This was an action filled week for members of the congregation. Father Acker’s sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent talked about spreading the Word by actions. We certainly lived that out this week!
Second Annual Christmas Dessert Party
Greg and Diane Chase hosted their traditional Christmas Dessert Party the evening of Wednesday, 10 December 2008 at their home in La Mesa. Diane had a whole dining room table of desserts to choose from, most she made, some others brought. Your Beadle was late, so he could not bear witness to whose was whose, or whatever the right grammar might be. But, he can tell you that all of them were great, regardless of whose they were! There were 16 people who made it down the hill to attend. This summary is not for the lucky 16. They know what a great time we had. This is for the rest of you who did not make it. Where to start? Well, the party was to be coffee and dessert. Be assured that the desert was sufficient that your Beadle who came straight from work did not feel the need for dinner afterwards. Neither of the Chases drink coffee. In fact up until the party, they did not have a coffeemaker. Now they do and under the personal tutelage of Command Master Brewer Macauley and Father Acker, they may not like to drink coffee, but they can certainly make wonderful coffee, a special Christmas Blend was served and it was worthy of the feast. There was also a local Alpine vineyard wine served. Quite posh!
Sadly, the Under Beadle and Deputy Beadle were not able to attend. They were at play practice. More on that later!
There were several kinds of cakes, cookies and nuts, as well as other snacks. As to drinks, there was champagne, wine, various and sundry adult beverages and for the Beadle, two kinds of sparkling apple juice, plain – which is not so plain, and cranberry – apple which is really special.
Most of all there was a wonderful time had by all, we got to talk, visit and snack in a festive environment. We not only got to see Nelson, the Chase’s son who is working towards being an Orthodox priest, but spend time their daughter Ashley and her Steven.
All in all, a wonderful time.
Thank you Diane and Greg!
Christmas Through the Ages Play
Several of the kids from the parish have been participating in the Mountain Empire Creative Arts Council’s Theater Arts Program spearheaded by Diane Holly and Mary Aragon. Saturday night, they put on a play, Christmas through the Ages. Diane Holly is incredibly talented, a wonderful teacher and more important a lovely lady who wants to give of the talent God gave her to make this a better world. The program started as a theater arts program to give homeschool kids exposure to the theater and has grown. They did Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night earlier in the year, followed by a couple month long acting class. The production of Christmas through the Ages was the culmination of this year’s work. Unlike the first play, this was a complete community effort with participants ranging from five to seventy-five. Miss Holly wove them all into a fabric reminiscent of Jacob’s Coat of Many Colors. The program is done on a shoestring budget, so small that our parish was the major sponsor. If you understand how little money we have, then you know how much Miss Holly managed to do with almost nothing. No amount of praise can rightly address the work Diane Holly, Mary Aragon, Dru Arnold and the others put in to the play.
In addition, Father Ironhand’s Free Teen Guitar Class opened the event with a half hour of Christmas carols. If you know anyone in the more or less local area who would like to learn to play the guitar, take a look at the website:
http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com
The kids had a great time playing for the group and the group seemed to really appreciate the effort on their behalf. Participating in Christmas through the Ages from our parish were:
• Elizabeth Barrett
• Jonathan Barrett
• Jack Arnold
The play was wonderful, with the old shepherd (Norman) telling the young children about his witness of the nativity. Norman was incredible in the role.
Jack Arnold, as Joseph, had only one line, yet it was powerful. When he finds no room in the end, he must tell his wife Mary.
Can you put your self in Joseph’s place? You are the head of the family. Their welfare is your responsibility. You and your family have been walking all day. Your wife is pregnant, about to birth. There is no room in the inn. Now you have to tell her she will be spending the night in a stable. Yet, that is what Joseph must do.
Joseph’s love is clear the words, “Mary, here is where we must pass the night. I know it is not an inn where you would have a comfortable bed. But God has given the animals to keep us warm and the beautiful night sky for company. Please do not worry. Come lay here on this clean straw.”
The story of the first Christmas continues with the birth of baby Jesus, the arrival of the young shepherd boys filled with wonder at the coming of the Lord. It continues with the arrival of the Three Wise Men or Magi:
The message of the first Christmas, Hope, Charity, Love continues through the ages until this day, with the play touching on the Mexican tradition of giving presents to the Christ Child, much like the Magi.
We get many of our Christmas traditions from our overseas heritage; from Christmases in England, Germany, Norway and the like. The play highlighted some of the English traditions we have adopted.
As people find out every year, and many found out during the Great Depression, Christmas may not be a time of plenty, but if you are with those you love it is a time of bounty.
Everyone wants to be home for Christmas. But, not everyone can be home for Christmas. Ever since the first Christmas, soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coastguardsmen and now the contractors working with them have been apart from their families for Christmases. Defense of our country comes at a price. A price paid by not only the servicemember, but their families as well. The play provided an excellent and effective portrait of the military Christmas for the deployed.
Throughout the entire play, the choir performed an almost endless array of songs, incredibly well, lead by Terry at the piano. As all the readers know, the Beadle cannot sing. But, he appreciates those who can. And these young ladies certainly did sing.
Third Sunday in Advent
Commonly called Rose Sunday
Today was the third 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. Rose-colored vestments may be used on the third Sunday of Advent, signifying for us a lightening up of the penitential nature of the season as we draw closer to Christmas.
We had a cold front come through, sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was 35°F, under cloudy skies, but the rain passed leaving about 1/3 of an inch. Apparently, the congregation liked the cloudy weather, because we had 21 people by the time the service started:
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 380 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 Book of Zechariah, one of the minor prophets , the eleventh book of the 12 minor prophets of the Old Testament.
The purpose of this book is not strictly historical, rather theological and pastoral. The main emphasis is God is at work and plans to live again with His people. He will save them from their enemies and cleanse them from sin. Zechariah's concern for purity is apparent in the temple, priesthood and all areas of life as the prophecy gradually eliminates the influence of the governor in favor of the high priest, and the sanctuary becomes ever more clearly the center of messianic fulfillment. The prominence of prophecy is quite apparent in Zechariah There is clearly a reference to the coming of the Lord in chapters 7 to 14 as Messianic prophecies, either directly or indirectly. These chapters helped the writers of the Gospels understand Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, which they quoted as they wrote of Jesus’ final days. Much of the Book of Revelation, which narrates the final outcome of history, is also colored by images in Zechariah.
Zechariah takes place during the reign of Darius the Great and was contemporary with Haggai in a post-exilic world after the fall of Jerusalem in 586-7 BC. Zechariah is specific about dating his writing (520-518 BC).
The book relates prophesies of both warning and hope, as well as the coming Messiah. Zechariah had ten visions in one night:
1. Riders under Myrtle Trees 1.7
2. Four Horns 1.18
3. Four Craftsmen 1.20
4. Man with Measuring Line 2.1
5. Joshua & Satan 3.1
6. The Branch 3.8
7. Lampstand & Two Olive Trees 4.1
8. Flying Roll 5.1
9. Woman in Ephah 5.5
10. Four Chariots 6.1
Father Acker discussed the four chariots in particular.
This time I saw four chariots coming out from between the bronze mountains. The 1st chariot pulled by red horses, the 2nd by black horses, the 3rd by white horses, & the 4th by dappled horses…These are the 4 winds…just come from the presence of the Lord.
They were driven to the four corners of the earth bearing the wrath of God. The one to the north takes the vengeance of God upon the nations of the North who have kept His chosen people in captivity. It is to be noted this series of visions begins and ends with similar pictures -- the horses of varied hues whose riders bring back work that all the earth is at rest and whose drivers, in like manner, are the bearers of the message of God.
Chapter Nine, Verse Nine talks of the coming King:
Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion!
Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you!
He comes triumphant and victorious, but humble and riding on a donkey—on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Chapter Twelve talks of His sacrifice:
And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn
A lot of interesting stuff in only fourteen chapters.
Jan Macauley read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, starting at the First Verse of the Fourth Chapter.
Paul calls on those who would be the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God to be good and faithful stewards leading their flock rather than commanding from the rear. He tells them not to be fearful of the judgment of man. In fact, he tells he is not concerned of the judgment of men, or even that of himself, but rather that of God. God knows our hearts and when He judges, He “will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.“
LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, the Eleventh Chapter, beginning at the Second Verse. Now when John the Baptist “had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” John was Jesus’ cousin and the one who baptized Him and heard God say, THIS IS MY SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.” Yet, he and the rest of the Jews of the time expected the Messiah to come into Jerusalem in triumph, sit in the temple and rule, commanding, nay compeling the Romans to leave. No doubt marveling at the question, for it was asked of Him who had performed countless genuine miracles, healing the blind, the deaf the lame, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” As John’s disciples parted, Jesus talked to those about him. He asked them concerning John, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” Because Jesus came into this world, not to be the King of the Present, but rather the King of that to Come.
NOW when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Sermon – Preparing for Christ
In this season of Advent as we anticipate the coming of Christ, both in the Christian Year and the Second Coming, we ask: What are we doing to prepare the way for Him?
Before we can answer the question, we need to review what he has called us to do. We are to be:
• Faithful Servants
• Trustworthy Stewards
To be servants of God, we are to be, like Caesar’s wife, beyond reproach. Not that the opinion of others matter to God, but rather we do not want to be the source of confusion to others. It is our duty to let God shine on people through us. To be transmissive of His light, rather than opaque. We are to let His light shine through us.
To do that, we need to be trustworthy.
We need to do His Work as servants, to spread His Word, not that of our own. Ego, it is often pointed out, stands for Edging God Out. Put God first, the rest will fall in line.
We need to be beacons of light. To tell people what God had done in our lives and reassure them God can do even more for them. With God, nothing is impossible; without God, nothing is.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. v. 16.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We joyfully celebrate Betsy Lane’s 82nd birthday with her today!
After Church Hospitality
Today Alice Acker brought the after church snacks, with a little assist from Greg Chase.
Alice made some small ping pong ball cookies, which the Beadle assured her were no good (until he ate his fill, then confessed they were actually great!), chocolate cookies, blueberries, red grapes and chocolate cake. All very good, except the ping pong ball cookies which were great!
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
21 December 2008 Greg and Diane Chase
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 one new nametag today - Joanne Strom
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.
Travel
None reported
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 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)
Arla, Walt Dexter’s sister, is in hospice care. Her two children, Debbie and Cindy, are present with their mother. Please pray that she might be confident in the love of God and her Lord Jesus Christ and thus make 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.
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. She is standing three or four times a day. Her digestive tract seems to be under control, now she can work on eating and building strength. There is still a long road ahead of her, but she is doing incredibly well. Please that she and her family will accept the strength 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.
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 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 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
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 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)
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 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
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
Christmas Caroling at Viejas (FTGC – The Band)
Friday night Father Acker got an invitation for the Free Teen Guitar Class to play at the Viejas Casino in the Dream Catcher Lounge for the SCAIR Christmas Party. SCAIR is a big supporter of our church and the Free Teen Guitar Class, not to mentiuon the Dream Catcher is a professional venue. What an opportunity for FTGC – The Band to play on the same stage as Steve Vai! When we got there, image our surprise to find out we had support, two audio men and a light technician. All the FTGC needed was their guitars, the rest was all in place, up and running. Just like the big guys. I mean really really big guys. Hit the ground with your ax and start shredding!
See more at http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com/Viejas2008/catalog.html
After the concert, the band hit the ice!
Huge thanks to Don Patton for support of the FTGC Concert. Huge thanks!
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Sunday
Sunday is the Fourth Sunday in Advent.
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
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