Fourth Sunday in Advent

Today was the fourth Sunday in Advent, the period including the four Sundays before Christmas; the first Sunday of which is always the nearest Sunday to the feast of St. Andrew (30 November). Advent is a season of preparation and penitence. We prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but we also look forward to his second coming. The liturgical color for this season is purple reminding us of the Kingship of Jesus and that Advent is also a season of penitential preparation.

Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a 46°F with a very mild winter Santa Ana. Down the hill at church, skies were clear, visibility unlimited, the wind calm and the temperature 60°F. With an incredibly beautiful day, we had 24 people present, the exact same number as last year.

Gathering Songs
Today Nick Patton, Jack Arnold and Father Acker played their guitars for the gathering songs as is our parish custom. Gathering songs came to the Anglican church via Africa where they are used to provide entertainment and edification to early arriving church members as the congregation walked in from all around the countryside. We take advantage of the custom on two fronts. Anglicans are traditionally late, so by calling the service an 0830 service and really starting about 0845, after the gathering songs, we get everyone here for the service (just like Africa). Today, for instance, we started gathering with 13 people and had 24 for the service. The second reason that we do the songs is they provide a contemporary part to our service without infringing on the traditional part. Thus we have the best of both worlds. We can do whatever we want in the contemporary section while not losing our traditional character. Thanks again to Nick, Jack and Father Ironhand.

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 490 days by popular demand
Today continued the seventy 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 Malachi, one of the minor prophets, the twelfth book of the 12 minor prophets of the Old Testament and the last book in the Old Testament. Between the Old and New stands the Apocrypha, more on that in a later lesson.

Malachi is a book of the Bible’s Old Testament written by the prophet Malachi. This may not be the name of the author, since Malachi means 'my messenger' or 'my angel' in Hebrew. There is debate regarding the identity of the author of Malachi. The Jewish Targum identifies Ezra as the author of Malachi. St. Jerome suggests this may be because Ezra is seen as an intermediary between the prophets and the 'great synagogue'. There is, however, no historical evidence to support this claim.

The book of Malachi deals directly with abuses in the restored Temple system, apparently from first hand experience, and was almost certainly written in Jerusalem.

The book of Malachi was written to correct the lax religious and social behavior of the Israelites – particularly the priests – in post-exilic Jerusalem. Prophets urged the people of Judah and Israel to see their exile as punishment for failing to uphold their covenant with Yahweh. Not long after they had been restored to the land and to Temple worship the people’s commitment to their God began, once again, to wane. It was in this context Malachi delivered his prophecy.

Malachi made eight charges, but they boiled down to:

• The people had been deadened to sin, they were in a spiritual stupor;
• They seemed to be genuinely surprised that God bound fault with THEM;
• Priests even seemed to despise God.

It seemed like the people of Malachi’s time were not much different than most people today. The concept was simple, the people were doing what they well pleased and telling themselves it was what God wanted. They did it so long and so well, some of them even believed it. Priests seemed to be chosen on their ability to tell people they were doing God’s will. To understand the wording, you must understand that the Jewish worship at the time called for the dedication of ten percent, the best ten percent, to God. This was the tithing or sacrifice that is being talked about.

At the time of Malachi, the people and their so called priests were “sacrificing” what they could not use elsewhere. They were not giving God their best, but rather their trash. They gave God what they did not want and told themselves they were doing his will. Malachi did not see it that way. Malachi also addresses divorce, suggesting that God expects us to be faithful to those in His name are joined.

Malachi makes the point that God will not really bless us if we do not really follow Him. Those who see no real advantage in following God likely have not been really following Him.

Remember, all God asks is that we do our best to do what He wants. He does not mean that we say we are doing our best while doing what we want.

Stephanie Boyd read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s first letter to the Philippians, starting at the Fourth Verse of the Fourth Chapter.

Paul calls on us to “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” We are to lead the world to Christ by example, to “Let (y)our moderation be known unto all men.” In this Advent season, as always, “The Lord is at hand.” We are to worry about nothing, “but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” And in the words we find at the end of the Holy Communion Service, may “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

REJOICE in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint John, the First Chapter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? John the Baptist “confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.”

THIS is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Sermon – Rejoice, again I say REJOICE
Today Father Acker preached about the Epistle. It so enthralled the Beadle that he almost forgot to take the customary preaching photograph. He also cannot make head nor tails out of the visuals that made so much sense while Father Acker was talking. He will go through the Epistle and make the points he remembered Father preaching. If that is not good enough, come to church and listen on your own!

Rejoice in the Lord alway: Paul tells us to always be thankful and happy for what our Lord has given us. For the happiness here on earth and eternal life.

and again I say, Rejoice. Can you not understand how much we have been given. Here in this country of all the world we should have an understanding of what good comes from following the direction our Lord has given us. Be thankful unto the Lord God!

Let your moderation be known unto all men. Moderation in all things. Moderation in eating, drinking, talking, even in worship. Let your life be an example to all as you let our Lord shine through you into the world.

The Lord is at hand. The time is near, in many senses the end is near. We know not at what hour the master cometh. When we die, our world has ended here. While this world goes on, it goes on without us as we go home.

Be careful for nothing; Worry not. Trust in God and Dread Naught. We are to put our cares and worries on God’s back, let Him carry them while we get on with our work here on earth.

but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Ask God for what you want. He will provide what you need. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. If you do this, it will work. Do what Jesus told you, what God wants and His peace will be with you and keep worry from eating at you.

This Sunday before Christmas, ask yourself, “What do I believe?” Recall the Nicene Creed (BCP Page 71) which we recited today. Now, act on it.

Then ask for forgiveness. You already did in today’s General Confession, (BCP Page 75) now act as if you meant it. If you do, you will.

Finally, give your life to Jesus and thus to God. You already said you did today in Holy Communion (BCP Page 82).

Holy Communion

THE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.

THE Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.

Now it is up to you to take what God has given and do something with it.

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

After Church Hospitality
Today Greg Chase brought the after church snacks. Greg had little chocolate cupcake brownies, three cheeses and two types crackers and cashews. All in all, very nice!


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
28 December 2008 Holly Lizak
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
None reported

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.

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, 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)

Thanksgiving
Fran Dexter underwent successful cataract surgery on her left eye on Monday, 8 December 2008. She asks that you give thanks for the excellent result and hopes for continued healing to a full recovery.

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

21 December 2008 Stephanie Boyd
Christmas Ashley or Ryan Welter
28 December 2008 Alice Acker
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

Christmas Eve
Our Christmas Eve Service will be in our customary Sunday location, the Alpine Elementary School Auditorium. There will be carols at 1800 (6:00pm) and the actual Holy Communion Service will begin at 1830 (6:30pm). If you have not been to church in a while, this is a good service to come back to. The Free Teen Guitar Class will be providing music for the carols and Marianne will be playing the organ for the service. The best of both worlds! It is going to be a great time. Please join us. If you are reading this from far away, please go to some church. While we think highly of the REC churches, we think you need to go somewhere for Christmas.

Christmas Day Service
For those who cannot make the Christmas Eve Service, there will be a Christmas Day Service at Victoria Chapel at 0930. By the way, you can go to both!

Christmas Day Dinner
Our church is putting on the Alpine Christmas Day Dinner at the Alpine Community Center starting at 1130. The Free Teen Guitar Class will be providing music for carols and the dinner will actually be served at noon. If you would like to come and eat or help or both, call Father Acker at (619) 722-1772.

Sunday
Next Sunday is the first Sunday after Christmas.

See you next week on Christmas Eve!

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