Christmas Eve
The weather for the Christmas Eve service was textbook Southern California, low 50°Fs, clear and calm. 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, we ended up with 26 people for the carols and service, six more than last year!
Christmas Carols
Father Acker, Ale Springer, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold played Christmas carols on their guitars before the service for a half hour. The carols were all in the bulletin. Unlike the last few years’ Christmas Eve services, everyone had the same words for the carols. What a difference that makes. Tonight we sang:
• Come thou long expected Jesus
• It came upon a midnight clear
• holy night
• Mary's boy child
• What child is this
• Angels we have heard
• Hark the herald angels sing
• First Noel
• Joy to the world
It was really fun to get a chance to sing together, making a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Crèche Blessing
Our nativity scene made its debut tonight, with Baby Jesus on the altar, His delivery to the scene marking the opening of Christmas with His birth. A question was asked, where were the Wise Men or Magi? The answer was clear as the night, they were outside, making their way towards Jesus and would appear on the Epiphany, 6 January, after the 12 days of Christmas. They were not in the scene, because it was not yet their time. Anyway, Father Acker “blessed” the nativity scene. Perhaps a better way of putting it would be that he dedicated it to the Glory of God.
Propers
Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding. The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. If you have a hard time remembering, “Do I read the Collect from last Sunday or next Sunday during the week?” Remember Sunday is the first day of the week. There are also two Bible readings, the Epistle and the Gospel. While they are “lessons”, they are not the First Lesson and the Second Lesson, they are the Epistle and the Gospel. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the priest as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the priests and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained priest.
The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead. Red Letter Feast, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent. The Collect we used is found on Page 96 and the remainder of the Propers are found on Page 98-99, with the Collect first:
The Nativity of our Lord, or the Birthday of Christ,
commonly called Christmas Day.
[December 25.]
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout the Octave.
Emilie Springer read the Epistle, which came from Paul’s letter to Titus beginning in the Eleventh Verse of the Second Chapter. Paul tells Titus that it is only God’s grace that gives us salvation. It we are going to accept that grace, we need to live that life to which God has called us. Regardless of cost, we need to live the life God has purchased for us. We need to trust in God and in this world live cleanly, conservatively, thoughtfully, looking towards God for our salvation. We need to encourage and exhort other Christians to do likewise. To live in harmony with others. To be, to the extent we are able, paragons of virtue. Serving as good examples, not bad. 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 – Choose to be used
We are all, in a sense, on a spiritual path to Bethlehem. To be on the path is one thing, but to be able to complete the trip we need to be:
• Ready
• Willing
• Able
To be READY means to be open our hearts and minds to God’s direction. Consider the example of Simeon and the Temple, he waited years looking for the Messiah. Upon seeing the infant Jesus, he said “Lord I’m ready to come home to you; now I see this child, now I see you’ve kept your promise.”
Simeon didn’t just hang about waiting for Jesus in a random place, he put himself where he knew that Jesus would come; the great Temple of Jerusalem.
To be ready means being ready to accept God’s direction. You may be ready to take God’s direction, to accept God’s direction. But, for it to be of any value you need to be willing to actually follow His direction.
Once you are ready, you need to move on to the next step, being WILLING. It is one thing to say you are READY, it is another to be really ready to move. You need to accept God’s challenge.
Consider Mary, Jesus mother. The Bible doesn’t say she was perfect or sinless. What the Bible does say is that Mary was WILLING to accept the awesome responsibility God gave her when He asked her to be Jesus’ mother. You must appreciate she was human and had normal ordinary fears and anxieties. Think for a minute what went through her head: Not only God does want to use me to further His purpose; but He actually wants to use me to bring His Son into being in this world.
Gives a whole new perspective to the word willing.
ABLE, what about able?
Well, the fact is, we are all able, if we are willing.
Able means actually doing, not just talking about doing.
This being Christmas, consider the innkeeper to whom Joseph and Mary applied for room in the inn. Mary is going into labor. Joseph stops at the only place in town, not the Hyatt or even Motel 6. A walled courtyard half the size of our auditorium, filled with all the camel jockeys and burro bandits looking for a smooth place to sleep off what little wine they had with them. A few score people looking for entertainment.
The innkeeper looked out the door for a second or two. Turning to Mary and Joseph he said why don’t you all come around back? I’ve got a place for you. I’ll bring you some food and you’ll be needing a bit of bedding.
Thus was Jesus born in a manger
The innkeeper’s heart was open to God; he was willing to do God’s bidding and he actually did it!
Ready, willing and able – are you?
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. The morning was bright and cold (okay, California Cold, about 35°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.
Comment on Christmas
Tonight before Christmas your Beadle was driving down 2nd St., the busiest street in El Cajon, California; one thing struck him. Not a single Christmas decoration was to be found on the street. Not a single one. During the past week, your Beadle counted the number of times people wished him a Merry Christmas. That would be twice. Now, he will say, that when he wished others a Merry Christmas often they would return the greeting.
What does that say about the state of our country and religion? I don’t know, but it does say that Christmas may be disappearing from the American landscape. But not this American landscape, the Beadle is dedicated to Christmas.
Christmas Day Dinner
This is our parish’s second year sponsoring the Alpine Community Center Christmas Dinner at the Alpine Community Center. We are grateful for generous contribution in kind from the Alpine Albertson’s Supermarket and for the wonderful help from Boy Scout Troop 105, of Alpine who provided us with much needed assistance.
While the dinner does provide a bit of Christmas cheer for people a bit “down on their luck,” it is more than that. Christmas is a time to share with loved ones. Share not only food and presents, but more important than either of those - love. The love of God, the love of family. Christmas is a time to gather with friends and family. So, what to do if you have no close friends or family? That is where the Alpine Community Center Christmas Dinner comes in.
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. Most of the people could easily have gone to a restaurant, they just would not have been with family!
We are a small congregation. With an average Sunday attendance of 23, we are without a doubt the smallest parish in the area. We have no building, we have no big staff. It is true we are small, is true we have little money, but it is also true we have a mission. Our mission is to spread the Word of God and a good place to start spreading the Word of God is right here in our own community. So, we reached out: the Alpine Community Center kindly let us use their facility; Albertsons generously donated turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes. As anyone who has “snacked” with us after church or come to one of our parties knows, we do have great cooks. We also have access to great music through Father Acker’s Free Teen Guitar Class who have been practicing Christmas carols! What more do you need for a great Christmas dinner?
Hungry people. Hungry for food, hungry for company. Those the community furnished.
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. This year we planned ahead, actually that would be this year Alice planned ahead, and we had take-home boxes for the extra food. Most of our family left with take home food for the morrow. Most importantly, no one left empty, body or soul.
The Free Teen Guitar Class provided music for Christmas Carol singing before the meal. Father Acker, Alex Springer, Nick Patton 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.
Thanks to:
• Albertson’s
• Boy Scout Troop 105, of Alpine
• The Free Teen Guitar Class
• Alice Acker, Food Coordinator
• Ben Lizak, Dinner Commandant
• Stephanie Boyd, Director of Decorating and Food Service
The attendees sang along and loved the chance to see the kids and talk to new faces.
We had sixteen members of our congregation, eleven Boy Scouts and their parents and about twenty-seven guests. More than last year, less that we would like. 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.
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 you had enjoyed something worthwhile.
What a great time!
Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist.
forever known as “The Disciple whom Jesus loved”
Superseding
The First Sunday after Christmas
Today was the First Sunday after Christmas Day, which was superseded by the red letter Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist. The sunrise temperature Mount Olympus was a cool and beautiful 34°F. Down the hill at church, skies were clear, visibility unlimited, the wind calm and the temperature 55°F. Another incredibly beautiful day brought out 21 people to worship.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class
The normal pre-service Bible study class was canceled today, but below you can read about John.
Gathering Songs
Today Father Ironhand and Jack Arnold played the gathering songs:
• First Noel/Joy to the World
• Hark the herald angels sing
• What child is this
Gathering songs are a great way not only to allow people to come in a bit late and not to worry, but also to allow us to mix contemporary music and conventional church music in the same service without interfering with each other. Plus, most importantly, our guitarists love to play. Plus, like today, somehow they often draw in people. We started with 11 people and by the time the songs were over we had 21!
Saint John
Today, 27 December is the day set aside to remember John the Apostle (Greek Ιωάννης, Hebrew יוחנן, meaning "Yahweh is gracious"). John who was thought to have been born about the same time as Jesus and living to the age of 100, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of James, another of the Twelve Apostles. John was the author of several New Testament works: the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. In his Gospel, John seemingly refers to himself not by name, but by the term, “The Disciple whom Jesus loved”, thus the title above.
John and his brother James were originally fishermen and fished with their father in the Lake of Genesareth. He was first a disciple of John the Baptist and later one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. It appears John had a prominent position in the Apostolic body. Peter, James and John were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus' daughter, of the Transfiguration and of the Agony in Gethsemane.] Only he and Peter were sent into the city to make the preparation for the final Passover meal, which became the Last Supper). At the meal itself, his place was next to Jesus on whose chest he leaned. According to the general interpretation, John was also that "other disciple" who with Peter followed Jesus after the arrest into the palace of the high-priest. John alone remained near Jesus at the foot of the cross on Calvary with Jesus’ mother, Mary, and the pious women and took Mary into his care as the last legacy of Jesus.
After the Resurrection, seems to be the unnamed disciple who ran together with Peter towards the tomb and thus the first of the apostles to believe that Jesus had truly risen. After Jesus’ Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, John and Peter took a prominent part in the founding and guidance of the church, were at the healing of the lame man in the Temple, were thrown into prison together and visited the newly converted in Samaria.
Paul, opposing his enemies in Galatia, recalls John explicitly along with Peter and James the Just were referred to as "pillars of the church" and refers to the recognition that his Apostolic preaching of a gospel free from Jewish Law received from these three, the most prominent men of the Christian community at Jerusalem. It is traditionally believed that John survived his contemporary apostles and lived to an extreme old age, dying at Ephesus in about 100 AD.
Propers
The Propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with Propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those Propers are to be read instead, with the Collect for the actual Sunday read also. The Propers are found on Page 101-102, with the Collect first:
Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist.
[December 27.]
The Collect.
MERCIFUL Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church, that it, being illumined by the doctrine of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John, may so walk in the light of thy truth, that it may at length attain to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Red Letter Feast, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent. The Christmas Collect is to be read for Christmas and the next seven days, eight in total, an octave, and is found on Page 96:
The Nativity of our Lord, or the Birthday of Christ,
commonly called Christmas Day.
[December 25.]
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout the Octave.
Hap Arnold read the Epistle for the Feast of Saint John, which came from the First Letter of Saint John, the First Chapter, beginning at the First Verse:
THAT which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no dark-ness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
The Holy Gospel for today came from the Twenty-First Chapter of the Gospel of Saint John beginning at the Nineteenth Verse.
JESUS saith unto Peter, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.
The Gospel of the Lord
The Last Gospel
During Christmastide, we also read “The Last Gospel”, which is actually the first part of the Gospel according to Saint John, so called because in many ways it completes the story of Christ:
The Holy Gospel is written in the First Chapter of the Gospel of St. John beginning at the First Verse.
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.
Sermon - See, Tell and Live
Christmas is much more than a day of fancy presents and fine food. It is more that even the birth of our Savior, wonderful as that is. The day after Christmas, we celebrate the life and example of Saint Stevens, stoned to death at an early age, the first real martyr of Christianity, the next day we celebrate the contributions of Saint John who lived to be an 100 years old, the two extremes. The next day is the remembrance of the Holy Innocents, those two and under killed by Herod, recalling today those murdered in abortions, if nothing else. Friday, the Feast of the Circumcision, recalls Jesus subjection to the law. Christmastide ends with the revealing of Christ to the Gentiles (that would be us) on the Epiphany with the arrival of the Magi. Quite a lot to talk about in very little time.
So, what do three monkeys have to do with See, Tell and Live? I am not sure, they were not in the sermon, but the graphic jumped out at me! May perhaps you can make a connection.
In any event, to be useful Christians, you need to see, to believe and let Christ into your life. If you do that, then you can tell people you meet the Good News of salvation. If you do that, then you can live a life that demonstrates the change the Good News has made in your life. That will act as a heterodyne circuit, the output modifying the throughput and the quality of your life will increase. As your quality of life increases, not by focusing inward, but rather outward, those around you will also experience the increased quality of life. Odd, is it not? By looking out for others, you do what is best for you. By putting others first, you get the most out of life.
Want a couple of quick and close examples? Think of the Christmas Carol Express and the Christmas Dinner. Who were they for? The homebound and the homeless (not homeless as in shopping cart, but those without a “home” for Christmas). Who got the most out of those two events? Those who put others first and put them on.
This Christmastide, take a quick look at Father Acker’s email tagline: The Church--"on behalf of others"
Is that not what Jesus is about?
Jesus is the ONLY reason for the Season. It may be a Happy Holiday for some, but for us it is now and always will be a:
Merry Christmas!
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today. We were very fortunate to have local startup Lutheran Pastor Steve Benson and his wonderful family visit with us today. Good timing, too. Take a look at the birthdays!
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We celebrated Lydia Benson’s 9th birthday, Fran Dexter’s 67th birthday and Hap Arnold’s 60th birthday.
Too bad Fran did not make it to church. Oh, well. We ate Fran’s share of the wonderful Joseph’s Cake of Many Colors; just so it would not go to waste, don’t you know?
After Church Hospitality
Dru Arnold brought the snacks today. There was a wonderful Joseph’s Cake of Many Colors, cheddar cheese sticks, honey roasted peanuts and wasabi peanuts (not green M&Ms). Very nice. The cake was great, a quick re-labeling and Lydia’s name appeared!
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was on coffee duty, the coffee was great, as expected. Father Acker got up early and made fresh and excellent low carb lemonade, great and almost gone.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
3 January 2010 Alice Acker
10 January 2010 Holly Lizak
17 January 2010 Opportunity Available
24 January 2010 Jan Macauley
31 January 2010 Opportunity Available
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 least 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 on the yellow (maybe green or orange, if you get an old one) 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 their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will pray for them.
Birthday
Lydia celebrated her 9th birthday this week.
Fran celebrated her 67th birthday this week.
Hap celebrated his 60th birthday this week.
Travel
Don, Sandy and Nick are on travel this week.
Jack is on travel this week to Australia.
Repose of the Soul
Joan Jeffery passed away the afternoon of 21 December 2009, in Australia apparently as the result of radiation sustained during the treatment of a cancerous lymphoma in her throat. Please pray for the repose of Joan’s soul and for her family left behind here on earth. Pray in particular for her husband Peter, her mother Ada and the rest of her family as they deal with the loss of their beloved Joanie.
Peaceful Transition
Beatrice
Ruth is in home hospice care.
Healing
Marge, Karl, Christian, Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Nancy, Bill (infection), Ernie, Ray, Hazel, Bruce (heart attack), Susanne, Ralph+ (prostate cancer), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning and gout), Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Evelyn, Debbie, Lona (shoulders), Wanda, Paul (stroke), Doris, Charles, Peter H (prostate), Marie (sprained ankle), June (cancer surgery), Susan, Jeff, David (leg injury), Judy, who suffers from mental illness, is undergoing tests for cancer, Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, Ben, Michael (heart valve replacement), Walter (skin cancer), Gabriella (surgery), Curtis, Doyle, Martha, Muriel, Richard, Ralph+, Jeffrey, Rod, Gary, Mark, Jeffery, Amy (staph infection), Jennifer, Curtis, Steve (cancer), Paula, Ashton, Marjorie, Mike G, Dave (knee surgery), Karl (shoulder surgery), Jeffrey (testing), Gary (sepsis; diabetic), Jim (stomach cancer), Eunice, Jeanette (Alzheimer’s), Kathleen (breast cancer), Mrs. Alvord, Angie, Madge, Betty (Healing from cancer. Betty has completed her chemotherapy after her surgery), Jeannie (testing for breast cancer), Ed, Betty, Karl (Healing of his shoulder injury, but not having surgery), Phil (Thanksgiving for his having received a pacemaker. Phil is suffering from renal failure and other complications), Dave (We had been praying for healing from a tumor. It now may require surgery), Jacque (Healing of her rare form of cancer. It is her second recurrence), Jeannie (cancer tests), Sarah, Stephen, Curtis; Angie, Madge, Veronica, Carmen, Alice, Dave (surgery recovery), Ed S (liver failure), Greg D (leg injury. Greg is making good progress still using a knee brace; Thanksgiving for the progress and requests continued healing) John (prostate cancer surgery), Martin, Pauline, Pat A (altz: things are stable); Charles A (altz: slight improvement in general awareness that he is disappointed not being allowed to drive, Maurice (in ICU with a congenital disease), Susan
Matt Alcantara, age 15, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in his left hip in March 2009. This is a very rare and lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options. He was admitted to Children's here in San Diego and a course of treatment including high dose chemotherapy and amputation of his left hip and leg were recommended. After much research into possible options, he went to Houston for a second opinion. Although the chemotherapy recommendation was the same, a surgical option of performing an internal hemipelvectomy seemed to be better than what was recommended here. After some very difficult courses of chemotherapy, he underwent surgery in Houston in June for the surgery involving removal of most of the left ilium, all of the hip socket and the ball of the top of the femur. Fortunately, despite all of the risks of complications, Matt was able to get through the surgery. After spending approximately a month in the hospital recovering, he came back home to San Diego.
Due to the high risk of the cancer spreading (even after surgery) Matt continued chemotherapy when he returned. In addition, he is undergoing intense physical therapy in order to learn to cope with his physical limitations. He will continue chemo for at least another 9 months (from now). His physical therapy will continue at least 2 years before he reaches his maximum medical improvement.
His family asks for your prayers for Matt and we ask you to pray also for his family in this time of great stress. Their friends set up a donation account to help defray travel and other expenses not covered by insurance. You can look at http://www.mattalcantara.com for information. If you want to follow Matt's progress, look at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattalcantara.
Danielle’s neck surgery to remove her lymph nodes and damaged tissue was successful. She completed the radiation and chemotherapy, her throat is swollen so she cannot eat, but she seems to be recovering considerably ahead of schedule. It is very tough, but she is making it. Please pray a good outcome and peace of mind for Danielle and her family.
Dan Heersema had four way bypass surgery on 7 December 2009, which he tolerated well. Shock treatment administered on Tuesday reduced the fibrillation and his heart is now beating strongly as is should. Dan was released from the hospital. He seems surprised he feels so lousy; but being so close to the problem, has not noticed his great progress over the week. Things seem to be at least on schedule and he is very happy to be home. Please give thanks for a great result and pray for his continued recovery and that he may live a long and healthy life to God’s honor and glory. Pray for peace of mind for Dan and his family.
Claude Strauch is currently in hospital with congestive heart failure and other heart related problems in Minnesota. Doctors are attempting to get medications under control. He is very concerned, as is his entire family. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating him and for Claude and his family, that they might put their care and worry on God’s back so they can do their best for each other.
Mike Wysocki was diagnosed with a bad aortic heart valve, which requires repair or replacement. He did well with the angiogram on 7 December 2009. On 18 December 2009, Mike had a pre-Op meeting with the surgeon and nurse practitioner. On 30 December 2009, the surgery will take place. Mike, whose real name is Ronald, but who is universally known as Chief, asks you pray for the medical team treating him that they might pay attention and do their best. He also asks you pray for guidance and peace of mind, both for him and his wife Wendy.
Lee had a stroke recently. He is home from the hospital, but he needs continuous care and assistance as the stroke did significant damage. Sandy will have 4 hour of in-home care provided. Lee is aware of his surroundings and family, but he is in need prayer during recovery and rehabilitation.
Jackson Babcock, father of Hope DeLong, has not been feeling well. He ended up in ICU, got better and is now home. Please give thanks for the great turn around and pray that he will continue to recover and thrive at home and live a long and fruitful life to God’s honor and glory.
Vicky developed a brain aneurysm, which ruptured the morning of 28 October 2009. She made it through seven hours of surgery and the drug induced coma in a Denver hospital. She is still not yet regained consciousness, but is in a rehabilitation facility. She continues to make small improvements. Her husband and sons have been by her the entire time, so she has never been alone. Please pray for her recovery and for peace of mind for her family, that they might keep their trust in the Lord.
Obra was just released from hospital a week ago. From Shamim - The doctors cannot do a lot with a darling 86 year old man, who suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, prostrate cancer, heart disease, and a variety of other ailments (much like my own father). We sincerely believe Daddy is missing his dear Pauline a lot, and is very down now. Thank you for continuing to keep him in all your prayers. We know God is our only salvation.
Please pray he will keep his trust and faith in God and turn his heart outward to the world, remembering God put him here to make a difference; that he will let his heart be open to God’s grace.
Cerrus, daughter in law of Hy, has had a relapse of her cancer. Please pray for a successful treatment and remission.
David is suffering from shingles and asks that we pray for a remission of the symptoms and a return to normalcy.
Faith, daughter of Craig, Associate Pastor at Bethel Christian, had major, serious and complicated heart surgery on 24 November 2009. The surgery went well was was successful, but her recovery took longer than hoped. But, with God’s grace she was able to go home for Christmas. Please give thanks for a successful result. Pray also for peace of mind and concentration on faith in God for Faith and her family during her continued recovery.
Bishop Richard Boyce has bronchial pneumonia. He is down right now, taking antibiotics and likely feel pretty poorly, though he never complains. Seems like he is getting a bit better, though. Please pray for his rapid and complete recovery.
Jimmy had a stroke along with triple bypass heart surgery. Miney Farrell asks you pray for his recovery and positive frame of mind during his recovery.
Annie S is on dialysis, but has been added to the kidney transplant wait list. Please pray for healing of her diabetic condition causing complications.
Jackie was involved in a rollover car accident, her passenger was not injured, but she sustained a serious head injury. She has regained consciousness and is up and walking. Pray for the medical team treating her that they might do their best. Pray for her and her family who are very worried about her.
Bashir Ahmed, father of Shamim Gray, father in law of Commander Obra Gray for whom we prayed while he was deployed to Iraq and on various carrier deployments, is gravely ill. Bashir lives in London. He has regained an increased awareness of those around him and his surroundings. This is a very good thing and a large step back to earth. Please pray God will deliver a miraculous recovery for Bashir; if that not be God’s will, a departure in peace to His world for him. Please pray God will extend His Grace to Bashir and his family and that they will accept. Shamim keeps her faith in the Lord. Above all, pray for his family to open their hearts to accept all God’s love will bring them.
Peter H is in Kaiser with a less than good prognosis of prostate cancer. Please offer prayers of healing. His wife Susan understands we have prayer warriors in other countries including England. She is confident Peter will appreciate that as he is English.
Hy cannot put much weight on her leg. She does not know why and so far the doctors have not been able to diagnose a problem. But, things are much better and she is getting around on using a cane. She thanks all who are praying for her.
Lise, originally diagnosed with "peritoneal cancer", has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Lise's doctors hope she is in remission, but are uncertain and do not know if she will be with us for more than a year. Her friend requests you please pray for continued healing and full remission for Lise; and, and please pray that God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers. Lise appreciates your support and prayers.
Jan has just recovered from her fifth cancer surgery. Her friend asks you pray for Jan's continued healing and complete remission; and, please pray God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers.
Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving. Another anomaly has been discovered and she is back into preventative radiation treatment. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Mary Parker is doing extremely well. She needs to be on oxygen with the altitude and she gets about nicely with the walker. She loved her carol visit and would like to make it to church, if she can make her way down the rocky road one day. Son, Alan, is likely to be moving to Tennessee with a company required relocation--not great with his sons Alan & Kenny in college and finishing high school here in San Diego area.
Evelyn Hunt was in the hospital recently and just got out. She is undergoing testing and not feeling well. She is doing much better, her medications seem to be more properly adjusted. She gives thanks for the card and your prayers.
Miney Farrell was happy for a carol visit from her friends at church. She is getting over a cold, but doing.
Lorraine Winkles loved her carol visit and is doing pretty darn well all things considered, some days are better than other days.
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) is still home and doing pretty well considering the bones in her neck and hands are degenerating as a side effect of her kidney failure. Her thumbs are not particularly useful any more. Mrs. Kay asks 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 28, mother of two - has a form of liver disease FSCS, which was causing her liver to shut down. The disease has apparently gone into semi-remission. Please pray for her continued remission and her continued faith and good spirits, as well as strength to take care of her children.
Caroline just celebrated her 12th birthday earlier this month. Although she remains free of leukemia after her bone marrow transplant in July 2008, the side effect of the transplant, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), is so bad that she can barely walk and at times cannot even hold a pencil because her joints are so stiff and swollen.
After Christmas she will have a Hickman line surgically placed to allow frequent injection of meds that may help resolve her severe GVHD. Caroline sees this surgery as a major step backward and is quite depressed; please pray for her and for an improvement in her condition.
Natalie (age 10, leukemia recurrence) has not responded to any treatment since her relapse. Please pray for God’s grace for Natalie and her family to give them peace of heart, soul and mind.
Guidance
Adam, Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer to be guided to a church
Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, William, Phil, Rick, Susan, Curtis, Donny, Chris, Andrew, Keith (job decision), Sara (God's grace and His patience), Mark, Alexandra, Perlita, Lewis, Susie, Dru, Jack, Tina, William, Christina, Tuck, Jeff, Christiana (God’s grace), Tara (divorce), Patricia & her family, Errin, Elizabeth, Brandon, Steven, Nelson, Ashley, Betty who is considering moving into an assisted living home, Nick, Pat, Caroline, Stephen, Greg (vocation guidance and training for the diaconate), Stephanie, Richard, Daniel,, Sheryl, Edward, Jeannie, Rachel, Mikaela, Emma, Patrick, Mary (adoption); Ashley (job); Curt; Angelina & Ron C; Steven (strength); Vanessa H (trust), Jackie (God's grace), Sandy (Relief from stress; Her husband has severe medical problems), Jennifer, Margie, Phyllis, Sam (guidance on direction of his business), Susie (Pray for her successfully passing her school bus driving exam 12/8 or 9), Tara (divorce), Virginia, Darin & Brian (mom’s health issues), Jeanie (upset over her husband's cancer problems), Curt (Still providing care for his wife, Jacque, who is undergoing chemotherapy), Alex, Emilie, Stephen, Daniel S
Hope asks you pray for God’s help in forcing the dissolution an aircraft partnership with two other people. For two and a half years she has been trying to come to an equitable agreement and cannot. She asks that she be open to God’s guidance in bringing this partnership to an end to the mutual benefit of all the partners.
Megan is struggling with suicidal thoughts. Please pray for her to open her heart to God and accept His Love, Help, Guidance and Grace. Please pray for her parents to open their hearts to both God and Megan that they might see the world as she sees it and help her see the world as God would have her see it.
Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.
Noriene for God's comfort as she mourns her mother and for her turning to God for His healing.
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.
Linda, after traveling to Chile to learn more about music therapy for developmentally challenged young people from a Christian perspective, is embarking on a project to actually do something about it. She asks that you pray for her that she might discern God’s will, her abilities and the need.
Hap asks you to pray that he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly.
Guidance and Protection
Christina, Sarah
Economic Guidance and Assistance
Keith has been unable to find any full-time work since his custom home drafting business of 25 years really dropped off last year. He is working as a handyman, doing tile work, painting, home repairs, etc. Their family has a great deal of debt from Susanne’s medical needs. Pray also for God's peace to comfort them and for His leading and wisdom to be very evident to them.
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.
Toni is applying for a promotion and asks God’s guidance.
Please give thanks for Kevin in the UK who has found a job. Please continue to pray he will find a position that will maintain his family and 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.
To Find Employment
Jack has been laid off from his job as a construction manager in East San Diego County; due to the economy jobs in the field are hard to find. Please pray that Jack will find a job, not necessarily in the construction, that will allow him to use his considerable skills and talents to make his new employer more successful; guide him and his family is this difficult time.
Brad, Brian, Russell, Kris, Keith and Kevin each to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
Shawna’s father lost his job in March 2009. After 33 years of working, he has been unable to find work. Please pray that he will find a job that will allow him to use his talents to make his new employer more successful. Pray also that he might put his trust in the Lord and look outward; that he might turn his heart away from depression and towards God. Pray also for his family in this very stressful time and that all those out of work might find gainful employment. There is little worse for a person than no work to turn to and no way to support their family.
Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie
Thanksgiving
Mila daughter of Kristen Cramer was born six weeks early. Please give thanks for her successful birth and gaining strength.
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan), Evan (USMC-Afghanistan), Eric (USN-Afghanistan), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan), Airman Donny Patton (RAF Mildenhall, UK), Eric (USN-Afghanistan through May 2010), Bob (USCG), Josh (USCG)
Persecuted
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the western world as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Various Special Requests
Please join us in praying that the Free Teen Guitar Class will be an opportunity for God to work in the lives of the kids and their families. Please ask God to guide the class to new opportunities to make Him known to others. Help us to let the love of our Lord shine through us into their lives, putting Him first, so that He might enter in to their hearts and lives.
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.
Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC – www.freeteenguitarclass.com)
The FTGC is now meeting Wednesdays at SCAIR Center in Alpine, (2218 Alpine Boulevard - across from Alpine Inn), the facility courtesy of Wanda Michaelis and Lona Walsh.
The previous Class Schedule remains in effect:
FTGC New Class Schedule:
Advanced 5:30-6:15 pm
Intermediate 5:00 pm (Beginners shift to Intermediate having learned all 6 strings and get to move on to chords)
Beginning 4:00 pm (A new class & those redoing the material; it’s okay to do both Intermediate and Beginner classes)
For anyone wanting to start again this is the time!
Christmas Caroling – The Rest of the Story
- Marianne Lane
The Beadle graciously gave me permission to send in this article. Thanks, Hap!
(NB – While this publication welcomes all contributions, it really welcomes contributions from our lovely and talented organist, Marianne Lane. If you read this from a distance you have no idea how nice Marianne is.)
A while ago, I thought about asking the members of our church to go Christmas caroling to our members who cannot get to church. I asked Fr. Acker what he thought, and he said it was a good idea. He sent out an e-mail right away, asking others what they thought. The Arnolds responded right away, so I thought, “let’s try it.”
Father Acker made the arrangements for us to visit four members. (We had planned to stop by at a fourth home, but they were fortunate to have family visiting and were going to be out, so we had three places to go). He made sure we had maps, too.
Alice and Mom made cookies for us to take to the people.
The Arnolds had a basket filled with Christmas socks, so our guests could choose a pair. They even made sure there were some for the men!
I think we had 15 people that went caroling. Mom and I carpooled with the Arnolds in their Prius. That was fun! (We got to be really close friends by the time it was over.) We had a parade of cars going down the roads and highways. We had the keyboard, table, chair, music, and music stand set up so fast, I couldn’t believe it! It was magic. All we lacked was the pixie dust that should have been falling around us! We stayed right on schedule with all the visit and were even early to the last place. Some people wore Santa Claus hats! I wish I had thought to do that.
On Christmas, Mom and I drove up to Lake Forest to my brother’s (and his family’s) house. I was telling him about our Christmas caroling. I told him about all the fun we had and how I wish I had thought to bring a Santa hat like some of our “friends” wore. The next day, Mark went out and bought us a lot of Santa hats! So next year, anyone who wants one can wear a red hat! Thanks, Mark!
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped set up and break down equipment. I know it’s hard to make time during the Christmas holidays, but I know it was appreciated.
Maybe we can think about doing it again next year. It was lots of fun and the members we visited really seemed to enjoy it. And next year we all wear red hats!
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
3 January 2010 Holly Lizak
10 January 2010 Dru Arnold
17 January 2010 Alice Acker
24 January 2010 Greg Chase
31 January 2010 Jack Arnold
Finances and the dreaded Pledge Card
This is the last week for the Pledge Card in the Beadle’s Report.
We are nearing the end of this year, thus we must begin to plan for next year. Although we are cautioned to “Trust in God and dread naught,” we are also told to plan and provide for the future and to spread the Word of God. Our pledges for the year expire at the end of this month. Sometime during this month, you will get a note from Father Acker or some potentate with a Pledge Card.
Next Sunday is the start of our Pledge Card Intake. That is fancy term that means we ask members of our parish to make a financial commitment to support the parish. As you know, we are a very small parish. We have no physical plant to support. Our annual budget is just about $40,000.00. All of our extras, like the Free Teen Guitar Class, the T-shirts, the signs, parades, parties and this report are off-budget items funded by individual directed donations. The annual budget is pretty sparse. But, with this little amount of money we have a major impact on our congregation, the Anglican community and the world in general. If we had more, we would no doubt figure out ways to spend it spreading the Word, but money gathering is not the parish mission.
We believe what we said in our Mission Statement:
We will grow closer to God and spread the good news of His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, locally and throughout the world by prayer, word and deed, in the Anglican tradition.
Keeping the church in operation does cost money. We need each of our parishioners to make a commitment to the church for the upcoming year so that we can plan what we commit to do. This is not like the TV evangelist who wants your money to buy his jet. We don’t need a lot and we know the difference between want and need. We meet in a school. We use coupons for everything. We never pay retail, but we don’t beg and we don’t steal. We do not want our members to commit money they do not have to spare. That is not the point. The point is for each of us to make our commitment in support of the mission of the parish to the extent we can. No more. If you can afford a million, fine; if you can afford a dollar, wonderful.
Father Acker sent something like this form in an email to our membership, I pass it along to those of you who may miss it:
My Giving for God’s work in 2010
Church of the Blessed Trinity
With God being my helper, I commit to give to God’s Mission:
Following Anglican tradition, we will grow closer to God and spread the good news of His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, locally and throughout the world by prayer, word and deed.
With prayer and thanksgiving, I give my support:
$____ per ____________ (week, month, year)
Signature: _____________________________
Name: _____________________________ Envelopes: __ Yes
You can send the form back by mail, e-mail your commitment to Father Acker [FrKeithA@AlpineAnglican.com], fax it or put it in the plate on Sunday.
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Wednesday
Free TTeen Guitar Class Jam Session at the Alpine Albertsons 1830 (6:30 pm), Mexican food afterwards?
Friday
Feast of the Circumcision Holy Communion Service at Victoria House at 0930.
Sunday
Second Sunday after Christmas Day Holy Communion Service at Church at 0830.
See you next week on Sunday!
All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from: thebeadle@mac.com
Church is serious business!
If you don’t believe it, come and find out!
