Today was the Second Sunday after Easter, often referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday, because both the Epistle and Gospel reference Christ as the Good Shepherd. Sunrise on Mount Olympus brought cold, but clear skies and 34°F. At church, temperatures had climbed to 58°F; it was 63°F by the end of church, but seemed much warmer. The exceedingly lovely weather brought out 21 members to worship our Lord.
Gathering Songs
As usual, Father Ironhand, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold played the gathering or welcome songs for the service.
• Just a closer walk
• Lord I lift your name
• Amazing grace
• Open the eyes of my heart
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 again today. When they started playing we numbered 12, by the time the service started, we had 21!
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 church in Phillipi. The city was named after King Philip of Macedon and was the location of battle defeating Cassius and Brutus (conspirators in the assassination of Julius Caesar). It was the site of one of Paul’s many imprisonments, one where he could have been freed when an earthquake “opened” his cell. The church in Phillipi was the first established in Europe by Paul early in his church planting career. The letter, written from his imprisonment in Rome, tells us of Christian Joy. It covers:
• Philosophy
• Pattern
• Prize
• Power
Philosophy
Joy with Understanding - And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Phil 1.9-11)
Pattern
Joy being more like Jesus - Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Phil 2.5-7)
Prize
Joy in our hope nad future - But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Phil 3.20-21)
Power
Joy comes with Peace of God - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4.4-7)
Stephanie Boyd read this morning’s Epistle from the First Epistle of St. Peter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse of the Second Chapter. The Epistle reminds us that Christ, who was completely without sin or guile, not only died for our sins, but suffered humiliation and torture without complaint for us. Thus, if we because we believe in God and our Lord Jesus are subjected to unfavorable comment, criticism or even persecution, we should bear this gladly, as our Lord gave us his example. We are as sheep going astray who have been returned to the flock by our Lord, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
We were asked the question, who is this man Jesus? We answered, he is the Son of God; are we following him? In this Epistle again, we are admonished to follow our Lord.
THIS is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Today’s Gospel started in the Tenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John beginning at the eleventh verse. Using the words that give this Sunday its name, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” He goes on to say He is not a hireling, but the shepherd himself, He knows each of His sheep and they know Him, even as He knows His Father and His Father knows Him. Because we are His sheep, He willingly laid down His life that we might live. Jesus also points out He is not here to shepherd only the Jews, but all men, “And there are other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.”
JESUS said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and know my sheep, and am known of mine, even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.
Sermon – Sheep are really stupid
This Good Shepherd Sunday it is appropriate to reflect on the Propers.
From today’s Gospel, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” From the Epistle, “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
Jesus:
• Is with you
• Knows you
• Wants you
From the Gospel of Saint John, “So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten
Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
God sent His Son, who came willingly, to bring us salvation. He came as a shepherd willing to give “His life for the sheep.”
The real question is not if you believe in God. That doesn’t matter, He believes in you – no matter. The real question is, “Do you really want to be one of Jesus’ sheep?”
If you really want to be one, you will be one. Thus, if you are a sheep of His flock, you are on you way to eternal salvation. It is a one way trip.
The key is knowing where you are going. After all, if you don’t know where you are going, you won’t know when you get there. You also won’t know if you stray from the path. A lost sheep, so to speak.
The scriptures did not reference sheep without reason. Sheep are stupid. In fact sheep are among God’s stupidest creatures, but with a great herd mentality.
Going along like sheep has meaning; lost sheep, black or white sheep of the family, sheepish. No end to bad connotations. Yet there is hope. Hope is spelled with a J!
Jesus is continually looking for His lost sheep. He calls for them. But, His calling won’t do any good if you won’t listen.
Sheep are really stupid. Thanks be to God for the Shepherd.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Today we celebrated Ben and Holly Lizak’s 8th anniversary today and Walt Dexter’s 81st birthday!
After Church Hospitality
Stephanie Boyd and Jan Macauley brought snacks today: Cheese ball, with two kinds of crackers: strawberries; chocolate and strawberry angel food cakes; chocolate jumbos; LO Seder Cake; roast almonds and carrots with dill dip!
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley made great coffee. Father Acker managed to get up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
26 April 2009 Stephanie Boyd
3 May 2009 Martha Stevens
17 May 2009 Sandy Patton
24 May 2009 Opportunity Available
31 May 2009 Alice Acker
7 June 2009 Martha Stevens
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 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.
Repose of the Soul
Bill Macauley {Tim’s father} passed away the morning of 3 April 2009 after a period of up and down. He is free now with those who have gone before us. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his family left here on earth. Help his family to accept God’s peace in their hearts and in their lives; to remind themselves of the good times past and eternity of unity in their future. Pray in particular for his wife Betty who misses him terribly.
Travel
Paul, Emma, Jack and Eve 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), Marybeth (radiation treatment; cancer has spread to her brain), Dru
Mary Garcia fell and broke her hip on 18 April 2009. She had successful surgery and is now in rehabilitation. Please pray for her continued recovery and for her husband Gil who is also praying for her. Mary is expected to set records for recovery. She never ever gives up. Nonetheless, your prayers are needed.
Scott Howell is having significant back pain and numbness in his leg. Please pray for a successful diagnosis of the source of his pain and a successful treatment for the problem. Pray also he will remain of good cheer while in pain. Chronic pain can make one less than pleasant to be around. Scott is such a joy to be with, we pray he will be able to accept God’s help while awaiting medical assistance so that he keeps a good attitude.
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.
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 appreciates 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 being treated for Wilson’s Disease, a treatable failure of the liver to throw off copper. Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving as he is doing much better. 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.
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. Larry hopes to be back at work both at the Guard and church by June at the latest. 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.
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.
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. 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) called this week, she 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 FSCS, which was causing her liver to shut down. The disease has apparently gone into semi-remission. She is thankful that she is no longer near dialysis. Doctors are monitoring her condition closely. Please pray for her continued remission and her continued faith and good spirits, as well as strength to take care of her children.
Caroline (age 11, leukemia recurrence) is doing very well following her bone marrow transplant in July 2008. She is increasing her time at school and is riding her bike now. Her energy is nearly back to normal, and she has been able to reduce her anti-rejection meds. Please keep praying as Caroline has a 40% chance of recurrence of her leukemia.
Natalie (age 10, leukemia recurrence) Natalie is 18 months into treatment for the same type of leukemia as Caroline's and has relapsed. 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, 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, Errin, Elizabeth, Brandon, Steven, Ashley, Ruth, Virginia
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 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. Please pray for God's provision for their family, especially with taxes due in April (property and income). They don't have to pay much in income tax per se, but it's the full Social Security payment that's the issue. 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.
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
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; began basic training 23 March 2009; 8 weeks), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan)
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
Stephen gives thanks for finding a job that will allow him to use his skill and talent to make his new employer more successful.
Daniel Needham 17 year old son of missionaries Tom and Barb in Cameroon underwent surgery on 20 April 2009 in Denver for an infection in previously placed hardware in his back. Here is the note from his father:
Dear Praying Friends, Greetings from Denver, Colorado!
What a trying, challenging, but blessed week the Lord has given us!! Daniel’s back surgery took place on Monday the 20th and was a success! A certain type of bacteria had settled onto the stainless steel screws and rods that had been implanted in Daniel’s back nearly 3 years ago. It had to be physically removed from his spine. The doctors opened up his back, took out the hardware, and drained at least a quart of infectious material! The surgeon said Daniel is one tough young man to have been walking around in this condition! Daniel’s spine had completely fused in the right position since the first surgery, so the rods will not need to be reinstalled!! No more airport security alarms going off! The doctors cleaned up the hardware and presented it to us in a plastic sack. We thought maybe we could make airplane parts out of it! Daniel is rapidly recovering and left the hospital today on his own two feet! He will need to go to the hospital every day for 6 weeks to get I.V. antibiotics to make sure no infection remains. It was a blessing for Barb and me to remain in the room with Daniel this week. The doctors assure us that he will continue to quickly regain his strength and be as strong as ever. We are thankful for the opportunities the Lord gave us to give out gospel tracts in the hospital and to testify to people of the saving love and power of Christ.
We will remain in the Denver area, staying with Pastor and Mrs. Craig Scott. The Lord willing, we plan to return to Cameroon in June.
Thank you so much for praying for Daniel during this trial. Many of you called and sent emails to encourage him. Thank you!!!! It meant a lot to him and us. Daniel’s email address is: danieltneedham@gmail.com
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
26 April 2009 Stephanie Boyd
3 May 2009 Jan Macauley
10 May 2009 Tim Macauley
17 May 2009 Hap Arnold
24 May 2009 Dru Arnold
31 May 2009 Alice Acker
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next week is the Third Sunday after Easter. The question in everyone’s mind is will Father Acker continue the Stupid Sheep trend or will he get the flock out of there and move on to a new subject?
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
