Sunday, April 5, 2009

The Sunday next before Easter, commonly called Palm Sunday


Today was Palm Sunday. Sunrise brought a sunny but windy 50°F to Mount Olympus with a moderate Santa Ana condition. Down at church it was 65°F when we got there and it climbed to 72°F under clear skies with winds about 15 – 20 knots by the end of the service. We had 19 people by the start of the service, when the guitar kids and parents showed up, we numbered 26.

Gathering Songs
As usual, Father Ironhand, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold played the gathering or welcome songs for the service.

• Amazing Grace
• Joyful, joyful
• Hymn 204 - Humbly I adore thee
• Wondrous Cross

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 9, by the time the service started, we had 19!

Palm Sunday
The name Palm Sunday comes from the palm leaves, along with clothing and other honors strewn along Jesus’ path as He came in to Jerusalem the first day of the week before His crucifixion. Of interest, only Jesus knew of the upcoming crucifixion, every one else, including Jews, Romans and the Christians, thought he was making a triumphant entrance in to the city. Those who thought of Him as Lord looked for a Kingdom of this World to be established. Far from that, He came to take us from this world to freedom.

It is important to remember as you go through Holy Week that Jesus was in control of all the events of the week. The moon was almost full, this was the year of the Messiah according to Daniel. Jesus chose the route into the city, through the King’s Gate. The people saw Him coming and met him at the Mount of Olives. They expected Him to come in and proclaim His rule. And that He did, but not in the way the people were looking for. He went in to the temple and through out the vendors selling “sacrificial” birds and animals at exorbitant cost, as well as the moneychangers. Far from announcing Himself head of the temple, He announce they had made His Father’s house a den of thieves. Rather than working within the establishment, He over turned it! Having made His point, He left the city the way He came in.

The reason Jesus came to Jerusalem at the Passover was to take the place of the yearly sacrifice one time, by one perfect sacrifice for all time and for all mankind. His was to be the blood marking our door that the destroyer might pass over.

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 370 days by popular demand
Today the class was canceled due to the Palm Liturgy.

Palm Liturgy or Service
Before the service proper started, Father Acker conducted the Palm Liturgy or Service in which he blessed the palms from which we will later make crosses.

Traditionally, we make crosses of the palm fronds after the service, or during the sermon. It is a handy way to keep the palm frond until next year’s Ash Wednesday, when the palms are burned to make the ashes for that day.

Don Patton read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, starting at the Fifth Verse of the Second Chapter.

Paul reminds us that if Christ, the Son of God, was obedient to God, we should so be. Also, as a result of that obedience, God hath given Jesus the name to which all of earth should bow.

LET this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, starting at the First Verse of the Twenty-Seventh Chapter and tells the story of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion and death. The Gospel was read by in parts, with Greg Chase as the Gospeller, Father Acker as Jesus and Jack Arnold as Pilate.

The normally powerful Gospel seems even more powerful when read as a play, so to speak. The crowd’s part is very hard to read as it reminds us of our dark side. If you did not make it to church today, please find someone to read this with in parts. It is an uncomfortable experience that you nonetheless should not miss.

Gospeller: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew: When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying,
Judas: I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.
Gospeller: And they said,
Crowd: What is that to us? see thou to that.
Gospeller: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said,
Crowd: It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
Gospeller: And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying,
Pilate: Art thou the King of the Jews?
Gospeller: And Jesus said unto him,
Jesus: Thou sayest.
Gospeller: And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him,
Pilate: Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
Gospeller: And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them,
Pilate: Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
Gospeller: For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying,
Pilate’s Wife: Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Gospeller: But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them,
Pilate: Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?
Gospeller: They said,
Crowd: Barabbas.
Gospeller: Pilate saith unto them,
Pilate: What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?
Gospeller: They all say unto him,
Crowd: Let him be crucified.
Gospeller: And the governor said,
Pilate: Why, what evil hath he done?
Gospeller: But they cried out the more, saying,
Crowd: Let him be crucified.
Gospeller: When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying,
Pilate: I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Gospeller: Then answered all the people, and said, Crowd: His blood be on us, and on our children.
Gospeller: Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying,
Crowd: Hail, King of the Jews!
Gospeller: And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying,
Crowd: Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Gospeller: Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
Crowd: He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
Gospeller: The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,
Jesus: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?
Gospeller: that is to say,
Jesus: My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Gospeller: Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said,
Crowd: This man calleth for Elias.
Gospeller: And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said,
Crowd: Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
Gospeller: Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
Here silence is kept, some kneel or bow.
Gospeller: And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying,
Crowd: Truly this was the Son of God.

Please read this out loud.

Having read this, do you see yourself in the crowd? There is a little or more of the crowd in each of us. Uncomfortable? Yes. But, sadly very real. Yet, if we realize this, we can act to make ourselves less of the crowd and more of the Christ. For in us each is the crowd and the crown. We chose, each of us, which it will be, crowd or crown. One simple letter of difference, yet the gap between the two is bridged only by Christ.

Sermon – Daily life with God
The theme of the sermon was God in our lives, every day, and our Christian friends.

When Jesus came in to Jerusalem, the people were ready for their Messiah, their new leader, the man who would lead them to overthrow the yoke of the Romans and lead them to world power. Sadly for them, they were not ready for the Savior God sent them, a man, a God, who would lead them to eternal life, who disdained the power of this world, who lived for His world. When He went into the Temple they looked for the Emperor to take power. What did He do? He threw out the powers of this world and commanded they worship God! What kind of King was this?

Looking in to our lives, we see God has provided for us in our Book of Common Prayer, giving us a Morning and Evening Prayer service to guide our lives. Are you missing something in your life? Try looking for it with God’s help each day. A very good way to start is with Morning Prayer and / or end with Evening Prayer each day. The full version takes about 20 minutes and starts on Page 3. Don’t have that much time, there is a Shorter Form which takes only 3 minutes and starts on Page 592. Don’t have 3 minutes, give me a break! (<-This comment is from the Beadle, Father Acker is so much more polite.)

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

New Nametags
No new nametags today. We did have a visiting US Navy Chaplain and his wife, Father Bill and Cathy. Nice to have visitors.

After Church Hospitality and other cool stuff
Today we were not going to have after church goodies, because we were going to the park to practice with the Free Teen Guitar Class for the Easter in the Park service. Well, the wind was blowing like crazy. So Alice Acker got out the cookies she made for dessert and the coffee cake and we had them while the guitar kids set up in the auditorium.

Marianne was rocking on the keyboard. She always tells us she only plays what is in the hymnal, but it turns out she can rock! This was Eliseo’s first time performing with the Free Teen Guitar Class. He did a great job and had a wonderful time. Nick was hitting the low notes with his bass guitar. Jack and Ryan were sounding great and Father Acker managed to keep them all in line and in tune. A miracle!

Even though the kids did not get a chance to practice in the park, we had a great time. It was nice to have the Gomez family join us for the first time. The kids liked getting to work together with other guitarists.

After the inside in the park practice, we killed the fatted wiener dog. In the spirit of Lent, we had Hebrew National hot dogs, both Polish and Regular. Don Patton did an incredible job turning packaged dogs into items of culinary beauty! Alice Acker brought salad; Holly brought potato salad. Dru Arnold brought beans. Marianne and Betsy brought chips and dip. The Deacon to Be brought Dew (no surprise there). We had a great time.

For dessert, we had already eaten the cookies and coffee cake, so we had Popsicles and Ice Cream Sandwiches. They were so cold from the dry ice that the snapped in your mouth!

Anyway, we had a great time. If you were there, you know it. If you missed it: Sorry about that!

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

Date Name
12 April 2009 Easter – No snacks Kiwaniis Breakfast
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 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

Keith’s Mom passed away the morning of 5 April 2009. Please pray for the repose of her soul and peace for her husband of so many years who has never been separated from her.

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.

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 and Jan are 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.

Francisco underwent spinal surgery to remove a tumor on his vertebrae the night of Wednesday 1 April 2009. The surgery was apparently successful with all the tumor being removed and a successful auto-bone graft. Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the success of the surgery and pray for Francisco’s continued recovery. Pray for strength and guidance for him, his wife Rebeca and his family.

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.

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) 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 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) 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. 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 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 still doing a little design work; but is mostly 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
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; 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
Kitty Belsey, very good friend of Susanne Barrett, had an emergency appendectomy at Grossmont Hospital mid-March, and is now doing very well at home.  She is able to go to the gym and life is back to usual for her.  Thanks be to God for Kitty's care and healing.

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

12 April 2009 Tim Macauley
19 April 2009 Sandy Patton
26 April 2009 Stephanie Boyd

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

Holy Week Activities


Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, is coming up:

Holy Week Wednesday – 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 1830 (6:30pm) 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. The event has been advertised locally for $12.00 per person. That is a pretty good deal for a meal likely to be the nicest you’ve had in a month or so. It also allows people to come without feeling they are mooching. But, really there is no charge for members (that would be you or anyone else for that matter).

Location – SCAIR Learning Center, 2218 Alpine Boulevard, across from the Alpine Inn. For more information and head count, please call the church office at (619) 722-1772.

It should be noted this is an instructional Seder. It will not be kosher. On the other hand, it will be good and the instruction will be accurate and interesting.

Maundy Thursday
1830 (6:30 pm) Foot washing and Institution of the Last Supper
Location – Victoria Chapel

Good Friday
1200 Ecumenical Stations of the Cross
Location – Queen of Angels
1830 (6:30 pm) Good Friday Liturgy and Mass of the Pre-sanctified Gifts
Location – Victoria Chapel

Saturday
1930 (7:30pm) Easter Vigil (Lighting of the Easter Fire & First Evensong of Easter)
Location – Victoria Chapel
 
Easter Sunday
0830 (08:30 am) Holy Communion
Location - Alpine Community Center Park - “California Sunrise” (08:30 am) service in the park. There is 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.

If you invite a friend and they come, you will each get a $25.00 iTunes gift card.

0930 (9:30 am) Breakfast with the Kiwanis - First time attendees’ breakfast is on the church.
Location Alpine Elementary Auditorium (our normal church location)

Easter Sunday is the most important day of the Christian year. It is the day the promise of Christ is delivered. If you don’t attend church any other day of the year, join us for the Easter celebration of the Risen Lord.

See you next week on Easter 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

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