Today was the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Sunrise brought a sunny 41°F to Mount Olympus. Down at church it was 55°F when we got there and it climbed to 77°F under high thin broken clouds by the end of the service. We had 22 people by the end of the service.
Gathering Songs
As usual, Father Ironhand, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold played the gathering or welcome songs for the service.
• Forever
• Amazing Grace
• Jesus loves me
• Ode to joy
• Humbly I adore thee
Today’s playing was different! Nick brought his brother Donny’s base guitar, which he
has taken up. Even though he had just started playing it, Nick did great! It was a real treat to have rhythm, melody and base!
We do the gathering songs for a number of reasons. It allows people a chance to “drift in” without being late. It gives us a bit of variety in our music. We can have more contemporary music before the service and still have organ music in the service, thus having something for everyone. It also a hit with our guitarists who love to play!
The gathering songs worked well today. When they started playing we numbered 11, by the time the service was over, we had 22!
Passion Sunday
Passion Sunday is the fifth Sunday in Lent, and the first Sunday in Passiontide, the last two weeks of Lent, beginning on Passion Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter).
All crosses, pictures, images are covered with opaque purple veils and Gloria Patri is omitted during this period. Passion Sunday is so-called because in the gospel for that day (John 8: 46-59) Jesus begins his sufferings by being stoned out of the temple. Under the old calendar, Passion Sunday was also known as Judica Sunday, after that day's Introit: "Judica me, Deus" ("Judge me, O Lord") from Psalm 42 (43), and was called Black Sunday in Germany. This alternate name originates from the fact that after Passion Sunday, the Judica Psalm was not said again until Easter; the German title comes from the old practice of veiling the crosses and statues in the church on that day.
In the calendar reforms of the Second Vatican Council, which abandoned many traditions and traditional practices, the Roman Catholic Church has completely suppressed Passiontide and eliminated Palm Sunday. They now refer to Palm Sunday as “Passion Sunday.” Traditional Catholics still observe Passiontide as well as its rites and ceremonies. Passiontide is observed in the Anglican Communion.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 370 days by popular demand
Today continued the fifty-three 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 to the letter of Saint Paul to the churches in Galatia. Paul wrote this epistle because, after his departure from the Galatian churches, Jewish-Christian fanatics moved in, who perverted Paul's Gospel of man's justification by faith in Christ Jesus alone. Paul made it clear there is one Gospel, that of the Lord. If, even he Paul or an angel for that matter, were to preach another, it would not be true.
These Jewish-Christian fanatics who pushed themselves into the Galatian churches after Paul's departure, boasted that they were the descendants of Abraham, true ministers of Christ, having been trained by the apostles themselves, that they were able to perform miracles.
In every way they sought to undermine the authority of St. Paul. They said to the Galatians: "You have no right to think highly of Paul. He was the last to turn to Christ. But we have seen Christ. We heard Him preach. Paul came later and is beneath us. It is possible for us to be in error--we who have received the Holy Ghost? Paul stands alone. He has not seen Christ, nor has he had much contact with the other apostles. Indeed, he persecuted the Church of Christ for a long time."
Against these boasting, false apostles, Paul boldly defends his apostolic authority and ministry. Humble man that he was, he will not now take a back seat. He reminds them of the time when he opposed Peter to his face and reproved the chief of the apostles.
Paul devotes the first two chapters to a defense of his office and his Gospel, affirming that he received it, not from men, but from the Lord Jesus Christ by special revelation, and that if he or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel than the one he had preached, he shall be accursed.
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, etc.) Paul loses no time in defending himself against the charge that he had thrust himself into the ministry. He says to the Galatians: "My call may seem inferior to you. But those who have come to you are either called of men or by man. My call is the highest possible, for it is by Jesus Christ, and God the Father."
In this whole epistle Paul treats of the resurrection of Christ. By His resurrection Christ won the victory over law, sin, flesh, world, devil, death, hell, and every evil. And this His victory He gave us.
Throughout the churches of Galatia. Paul had preached the Gospel. He founded many churches which after his departure were invaded by the false apostles. Paul calls the false apostles troublers of the church because they taught circumcision and the keeping of the Law as needful unto salvation. They insisted that the Law must be observed in every detail. They were supporters in this contention by the Jews, with the result that those who were not firmly established in faith were easily persuaded that Paul was not a sincere teacher of God because he ignored the Law. The Jews were offended at the idea that the Law of God should be entirely ignored by Paul and that the Gentiles, former idol-worshippers, should gratuitously attain to the station of God's people without circumcision, without the penitentiary performance of the law, by grace alone through faith in Christ Jesus.
These criticisms were amplified by the false apostles. They accused Paul of designs to abolish the law of God and the Jewish dispensation, contrary to the law of God, contrary to their Jewish heritage, contrary to apostolic example, contrary to Paul's own example. They demanded that Paul be shunned as a blasphemer and a rebel, while they were to be heard as true teachers of the Gospel and authentic disciples of the apostles. Thus Paul stood defamed among the Galatians. He was forced to attack the false apostles. He did so without hesitation. To paraphrase: "These false apostles do not merely trouble you, they abolish Christ's Gospel. They act as if they were the only true Gospel-preachers. For all that they muddle Law and Gospel. As a result they pervert the Gospel. Either Christ must live and the Law perish, or the Law remains and Christ must perish; Christ and the Law cannot dwell side by side in the conscience. It is either grace or law. To muddle the two is to eliminate the Gospel of Christ entirely."
It seems a small matter to mingle the Law and Gospel, faith and works, but it creates more mischief than man's brain can conceive. To mix Law and Gospel not only clouds the knowledge of grace, it cuts out Christ altogether.
The Galatians might say: "Paul, we do not pervert the Gospel you have brought unto us. We did not quite understand it. That is all. Now these teachers who came after you have explained everything so beautifully."
This explanation Paul refuses to accept. They must add nothing; they must correct nothing. "What you received from me is the genuine Gospel of God. Let it stand. If any man brings any other gospel than the one I brought you, or promises to deliver better things than you have received from me, let him be accursed."
Holly Lizak read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, starting at the Eleventh Verse of the Ninth Chapter. Paul summarizes the symbolism as well as the substance of the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf, “Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”
CHRIST being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint John, starting at the Forty-Sixth Verse of the Thirteenth Chapter and tells the story of Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees in the temple. Jesus asked them, “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” In a point central to Christianity, he went on, “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.”
JESUS said, Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
Sermon – Let’s make a DEAL!
Note – Your Beadle thought today’s sermon was particularly good. If you do not find this summary all that inspiring, it is his fault, not that of Father Acker who did a great job and kept everyone’s interest. If the summary does not inspire you, then perhaps you should come and hear yourself.
In years gone by, there was a television show titled Let’s Make a Deal. The basis of the show was three “doors” behind which were prizes and the contestants picked doors and traded around. God’s dealings with us were not so unlike that show, except perhaps the plaid jackets.
There were three separate deals or covenants with the people of the world, starting with the Jews and extending to the Gentiles, thus covering the entire world. So what about the three doors?
First, God said to Abraham, let’s make a deal. With Sara cheering him on, Abraham took Door Number One. Behind door number one was:
• Kids
o Stars in the sky
o Sand on the sea shore
• Real Estate
o 500 miles of ocean front
o 100 miles to the mountains
The deal worked well for Abraham, but his descendants could not keep up their end of the bargain, so He came back with the New Deal for Moses:
• The Law=Directions of living with a Holy God
• Tabernacle=How to get right with God
The New Deal worked pretty well for Moses, though he was not much on Land Navigation, taking 40 years to get through about 200 miles of desert. But, Moses’ descendants did not do much better than Abraham’s. This laying the sins on sheep and goats wasn’t really working well. There needed to be a single perfect sacrifice, one time for all mankind. So, the Big Guy came out with the Real Deal. He sent His Son, to be:
• Sinless High Priest
• Perfect Offering
God sent His Son to be the atonement for our sins. He did it and we live.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. Birthdays, on the other hand!
Today was Father Acker’s 53rd birthday about a week ago was Traci Huber’s 35th birthday and about a week from now is Aaron Huber’s 35th birthday.
Birthdays out the kazoo and all threes and fives! What a day!
New Nametags
No new nametags today.
After Church Hospitality
Today Holly Lizak brought the goodies. There were at least two kinds of fresh cookies, wedged oranges and some nice curried chicken sandwiches. And for the first time ever, there were enough black olive egg salad sandwiches, well almost anyway. There were going to be enough because Tim was with his parents in Las Vegas, then Birthday Boy Aaron found them. Now, we have three rabid animals hogging the black olive egg salad sandwiches, Hap, Tim and now Aaron. Thank goodness we are all civilized animals! For those of you who just get to read this, if you see Holly’s name on for snacks, hop a plane. They’re worth it.
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
5 April 2009 Palm Sunday, picnic in the park after church
12 April 2009 Easter – No snacks
19 April 2009 Diane Chase
26 April 2009 Stephanie Boyd
3 May 2009 Martha Stevens
17 May 2009 Sandy Patton
24 May 2009 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 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 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 that their names and purpose be kept confidential, and then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.
Repose of the Soul
Carl Barrett
Joy passed away after a long and hard fought battle with cancer the night of 12 March 2009. She was at home with her family close around her for the past several weeks. She is now happy in the love of God and her Lord Jesus Christ and has made her transition in peace. Pray also in particular for her husband Duwaine whose life was one with hers for so very many years. Before she left us, Joy asked we pray her family might accept the peace our Lord’s love will give them, that they might be able to put their cares and worries aside for the moment and focus on God’s love for her; as well as her love for them. May they concentrate on the unity of eternity and not on the temporary separation.
Ava passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Please pray for the repose of her soul and especially for comfort and guidance for her family members who are having a hard time dealing with her death.
Anita passed away 21 March 2009 as a result of leukemia. Anita is a Christian and her faith is in the Lord. Sadly, her husband Wayne and son Leland are not believers. Please pray for the repose of her soul and that her husband and son will let their hearts be drawn to God.
Travel
Tim is traveling this week
Paul, Emma, Jack and Eve are traveling this week
Wes and Hy are traveling this week
Healing
Betty, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Karl, Christian, Marie, Wanda, Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), 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), Evelyn, Kenny (ear surgery), Debbie, Joanna (stroke) [granddaughter of Father Holland a diocesan priest], 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, Marie, Joe (broken neck), Loretta (cancer), Sue (surgery recovery), Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, David, Keith (ruptured disk), Ben, Michael (heart valve replacement), Walter (skin cancer), Gabriella (surgery), Curtis, Gail (stroke), Martha S (allergies), Marie, Doyle, Martha, Aaron, Traci, Warren, Greg, Muriel, Richard, Linda (infection after open cut from fall)
Pete, sister of Father Acker’s sister in law, had surgery on 20 March 2009 to correct a heart valve problem. The surgery seemed to have gone well; then there were serious complications. Contrary to the doctors’ expectations, Pete healed incredibly well and she went home Sunday. Thanks be to God! Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving and also for control of her low heart rate and blood pressure. Please continue to pray for Pete’s healing and guidance for the doctors.
Bill Macauley {Tim’s father} had taken a turn for the worse. Tim is in Las Vegas with his parents. Bill has recovered a bit, but it seems as if it will be unlikely that he will be able to return home for some time. It may be he will need long term care. His wife Betty is quite upset. Please pray also for Betty wife that she might accept God’s help in this time of great stress.
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 that 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 is enormously appreciative of all of your support and prayers.
Jan has just recovered from her fifth cancer surgery. The medical prognosis is good. Her friend asks that you pray for Jan's continued healing and complete remission; and, please pray that God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers.
Dave (39 yrs), unexpectedly had a brain hemorrhage yesterday and is undergoing emergency surgery. His friends request you pray for successful surgery, without complications, and full recovery. Please pray, too, that God might give wisdom and guidance to all of his medical providers. Dave's wife is also in need of our prayers for God's strength and guidance during this difficult time, and always.
Ryan Wyckoff (15), son of Kevin and Lisa Wyckoff friends of the Arnold family from Wasilla, Alaska, is currently hospitalized in Seattle with Wilson’s Disease, a treatable liver failure. Please pray the doctors, nurses and technicians who treat him will pay attention and do their best. The Wyckoff’s faith is broad, as well as deep. Pray they continue to pull with together with God in all this, accepting all the help He gives them.
Kitty, very good friend of Susanne Barrett, is having emergency appendectomy surgery on 12 March 2009, at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa. Please pray for wisdom for her doctors and for no complications. She has requested no visitors at the hospital or Susanne would be down there. If all goes well, she should be able to go home 13 March 2009. Please keep Kitty in your prayers.
Judy Reisor made a miraculous recovery from a stroke related coma. Please give thanks for her recovery. Doctors are now considering surgery for the hip break which precipitated the stroke. Please pray for guidance for the surgeons and that she would accept the peace God’s love will give her.
Barbara Harris has advanced Alzheimer’s Disease and numerous circulation problems, the most recent a blood clot in her leg. Her son asks you pray for her to make the best of her time here on earth and ease her transition to home with our Lord. Please pray also for Ken and Carol Harris as they do their very best to take care of her.
Vince (12 yrs) has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B). The cancer spread to his lungs. Vince underwent surgery on Tuesday 3 March 2009. 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.
Kathryn’s ear surgery was successful. She has regained some limited hearing. She can communicate on the phone and expecting continued improvements during the six month healing process.
Chaplain Larry Witherspoon is home recovering from a stroke before Christmas. He has made incredible progress. His memory is returning; his speech is improving. With his wife Shiela’s help, he was able to read scripture at his church. Please continue to pray for him, his wife Sheila and his family.
Joe is a young father who had successful repeat corneal transplant surgery on Tuesday 3 March 2009. He had the patch removed Thursday and just having that off makes him feel better. The doctor said things looked good from the surgery. He is very swollen and red and sensitive to light so he is wearing those lovely big sunglasses around the house and just resting. He will start the regimen of antibiotic drops and steroid drops until he sees the doctor again in about a week and half. He will have to sleep in the patch for about 16 weeks. Thank you again for your prayers…your loving prayers helped Joe to have a successful surgery and his family wants you to know we all appreciate you taking the time to pray for him.
Joanne has had a significant increase her shoulder pain from an injury last year. She is looking for medical assessment and guidance.
Carol DeBolt, mother of Judy, a 3rd grade teacher at Greg Chase’s school. Carol was complaining of hip pain over the Christmas period. After numerous tests it was determined that she has breast and bone cancers, both are at stage 4 and have metastasized. She just finished surgery on her hip where the femur was been replaced with a steel rods and is at home learning how to walk again. Carol needs your prayers for her and her family to deal with not only the pain and difficulty of her present physical condition, but also the uncertainty of her life. Please pray for Carol’s peace of mind and trust in God, as well as a remission of her cancers and a physical recovery.
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 two nuclear surgeries. She continues to do well from her second surgery and hopes for the best. 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 in the hospital due to pneumonia and the stress is showing in Vicki's lifestyle change to care for her mom. 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 treatment to date and for complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Tim, brother of Lauralee, had a stroke and extremely high blood pressure and is now recovering. Pray the doctors, nurses and technicians who treat him will pay attention and do their best.
Mary Parker is home and walking all around the house, as far as her 50 foot oxygen lead will let her. She does physical therapy every day and is eating very well! She is enjoying reading books and the newspaper again! She is improving on a daily basis! Please give thanks for her great recovery and continued progress.
Joe Huber was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and will undergo radiation seed implants within the next two weeks. Please pray for peace of mind for him and his family and that they might put their trust in God and increase their faith.
Binnie was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please pray for peace of mind for him and his family and that they might put their trust in God and increase their faith.
Rod Cook for whom we have been praying had a heart attack the morning of 15 March 2009. It as a “small attack”, he is in the hospital and expected to be discharged on 17 March 2009. Please pray for his recovery from this, as well as his 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.
Joshua Hamilton is still in a coma after a severe head trauma in July. He has gotten past the MRSA and other infections. He is in skilled nursing in El Cajon with some response to physical therapy and they are working toward independent breathing. Please continue to pray for his wife, Tulani, and two children, Isaiah & Keanu, and of course his mom, Jo Ann, and his James brother who was in our FTGC, asking for God’s presence and comfort.
Glenn Finch gives thanks for near total recovery from the brain injury sustained in his cycling accident. He asks your continued prayer for the aortal aneurysm discovered during his treatment for the brain injury. Glen is progressing nicely from a strength perspective so he can have surgery on his aorta this summer. Please pray for Glenn’s continued healing and trust in God.
Evelyn Hunt has asked for prayers of healing for the pressure like feeling in her head and as she recovers from the flu. She isn’t driving presently and is hoping to get about her neighborhood with a scooter chair. She appreciates the phone calls. Most importantly, pray for her to keep a good attitude and maintain a trust in God, so she will not worry.
Miney Farrell’s bronchitis turned out to be pneumonia. She was seeing some limited improvement, but as she said, “Things aren’t quick when your 93!”
Lorraine Winkles is still dealing with shingles (now over 32 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) is still home and doing pretty well considering some of the bones in her neck are degenerating as a side effect of her kidney failure. 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 11, leukemia recurrence) Caroline was diagnosed with leukemia at age 7 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in July. On 24 February 2009, she had her Hickman line removed at the City of Hope today, the first time in almost four years she hasn't had something implanted in her chest! Her numbers are pretty good for now. Please pray for Caroline's complete recovery from leukemia and for peace for her parents, Carmen and Jeff. Caroline has a 40% chance of relapsing after her transplant, and if she does chances of recovery are very slim. Please pray the leukemia has been eradicated and she remains clear of any cancerous cells Thanks so much for being faithful prayer warriors on Caroline's behalf. Please keep her in your prayers. She has always gained so much strength and healing from your prayers.
Natalie (age 10, leukemia recurrence) Natalie is 18 months into treatment for the same type of leukemia as Caroline's and has relapsed. She was in the hospital for two months, then had to return at Thanksgiving and was finally getting to go home. One month short of the year anniversary since transplant, she relapsed. She has been through so much. Her family hasn't even fully explained the implications of this to her. Her chances of survival are slim, yet they are only chances and have naught to do with her. Please pray for her and her family.
Guidance
Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer 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 (God's grace and His patience), Mark, Alexandra, Nelson, Perlita, Lewis, Sam, Susie, Alfred, Marie, Dru, Jack, Hap, Estelle, Tina, William, Christina, Michael, Tuck, Lorraine (death of husband), June (death of husband), John, Jeff, Christiana (God’s grace), Tara (divorce), Patricia & her family
Sarah is still struggling with custody arrangements for her children and would appreciate our continued prayers. Sara asks you pray God’s will for these children will be realized. 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.
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 is entering the handyman field. Please pray for God's leading him to work or work to him. Pray for Susanne as she tutors and teaches online classes while home schooling their four kids, that she may remain strong and able to do all she needs to do to teach their kids and help with finances despite her physical condition. Pray for them also to not fear for the future, but to trust in the Lord.
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 give thanks for Kevin in the UK who has found a job. While not what he was looking for, he is grateful for work. Please continue to pray that 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.
Linda S. (job in jeopardy)
To Find Employment
Stephen to find a job that will allow him to use his skill and talent to make his new employer more successful.
Michael and Lita both to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
Eric, Keith, Kevin and Eric each to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
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.
Sonny and Carol have lost their business, their home is in foreclosure. Please pray they might find an opportunity for gainful employment where they can use their talents to make a positive impact on the world.
Saint Andrew’s Academy is looking for a staff teacher.
Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan), Evan (USMC-Afghanistan), Eric (USN-Afghanistan) Donny (USAF; beginning basic training 23 March 2009; 8 weeks)
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 more and more actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Free Teen Guitar Class
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. 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.
Car Needed for God’s Work
“Do you have an old vehicle to donate?”
Deacon David, a seminarian at our fellow Anglican congregation, Resurrection San Marcos, is in need of a car as his died a week ago. Deacon David was just ordained last month while he finishes his seminary studies. David is making plans to become a missionary priest in South America after being ordained to the priesthood and training for a year or two as a parish priest. He would said, “Old is good; getting there is better.”
Remember – If you donate a car to the service of the church (not to be sold for ‘filthy lucre’), you can deduct the fair market retail value for tax purposes. DISCLAIMER – The Beadle is not a tax professional and is NOT giving tax advice. He does know a good deal when he sees one.
Thanksgiving
Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the marriage of Tamara and Kevin on Saturday, that our Lord would strengthen their life together day by day with His presence.
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)
There is a new Class Schedule in effect:
FTGC New Class Schedule:
Advanced 2:30-3:20pm
Continuing 3:20-4:00pm (Beginners shift to Intermediate having learned all 6 strings and get to move on to chords)
Beginning 4:00-4:50pm (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!
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
5 April 2009 Palm Sunday
12 April 2009 Tim Macauley
19 April 2009 Sandy Patton
26 April 2009 Stephanie Boyd
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Wednesday - Lent Soup Dinner and Class
This Wednesday is the last of the traditional Wednesday Lent Soup Dinner and Class at the SCAIR Center in Alpine. We have done this the past three years. The food has always been great and this is one of our best books ever. The schedule is:
Evening Prayer 1815 (6:15 pm)
Dinner 1830 (6:30 pm)
Book Study 1900 (7:00pm)
Class Over 2000 (8:00pm)
The book is The Imitation of Christ; copies will be furnished by the parish. Join us! This book is a bit different than our usual fare. It is the second most widely published book in the world after the Bible. (The Beadle had never heard of it) It is a collection of monkisms and a very easy read. You can read it start to finish or pick any page and read it. You will really enjoy it. If you are not coming to the class and would like a copy, let Father Acker or the Beadle know; we have a few extra copies.
Next Sunday - Palm Sunday
Next Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Lent, which is titled “The Sunday next before Easter, commonly called Palm Sunday.” It is the day that Jesus entered triumphantly into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, with palm branches and clothing strewn along the path as Jews turned out to watch their conquering Messiah enter into the city as had been predicted for centuries. Yet, they were confused and disappointed. He was not the Deliverer and Conqueror they expected. He was the Savior God had sent. Tune in next week for more of this interesting story. Interesting, and critical to your eternal life.
We are having an after church event at the Community Park to allow the FTGC a bit of practice and a chance for their families to meet each other. After church, we will quickly fold up the church and reassemble in the park next door. The sound system will be set up and a few chairs put out so that we can gather for guitar practice for the kids and a bit of lunch. It has been predicted the Command Master Chief will be killing the fatted Weiner Dog. It will be a great time. Join us, even if you can’t make church. Start time will be about 1015, so sleeping should be no excuse. We will probably start eating around 1100.
The Palm Sunday picnic is open to everyone. You don’t have to come to church to come to the picnic. Feel free to invite your family, friends and neighbors.
Wednesday of Holy Week – Seder Dinner
In line with parish tradition, Father Acker will be leading an instructional Seder Dinner. This is the Passover Dinner that Jesus had before His betrayal and forms the basis of our Holy Communion service. The dinner starts at 1815 (6:15pm) at SCAIR. If you have never been to one, it is worth coming to. If you have been to one in the past and did not enjoy it, you haven’t been to ours. It is a great time. There is an instructional Seder being held in the area for only $68.00 per person. Given the effort that goes in to the preparation and all, that is a bargain. However, it is also more than we think reasonable. Most of you know that we are a pretty frugal congregation. Father Acker has arranged for our Seder to be FREE. That would be ZERO DOLLARS. That is a pretty good deal for a meal that likely will be the nicest you’ve had in a month or so.
It should be noted this is an ìinstructional Sederî. It will not be kosher. On the other hand, it will be good and the instruction will be accurate and interesting.
Easter Service
After three Easter services in the Community Center, drawing absolutely no outside the congregation people, the parish decided to do something different Easter. We are going to have a ìCalifornia Sunriseî (08:30 am) service in the park as an out reach to the community. There will be a weather backup indoor location at the Community Center. We will place the altar in front of the stage and have at least 50 folding chairs set out for the congregation.
We have identified the need to work on the following issues:
• Ready access for those with limited mobility;
• Supplemental spot heat for the temperature impaired;
• Setup preparation;
• Advertising;
• Invitation format, perhaps incorporating breakfast vouchers.
See you next week on Sunday!
Alternate Sources of The Beadle’s Report
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
