Extremely well done performance by the FTGC.

The attendees sang along and loved the chance to see the kids and talk to new faces.

We had eleven members of our congregation, ten Boy Scouts and their parents and about twenty-two guests. If you were one of them, you know what it feels like to make a difference. Thank you. You also know what it feels like to have a great time. Everyone had a great time. What a great day to share with family members. God has a great family.

If you did not come, you missed a great time. This was fun, it was not “work”, you left feeling that you had enjoyed something worthwhile. What a great time.

Feast of the Holy Innocents
Superceding
The First Sunday after Christmas
Today was the First Sunday after Christmas Day, which was superceded by the red letter Feast of the Holy Innocents. The sunrise temperature Mount Olympus was a warm and slightly windy 50°F. Down the hill at church, skies were clear, visibility unlimited, the wind calm and the temperature 65°F. Another incredibly beautiful day brought out 24 people to worship.

Feast of the Holy Innocents
According to Matthew, when the Magi (popularly known as the "Three Wise Men") sought out the birth of Jesus, they first visited Herod the Great to ask, "where is He that is born King of the Jews". Herod, the Roman client king in Judea, was a master politician and a tyrant capable of extreme brutality. He killed his wife, his brother and his sister’s two husbands, to name only a few. Feeling that his throne was in jeopardy, Herod asked the Magi to find the child and return to tell him so that he might worship him (actually kill the child who he perceived as threat to his power). The Magi were warned in a dream to return home by a different route to avoid betraying the child. Herod ordered the slaughter of all male children who were two years old and under. Fortunately for them, according to Matthew, Joseph, Mary and Jesus had fled to Egypt after they had been warned by an angel. Jesus thus avoided being killed.

The passage specifically describes this event as happening in Bethlehem, which would probably have been a small village, and the surrounding rural areas. The Byzantine liturgy had 14,000 Holy Innocents and an early Syrian list of saints states that there were 64,000. The Catholic Encyclopedia in 1910 suggested that these numbers were probably inflated, and that for a town of that size probably only between six and twenty children would be killed, with a dozen or so more in the surrounding areas. According to the gospel of Matthew, Jeremiah’s prophecy of the Old Testament was fulfilled: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more” (Jeremiah 31:15)

Twenty babies are few, in comparison to the genocide and abortion of our day. But even if there had been only one, we recognize the greatest treasure God put on the earth—a human person, destined for eternity and graced by Jesus’ death and resurrection. For modern day Christians, abortion is considered a modern day massacre of the Innocents, the latter of which is meditated on for unborn or dying children.

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class
The normal pre-service Bible study class was replaced today with one on the origin of the Christmas carol Hark, the herald angels sing. The carol was written by Anglican priest Charles Wesley a year after returning to England from America. Charles and his brother John Wesley founded Methodism . Charles Wesley, the youngest of 18 children, wrote over 3,000 hymns, the two most familiar to us are: Jesus Christ is risen today and Come thou long expected Jesus.

The hymn originally read:

Hark, how all the welkin rings,
“Glory to the King of kings;
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”

The word welkin is an early English word which means the vault of heaven, thus the meaning was: The vast heaven rings with praise to Jesus Christ.

Welkin being outdated even in the late 1700s, George Whitfield re-wrote the words to: Hark the herald angels sing. He did the re-writing without Wesley’s permission, apparently intending to beg for forgiveness later, but never got around to it. It is noted that the Bible doesn’t mention angels singing, “Hark”, or anything else. It is also noted Charles never sang the new words.

The song can be broken down by verse:

• Hark=Listen
• Oi! Listen up!
• The News
• The new born King
• Peace on earth
• God & sinners reconcilled
• No Christmas without the Cross

• God become part of His creation
• Wrapped up and lying in a feeding trough
• God with us

• Images of the Old Testament and New Testament
• Messiah comes to establish God’s kingdom
• Rebirth into that Kingdom

Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled!“
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!“
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th' incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

Then, there is the alternative verse, Hark, Harold the Angel sings, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Alice Acker read the Epistle for today, which came from the Revelation of Saint John the Divine, the Fourteenth Chapter beginning at the First Verse.

I LOOKED, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

The Gospel came from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the Second Chapter beginning at the Thirteenth Verse:

THE angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Sermon - The value of life
There are twelve days in the Christmas season with their symbols from the song:

• A partridge in a pear tree
• Two turtle doves
• Three French hens
• Four colly (black) birds
• Five golden rings
• Six geese a-laying
• Seven swans a-swimming
• Eight maids a-milking
• Nine ladies dancing
• Ten drummers drumming
• Eleven pipers piping
• Twelve lords a-leaping

Today we are on the four colly birds. There are alternative symbols for the days,

Day Date Thought
Christmas December 25th Jesus’ birth
Saint Stephen December 26th Saint faithful in death
Saint John December 27th Saint faithful in life
Holy Innocents December 28th The value of human life

Today’s thought is that God values every human life. He sent His Son that each of us might have life everlasting. To God, each of us is precious. If a life is precious to God, how much more should it be to us. Each life is Holy, a thing to be revered. Yet through the ages, people around the Jews valued their lives less and less. While in captivity, “the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives…"When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live." Ex1.15-16” And, later after the birth of Jesus, “Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Mt2.16”

While God expects us to value each life, we are not to put this life above life with Him in eternity. We should look to His Son, our Savior. “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 reported anniversaries today. We celebrated Fran Dexter’s 66th birthday and Hap Arnold’s 59th birthday.

After Church Hospitality
Today Holly Lizak brought the after church snacks. There were the famed black olive egg salad sandwiches, two kinds of cookies and seedless red grapes. They were all wonderful! But, the black olive egg salad sandwiches were the best!

Command Master Brewer Macauley was on brew duty today and produced wonderful coffee, Father Acker made his signature low carb lemonade.

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

Date Name
4 January 2009 Traci Huber
11 January 2009 Muriel Pappin
18 January 2009 Martha Stevens
25 January 2009 Holly Lizak
1 February 2009 Alice Acker
8 February 2009 Betsy and Marianne Lane
15 February 2009 Greg and Diane Chase

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.

Repose of the Soul
Mary Kay McAllister left our world for home the morning of Tuesday 9 December 2008. She was with her sisters and family at the end of her time here on earth. She is now happy in the love of God and her Lord Jesus Christ and has made her transition in peace. Pray also for her family who remain here on earth, that they might be able to put their cares and worries aside for the moment and focus on God’s love for their mother; as well as her love for them. May they concentrate on the unity and not on the temporary separation.

Arla, Walt Dexter’s younger sister, passed away the afternoon of 15 December 2008, while in hospice care. Her two children, Debbie and Cindy, have been with their mother. She is now happy in the love of God and her Lord Jesus Christ and has made her transition in peace. Pray also for her family who remain here on earth, in particular Walt, that they might be able to put their cares and worries aside for the moment and focus on God’s love for their mother; as well as her love for them. May they concentrate on the unity and not on the temporary separation.

Travel
Chris, Stephanie, Alex and Andrew are on travel this week.
Keith and Alice are on travel this week.

Healing

Betty, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Karl, Christian, Marie, Wanda, 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 and gout)
, 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 (successful knee replacement surgery), Scott (endocarditis and cow valve), June (cancer surgery), Al, Susan, Jeff, David (leg injury), Judy, who suffers from mental illness, is undergoing tests for cancer, Jon, Jeffrey, Joy (cancer), Jim (pain), Marie, Joe (broken neck), Loretta (cancer), Katheryn (ear surgery), Sue (surgery recovery), Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, David

Chaplain Larry Witherspoon had a stroke on Tuesday evening, 16 December 2008. He underwent surgery at Kaiser Hospital, in Fontana and has returned to consciousness. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit and improving, the breathing-assist apparatus has been removed. He has opened his eyes and is very responsive. So much that visitors have been restricted because he gets too excited! Great news there. His mind is functioning and he can answer questions. Please pray for his recovery and comfort for his wife Sheila and his family who are incredibly worried for him.

Sara Simmons had an emergency appendectomy Thursday 11 December 2008, she is now at home recuperating. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for her continued recovery, as well as a diminishment of the pain and patience during the recovery.

Joanne S, whom some Blessed Trinity folks met last Sunday, has had a significant increase her shoulder pain from an injury last year. She’ll be talking with the doctors during the week.

Rachel works with Greg as a teacher's aide in the special education department and is going to night school to get her degree to allow her to be a fully credentialed teacher. She recently went to the ophthalmologist for a second opinion and found she has a melanoma in one eye. The melanoma is inside her eye and required nuclear surgery. She had her first eye surgery several days ago and the surgery went better than expected. Her second (and final) surgery is scheduled for later on this week. Please pray for her to understand God is there throughout all this; He does not test us; we are imperfect beings, including our bodies; all things are possible through Him; He always answers our prayers, though sometimes we don’t want to hear the answer and other times do not understand the answer. Pray for Rachel’s peace of mind and trust in God, as well as a good outcome for the surgery.

Sue Anne Adkins mother of Greg’s co-worker Vicki Jones has Stage Three lung cancer. She is doing well in her treatment, but is in need of your prayers. Please pray for her to accept God’s help through the pain, discomfort and bewilderment of treatment. Pray the doctors, nurses and technicians who treat her will pay attention and do their best. Please pray Sue Anne and her family will pull with together with God in all this and accept the help He will give them.

Tina Walden is having back pain and asks that you pray for her back to feel better.

Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving and into targeted radiation therapy for 10 days. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and radiation therapy. Pray also that Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.

Joy has a reoccurrence of abdominal cancer, which is non-operable. She is home from the hospital but still has a clot in her lung. 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 home and walking all around the house, as far as her 50 foot oxygen lead will let her. She does physical therapy every day and is eating very well! She is enjoying reading books and the newspaper again!

 She is improving on a daily basis! Her recovery is truly a God given miracle. Please give thanks for her great recovery and continue to pray for her progress.

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.

Binnie was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. 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.

Vince (12 yrs) who has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B) had what appears to be successful surgery to remove the tumor and replace his knee joint on 28 November 2008. Please pray for his healing and non-recurrence of the cancer, as well as that he and his family might put their trust in God and accept His comfort and encouragement in this difficult time.

Kenny had surgery to improve his hearing which did not end up improving his hearing in the end. Please pray for his adjusting to very limited hearing in just one ear. Also, please continue to pray for his improved state of mind and faith.

Joshua Hamilton is still in a coma after a severe head trauma in July. He has gotten past the MRSA and other infections. He is in skilled nursing in El Cajon with some response to physical therapy and they are working toward independent breathing. 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 back at work on a limited basis. Glenn has a new obstacle to overcome in addition to recovering from the brain injury sustained in his cycling accident. In his own words:

Well, if you ever reach a place where there is almost an acceptance of your personal/life circumstances... I thought I was there. I thought I had done a pretty good job of turning over to God the many circumstances in my life that were beyond my control, self limiting, and the many, many things that interfered with my daily life either physically, spiritually, emotionally or mentally. Then yesterday, one of my random Cat Scans revealed the presence of an aneurysm in my aorta that will require heart surgery in the next 6 months or so. Well, so much for being in a place of acceptance! This can't be happening. I thought I was being treated for a brain injury. I have come to realize that it is much easier to accept where God has you (and believed it is God-ordained) if you seem to be moving in a direction that you are ok with vesus these unforseen, life-altering surprises. This is definitely a setback in so many ways..... and a fresh reminder that I have so much to learn and so far to travel. And, I definitely understand that if I hadn't been in the bike accident, I would never have discovered the aneurysm and would have heaven bound sooner than anticipated. Thank you God for this gift! While I sojourn, please pray for physical and emotional healing, supernatural wisdom for my treating doctors, and for the peace that passes all understanding to cover and undergird me. Humbly..... my love and gratitude.... glenn

This is a major problem, yet if he had not had his accident, he would have likely found out about the aneurysm when it burst and he died. Glenn knows this, yet what a great deal of stress. Please pray for Glenn’s continued healing and trust in God.

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 28 months). The level of discomfort varies but the condition is persisting. She is in amazing spirits and sends her love to all.

Lona Walsh is in significant discomfort, but it looks like it is not Lupus. She asks that you continue your prayers for healing.

Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) – called this week. She is still home and still doing wonderfully well! Mrs. Kay asks that everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers. As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude. 


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 now home in Escondido after her bone marrow transplant in July. She will have to make frequent trips to City of Hope in Pasadena for follow-up appointments, but she's very glad to be home now. Please continue in prayer that her leukemia will not reoccur; after the transplant, the chance of recurrence is 40%. Caroline will be 11 in December. Please keep praying for this sweet girl to make a full recovery and live a long life, devoted to God. She and her family are Catholic Christians.

George, a friend of Susanne Barrett who lives in northern Georgia, experienced a recurrence of bladder cancer earlier this year. He has been undergoing treatment for a recurrence of bladder cancer and whose tumor has completely disappeared, has experienced a blood clot in his lower calf.

Please pray for George's endurance and for peace for the whole family, including their children, Megan and George III.

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, Jack (test), Alfred, Marie, Dru, Jack, Hap, Estelle

Sarah is still struggling with custody arrangements for her children and would appreciate our continued prayers. 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 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.

Paul S suffers from severe schizophrenia remains stable with his medication, but needs God’s guidance. He gives thanks for improvement in his housing situation.

Guidance and Protection
Christina, 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 is shutting down his current business and entering the handyman field. Please pray for God's leading him to work or work to him. 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 her physical 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.

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 you want to write something, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to: thebeadle@mac.com.

Sophie’s Christmas Prayer
One of the Beadle’s very good friends in Louisiana, Corinne Cook, has a granddaughter whose name is Sophie. She is a lovely young lady who has been given gifts by God far in excess of his. She wrote a prayer for this Christmas she has let the Beadle share with you, printed exactly as received from her:

Christmas 2008

By Sophie – age 12

It is a cold, silent night. There is no moon. Snow is gently falling and gleams in the starlight pearly white. You can see a small village. It is Bethlehem. You notice a stable outside an Inn. From the stable you hear a child’s cry. A baby has been born.

You walk through the streets of a modern city. It is December. Every window is shining. Christmas is here! Santa Claus is coming. The shop windows look fabulous, absolutely glittering. You see lights and toys and Christmas trees. You hear carols and Santa’s famous Ho Ho Ho.

This is Christmas in both senses of the word. People decorate Christmas with glamour of parties and decorations. There is nothing wrong with it. It is wonderful. Christmas is a joyous time. People laugh and celebrate. It is great. Just remember that on that fateful night many thousands of years ago Christ came into this world. He came for us. Remember the true reason for Christmas.

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

4 January 2009 Tim Macauley
11 January 2009 Dru Arnold
18 January 2009 Ben Lizak
25 January 2009 Holly Lizak

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

Thursday
1 January, Thursday, is the Circumcision of Christ, a Red Letter Holy Day, there will be Holy Communion at Victoria Chapel at 0930 (9:30am).

Sunday
Next Sunday is the second Sunday after Christmas.

Monday
1830 (6:30pm) Monday 5 January 2009 is the 12th Night of Christmas, along with the Twelve lords a-leaping, there will be a Twelfth Night service at Victoria House (all three minutes) along with a Christmas Green burning (no more than you can fit in your hand) and dessert.

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/BeadleBlog/Blog/Blog.html

All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from:

thebeadle@mac.com