Thanksgiving Eve
This has been an action packed week! Wednesday evening, Father Ironhand’s Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC) and the Bethel Assembly of God Church’s two high end guitarists, Jack, the bass, and Mike, the acoustic electric, provided the music for the Alpine Ecumenical Thanksgiving Evening Service held at 1900L (7:00pm) at our church. We had 20 members present for the service out of a total of 52 people.
If you were there, you know how much we enjoyed thanking God and the music. It seemed as if our visitors could not believe we were going to worship in an auditorium and when they left, they seemed astonished they ever thought about the building. It seems as if when you concentrate on the Cross it does not matter much what your surroundings are.
The service led by Father Acker with Lutheran Pastor Steve Benson taking care of the sermon or homily was a great success. Each of us worships differently. Our form is different, but we are Protestant Catholic, following the same Triune God with the same understanding of theology. Sharing in worship was great! The snacks were awful good, too!
If you were not there, you surely missed a great time. Your Beadle is certainly not the most ecumenical of fellows, being a low Anglican to the Bone, as they say; but even he truly enjoyed worshipping with our fellow believers. The Bethel people differ considerably from our worship in style, but the substance is the very same. No heresy, no worry. We were very comfortable with them and had an immensely good time.
The sermon or homily for the service this year was preached by Pastor Steve Benson was the necessity of being thankful for what we have, starting with and in particular His Grace and His Mercy. May we be thankful we get what He gives and not what we deserve. Steve did a great job and is a wonderful preacher.
Thanksgiving Day
Thursday brought us Thanksgiving Day; a day known primarily for the excess consumption of food in the company of all available family members. Sometimes we forget the origin of the thanksgiving in Thanksgiving Day. While we are, or certainly should be, grateful to God every day for the wonderful world, country and family He has given us, this is the day our country has set aside to give thanks to God. Not thanks in general, but thanks to God. If you look at other countries and other times, you cannot be but thankful to God we live here and now. The list of things to be thankful to God is endless. If nothing else, give thanks you are here now and able to praise Him. Here is the start of your Beadle’s list of things for which we are fortunate and give thanks for:
• God's love for us;
• Our great country;
• Our families;
• Our friends (that would be each of you)
• Our health;
• Our earthly great fortune;
•
Surely your list is similar.
The Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity celebrated Thanksgiving Day with a 0930L (9:30am) Holy Communion Service at Victoria House. We were very fortunate to have Father Acker’s parents join us for the service. With seven communicants present, we had too many for the small chapel. What a terrible problem to have to deal with. Ever resourceful, the service was held in the dining room of Victoria House.
Alice Acker almost always reads the Epistle for Thanksgiving Day, which uses one of her favorite phrases “superfluity of naughtiness.” The Epistle comes from from the Epistle of St. James, the First Chapter, beginning at the Sixteenth Verse. James counsels us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” God is the perfect source of good. What is good is of God. Through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, we have been given instructions on how to act. Many of us have listened and claim to be followers of Christ. But James warns us, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man be-holding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” With so much about us, we need ask, what is it to do the work of the Lord? The answer is simple, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
Being able to fluently and glibly talk the talk is meaningless, if you will not walk the walk. You have to fulfill with your body the promises you made with your mouth.
DO not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man be-holding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The Gospel for Thanksgiving Day comes from the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew beginning at the Twenty-Fifth Verse. Jesus tell us to “Trust in God and Dread Naught”. He reminds us that by worrying, none of us can add even one cubit, or one second for that matter, to the span of our life here on earth. In a very graphic example He points out that not even the raiment of Solomon, the most glorious of all kings, could approach the beauty of a lily, who toiled not at all. Do as God asks, put your faith in Him and all you need will come to you. Understand, this means doing as He asks, not just sitting by and watching the world go by. Note the words of James in the Epistle.
JESUS said, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than food, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore be not anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Father Acker’s short talk addresses what we have to be thankful for; starting and ending with God’s gift to us – His Son!
There were no hymns, so the service was typical of a Holy Communion service, only 27 minutes. There were no after service goodies. Forsooth! The Ackers were off to brother Scott’s for turkey.
If you have not been to a service at Victoria Chapel, you are really missing an opportunity to participate in an intimate celebration of our faith. Join us sometime.
Thanksgiving Friday
Thanksgiving Friday being the last Friday of the month, the Free Teen Guitar Class had their jam session at Albertsons. This was a rather special event as not only did Jack and Mike, the bass and guitar players from Bethel Assembly of God Church join us, but so did Mike’s sister Kim, a great vocalist.
What a great time for both music and fellowship. Considering everything, the weather was pretty cooperative. It was fairly cool for this time of year, about 48°F with mist rolling in, but Mr. Heater came through and no one froze to death.
The power held up and the group rocked from about 1820 to 2010! For those of you stuck in 12 hour time, that would be 6:20 pm to 8:10 pm. Afterwards, most of the group got together at Manañas for a fine evening Burrito Ministry dinner!
We had a number of people stop by. A few were from Bethel, stopping to see what Jack, Mike and Kim were doing; a couple were interested in the FTGC; a few more just wanted to listen to the music and a young couple were looking for a church. With any luck, they will consider coming to either Alpine Anglican or Bethel. Worship anywhere Christian is better by far than nowhere. Everything considered, the evening was like its predecessors an absolute success!
If you have never come to one of the Albertson’s jam sessions, you really should give it a shot. If you don’t have a great time, there is a double your money back guarantee!
Advent Sunday
Today was the First Sunday in Advent. This is the first day of the new “liturgical year” , a New Year’s Day, so to speak. It rained all day Saturday, the first frontal precipitation of the weather year, so Advent was fit to the weather. Sunrise temperature was a cool 31°F on Mount Olympus with very clear skies. The start of church brought a lovely 58°F, which warmed to a lovely 61°F under deep blue sky with puffy white clouds. The superb weather brought out 23 people for the service.
With our exceedingly lovely and talented organist Marianne Lane and her mom Betsy on travel, Father Acker, Alex Springer, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold not only provided music for the welcome or gathering songs, but the entire service:
• Just a closer walk
• We gather together
• How great is our God
• Hymn 1 - Come thou long expected Jesus
• God made me
• Hymn 5 - Lo, He comes
• Give Thanks
• Doxology
We missed Marianne and Betsy, but were very glad for the guitars to provide our service music! Next week will be all guitars, too. But, it is the first Sunday of the month, our normal Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday.
People have asked, why do you have the gathering or welcome songs? The answer it really two fold, first some of our members like contemporary music (guitars) and others feel “church music” can only flow from an organ. This lets both groups have their music without adverse impact on either. This is one of those Win-Win situations. There is another group, for which your Beadle is the poster child, whose members simply ask, “Why all the racket?” But that is another story. Anyway, the other reason is that Anglicans worldwide are participants in the Just In Time concept of service attendance. The songs give a bit of leeway for people to make the service and they give those of us who like to sing a chance to do so. When they started singing, we had 9 people present; by the time they finished, there were 17 people.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class – Advent and Bible Reading
Father Acker’s Ten Minutes of Learning moved to starting on the basics of Christian Action. Regardless of some people’s misinterpretation, Christianity is not a religion for hermits, it is a social religion, a religion based on interaction, action and reaction. Of course, if all you know about Christianity is what people tell you, then you may or may not know that. So, what to do? Let’s start with the Collect for 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 every hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, Which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP p.92)
If you want to know, not be told, what Christianity is about, you need to read the Bible yourself, but preferably not by yourself, but with family or friends. “When two or three are gathered in My Name, I will grant their requests …”
Father Acker passed out pamphlets to help each of us through the Advent Season with readings from the Book of Mark to move you along. They are nice. If you did not get one, resolve to read and understand the Book of Mark, one chapter at a time at least through the Epiphany. You will be amazed how much you learn. If you do not have a Bible, there are a number of lovely leather bound Study Bibles available from the Church Library. FREE. If you are not an in person attendee, but get the report by email or even snail mail and you do not have a Bible, let Father Acker or the Beadle know. We will send you one. FREE.
Read and Understand the Bible. It is your key to LIFE.
Propers
Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding. The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. If you have a hard time remembering, “Do I read the Collect from last Sunday or next Sunday during the week?” Remember Sunday is the first day of the week. There are also two Bible readings, the Epistle and the Gospel. While they are “lessons”, they are not the First Lesson and the Second Lesson, they are the Epistle and the Gospel. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles or letters in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the priest as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the priests and the Holy Gospel, which during the service is read by an ordained priest.
The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead. Red Letter Feast, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Mostly dedicated to early saints who were instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. This Monday (tomorrow) is the Feast of Saint Andrew. Contrary to popular belief, he is not the patron saint of golf, though the first golf course was named after him. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent. For Advent, we have the Sunday Collect AND the First Sunday in Advent Collect which will be read after the Sunday Collect. Anyway, today we re-started the Chirstian year and the propers for the First Sunday in Advent can be found on Page 90-92:
The First Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.
Greg Chase read the Epistle for today, which comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans, starting at the Eight Verse of the Thirteenth Chapter. Paul tells us to be self sufficient, but love and care for one another, do not commit adultery, do not murder, steal or lie. But more than that, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” For, if you love your neighbor, you will do no ill to him. “Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” We need to do this today, because the time of “our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” We hear often “The end of the world is near.” And it may well be. But for each of us, this world’s end comes when we leave for the next. Have we treated our fellow beings as Jesus commanded us in God’s name? Because in the answer to that is hidden the key to our next life.
OWE no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, the Twenty- First Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. It is the story of Palm Sunday when Jesus came triumphant into Jerusalem. Jesus sent “two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.” This was done that the prophecy of years gone past might be fulfilled of a triumphant entry of the Messiah into Jerusalem. The people expecting a Prince of this World, “spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” Rather than assuming the crown of this world, “Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”
WHEN they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Sermon – Hosanna to the Son of David!
"Hoshana" (הושענא) is a Hebrew word meaning please save or save now. "Hosanna" (Greek transcription: ὡσαννά, hōsanna) is the cry of praise or adoration shouted in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus on his entry into Jerusalem, Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! It is used in the same way in Christian praise. Overall, it seems "Hosanna" is a cry for salvation; while at the same time is a declaration of praise. Therefore, it may be derived that this plea for help is out of an agreeably positive connotation.
Somewhat strangely, the beginning of the Christian year has a gospel from the last week of Jesus’ life, the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, 29 March 33 AD. The day predicted the Messiah or Meshia (the Anointed One) would come to lead the Jews to freedom. People had heard noising of Jesus for the past couple of years. They heard He was coming to town. Was it time? Could it be He was the Anointed One?
Scripture predicted He would come through Bethphage, the Green Fig Ranch, riding on a donkey, and so He did. Oddly enough, or perhaps not if you think of it, the place was a cemetery. A place where the dead awaited resurrection with the arrival of the Messiah. The Jews looked for the leader who would throw off the yoke of the Roman’s earthly tyranny. All that came was a fellow bringing eternal life and insisting His Father’s house be a place of prayer, not a den of thieves!
You sometimes see in person, and oft in caricature, the fellow with the sign, “The End is Near.” How near is the end? Jesus told us, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
So, maybe today, Advent Sunday, would be a good time to bring Jesus into your heart and your heart to God.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
We had no anniversaries or birthdays today.
After Church Hospitality
Annie Springer brought snacks today. What a lovely repast it was. First and foremost, deviled eggs, then breakfast pizza, a fruit plate and superb chocolate chip cookies. Of course, the eggs were the best thing, but everything else was best, too! Warren was particularly fond of the cookies, for some reason! Many thanks, Annie!
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was on coffee duty, the coffee was great, as expected. Father Acker got up early and made fresh and excellent low carb lemonade, great and almost gone.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
6 December 2009 Alice Acker
13 December 2009 Greg and Diane Chase
20 December 2009 Fran Dexter
27 December 2009 Dru Arnold
3 January 2010 Holly Lizak
10 January 2010 Opportunity Available
17 January 2010 Opportunity Available
People in our Prayers - http://www.blessedtrinityprayerteam.blogspot.com/
Prayer is an extremely important activity.
It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God's work.
The Prayer Team of the Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.
Who can be on the list?
Do I have to be a member of the Blessed Trinity Church to be prayed for? No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.
What is the commitment from the prayer team?
Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at least once per day.
How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?
You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Greg - gnchase@cox.net or Dru - dru@descansorodents.com, or call the church office at (619) 722-1772 or fill out a prayer card at church.
What should I ask for?
Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.
Updating the Team
If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Father Acker in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice to give thanks!
Please note on the yellow (maybe green or orange, if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the "prayer team". Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will pray for them.
Birthdays
Ali Arnold celebrated her 21st birthday last week.
Emilie Springer celebrated her 15th birthday week before last.
Don Patton celebrated his 47th birthday week before last.
Travel
Stephanie is on travel this week.
Jack and Rede are on travel this week.
Betsy and Marianne are on travel this week.
Rick and Carol are on travel this week.
In memory of those who have gone before us
Malcom Pappin who left us for home on 1 December 1999, beloved of our Muriel.
ALMIGHTY God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servant Malcom, and we pray thee that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive him more and more into thy joyful service; that he may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Peaceful Transition
Beatrice
Ruth is in home hospice care.
Repose of the Soul
Hal Cochran, a good friend of Al Ryan, passed away the morning of Sunday 15 November 2009, as the result of a long fought battle with cancer. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his two sons Tom and Paul that they might be thankful for additional time with their father and adjust to their temporary separation from him.
Healing
Marge, Karl, Christian, Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Nancy, Bill (infection), Ernie, Ray, Hazel, Bruce (heart attack), Susanne, Ralph+ (prostate cancer), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning and gout), Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Evelyn, Debbie, Lona (shoulders), Wanda, Paul (stroke), Doris, Scott (back/leg numb), Charles, Peter H (prostate), Marie (sprained ankle), June (cancer surgery), Susan, Jeff, David (leg injury), Judy, who suffers from mental illness, is undergoing tests for cancer, Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, Ben, Michael (heart valve replacement), Walter (skin cancer), Gabriella (surgery), Curtis, Doyle, Martha, Muriel, Richard, Ralph+, Jeffrey, Rod, Gary, Mark, Jeffery, Amy (staph infection), Jennifer, Curtis, Steve (cancer), Paula, Ashton, Marjorie, Mike G, Dave (knee surgery), Karl (shoulder surgery), Jeffrey (testing), Gary (sepsis; diabetic), Jim (stomach cancer), Eunice, Jeanette (Alzheimer’s), Kathleen (breast cancer), Mrs. Alvord, Angie, Madge, Betty, Jeannie (testing for breast cancer), Ed Salvador (cancer), Betty, Karl (shoulder surgery), Dick (knee surgery), Phil (broken rib), Dave (tumor), Jacque, Jim, Jeannie (cancer tests), Sarah, Stephen, Curtis; Angie, Madge, Veronica, Carmen, Alice, Dave (surgery recovery), Ed S (liver failure), Greg (leg surgery with complications), John (prostate cancer surgery), Martin, Pauline, Pat A (altz: things are stable); Charles A (altz: slight improvement in general awareness that he is disappointed not being allowed to drive, Lee T (stroke)
Kristen Cramer is in a Seattle hospital. Her amniotic sack burst at 32 weeks, her daughter Mila needs to gain weight before bringing her into this world to maximize her potential in this life. The medical team would like her to stay inside until 1 December 2009. Mila has been diagnosed with some birth defects, which will require post birth surgery. Due to the swine flu potential, Kristen is limited to two visitors, her husband and her mother. As one might imagine, this is a difficult time for all involved. Please pray for the medical team to do all that can be done, for Kristen and her family to continue with a good attitude, placing their faith in God. Pray for a good result for Mila, that she might live a long and healthy life to the honor and glory of God.
Vicky developed a brain aneurysm, which ruptured the morning of 28 October 2009. She made it through seven hours of surgery and the drug induced coma in a Denver hospital. Her husband and sons have been by her the entire time, so she has never been alone. In the words of her family …
I think it's my turn to bring some information to the party. Don't want people to think I went away and turned this all over to the boys. They've done an exceptional job keeping everyone informed and I'm so very proud of them. Their mom obviously raised them well.
Today was a really great day. Ian just called me from the hospital. He'd not been there for three days and didn't have the benefit of seeing Vicky since before the Tracheostomy surgery. She's exceeding all the expectations of the neuro wing of the hospital. All of her numbers are in-line with what they want to see. She's coughing and breathing on her own and Ian swears she opened her eyes and looked directly at him and Blair. While that may be wishful thinking, the nurse said the amount of sedation she's still got in her system would completely knock anyone out cold. She's obviously trying to come out of the fog. We just can't wait until we see any sign of acknowledgment in those eyes.
Eric, Ian and I met with the representative for the long term acute care hospital to which we will likely have her moved soon. The only thing that remains for the ICU at University Hospital to monitor is the "bolt" for the ICP (intercranial pressure) still in her head. They're still draining excess fluid from the ventricals of her brain, but they've proclaimed they may not need to do that much longer and might be able to avoid placing a shunt in the ventricals for longer term maintenance of the fluid buildup and pressure. That's incredible news because it indicates she's showing some absolutes in the healing process.
Ian says she looks very good although she's pretty puffy still from all the challenges her kidneys are being put through. I'll take her any way I can get her back. The sooner the better.
I can't tell you all how much we all appreciate everyone's support and prayers. The one thing I've locked onto about her recovery is that she will need a familiar support system and a safety net that makes her comfortable as she readjusts. We have to believe. But still, just to keep things in perspective there are no assurances or absolutes in any of this. We simply don't know how much damage Vicky has suffered or how long it may take to resolve the problems she faces in her battle ahead. The one resolve we have to maintain is to not expect anything in the way of a timeline or an end result. In any event, we are looking at months, if not years, for her to find a level of stability. That's just a hard reality.
Your good wishes and unwavering support will do more to keep her going than any amount of therapy and medicine.
I'm asking everyone to do us a big favor. Please email me your individual email or other contact information: dougandersen@earthlink.net We want to have the opportunity to stay in touch, as I'm sure Vicky will. I also want to hold a homecoming gathering for when the time is right and don't want to overlook anyone. You have all been so very kind and such a blessing to all of us - especially to Vicky.
Please keep the messages coming. Vicky will love to read them all when she's able.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and do remember to give thanks for what you have. We are giving thanks to all of you for the strength and support you've brought to us in the past three weeks.
Our love to you all! Doug
Please pray for her recovery and for peace of mind for her family, that they might keep their trust in the Lord.
Zeke and Dorothy are in need of healing. Dorothy is currently in skilled nursing after a serious bout of colitis, trying to gain strength to go home. Her husband Zeke has liver disease and is doing better than Dorothy, but not that well. Please pray for the medical people taking care of both of them and for them and their family placing their faith in God and seeking his guidance.
Mike Wysocki has just been diagnosed with a bad heart valve, which seems to require replacement. Mike, whose real name is Ronald, but who is universally known as Chief, asks that you pray for the medical team treating him that they might pay attention and do their best. He also asks that you pray for guidance and peace of mind, both for him and his wife Wendy.
Cerrus, daughter in law of Hy, has had a relapse of her cancer. Please pray for a successful treatment and remission.
David is suffering from shingles and asks that we pray for a remission of the symptoms and a return to normalcy.
Faith, daughter of Craig, Associate Pastor at Bethel Christian, had major, serious and complicated heart surgery on 24 November 2009. Please give thanks for a successful result. Pray also for peace of mind and concentration on faith in God for Faith and her family during her recovery.
Bishop Richard Boyce has bronchial pneumonia. He is down right now, taking antibiotics and likely feel pretty poorly, though he never complains. Seems like he is getting a bit better, though. Please pray for his rapid and complete recovery.
Jordan, age 9, was in a car accident two weeks ago and is in Children’s Hospital. It appears she is paralyzed from the waist down. Please pray for a miraculous recovery for her and if that not be God’s will, that she will make the best of the situation and do God’s work in this world. Pray also for her and her family to draw closer to the Lord in this trying time and draw strength from Him.
Danielle’s neck surgery to remove her lymph nodes and damaged tissue was successful. She has completed most of the radiation and chemotherapy, with 1 ½ more weeks to go. It is very tough, but she is making it. Her sister Stephanie is with her and will stay until her mother Jan relieves her later this week. Things seem better with Stephanie there. Please pray a good outcome and peace of mind for Danielle and her family.
Jimmy had a stroke along with triple bypass heart surgery. Miney Farrell asks you pray for his recovery and positive frame of mind during his recovery.
Annie S is on dialysis, but has been added to the kidney transplant wait list. Please pray for healing of her diabetic condition causing complications.
Jackie was involved in a rollover car accident, her passenger was not injured, but she sustained a serious head injury. She has regained consciousness and is up and walking. Pray for the medical team treating her that they might do their best. Pray for her and her family who are very worried about her.
Bashir Ahmed, father of Shamim Gray, father in law of Commander Obra Gray for whom we prayed while he was deployed to Iraq and on various carrier deployments, is gravely ill. Bashir lives in London. He has regained an awareness of those around him and his surroundings. This is a good thing. Please pray God will deliver a miraculous recovery for Bashir; if that not be God’s will, a departure in peace to His world for him. Please pray God will extend His Grace to Bashir and his family and that they will accept. Shamim keeps her faith in the Lord. Above all, pray for his family to open their hearts to accept all God’s love will bring them.
Peter H is in Kaiser with a less than good prognosis of prostate cancer. Please offer prayers of healing. His wife Susan understands we have prayer warriors in other countries including England. She is confident Peter will appreciate that as he is English.
Mark Wilson is recovering from skin cancer surgery and has been diagnosed with a heart condition. Please pray for his peace of mind and well as resolution of the problem.
Hy cannot put much weight on her leg. She does not know why and so far the doctors have not been able to diagnose a problem. But, things are much better and she is getting around on using a cane. She thanks all who are praying for her.
Lise, originally diagnosed with "peritoneal cancer", has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Lise's doctors hope she is in remission, but are uncertain and do not know if she will be with us for more than a year. Her friend requests you please pray for continued healing and full remission for Lise; and, and please pray that God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers. Lise appreciates your support and prayers.
Jan has just recovered from her fifth cancer surgery. Her friend asks you pray for Jan's continued healing and complete remission; and, please pray God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers.
Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving. Another anomaly has been discovered and she is back into preventative radiation treatment. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Mary Parker is home. Please give thanks for her great recovery and continued progress.
Evelyn Hunt was in the hospital recently and just got out. She is undergoing testing and not feeling well. She is doing much better, her medications seem to be more properly adjusted. She gives thanks for the card and your prayers.
Miney Farrell is happy to be over her pneumonia and celebrated her 94th birthday for the full octave having taken a number of excursions with her family. She also shares the birthday prayer with any of the folk at her home care or when she sends cards.
Lorraine Winkles is doing well all things considered, with some days better than other days. She sends her love to all.
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) is still home and doing pretty well considering the bones in her neck and hands are degenerating as a side effect of her kidney failure. Her thumbs are not particularly useful any more. Mrs. Kay asks everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers. As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.
Nicole Ethridge - age 28, mother of two - has a form of liver disease FSCS, which was causing her liver to shut down. The disease has apparently gone into semi-remission. She is doing very well and coming off medications. 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 struggling a bit with Graft Vs Host Disease (GVHD), which is causing stiffness in her joints and itchy rashes on her face and body. She is doing well post transplant; all tests show she continues cancer-free.
Natalie (age 10, leukemia recurrence) has not responded to any treatment since her relapse. She is nearing the end of her time here on earth unless there is a God given miraculous remission of the cancer. Her family knows Natalie is in God's hands and they are praying for a miracle. Pray they will accept God’s help with their faith and He will give them peace of heart, soul and mind.
Guidance
Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer to be guided to a church
Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, William, Phil, Rick, Susan, Curtis, Donny, Chris, Andrew, Keith (job decision), Sara (God's grace and His patience), Mark, Alexandra, Perlita, Lewis, Susie, Dru, Jack, Tina, William, Christina, Tuck, Lorraine (death of husband), Jeff, Christiana (God’s grace), Tara (divorce), Patricia & her family, Errin, Elizabeth, Brandon, Steven, Nelson, Ashley, Virginia, Betty who is considering moving into an assisted living home, Nick, Pat, Caroline, Stephen, Greg (vocation guidance and training for the diaconate), Stephanie, Richard, Daniel,, Sheryl, Edward, Jeannie, Rachel, Mikaela, Emma, Patrick, Mary (adoption); Ashley (job); Curt; Angelina & Ron C; Steven (strength); Vanessa H (trust), Jackie (God's grace), Sandy, Lorraine, Brad, Brian, Jennifer, Greg, Margie, Phyllis, Sam, Suzie, Debbie & Cindy (Arla’s daughter), Tara (divorce), Virginia, Darin & Brian (mom’s health issues), Russell (job), Kris (job), Boo (husband RIP 8/4), Jeannie, Curt, Alex, Emilie, Stephen
Hope asks you pray for God’s will in her efforts to dissolve an aircraft partnership with two other people. The partners no longer seem compatible in their uses of the aircraft. For two and a half years she has been trying to come to an equitable agreement and cannot. She asks that she be open to God’s guidance in bringing this partnership to an end to the mutual benefit of all the partners.
Megan is struggling with suicidal thoughts. Please pray for her to open her heart to God and accept His Love, Help, Guidance and Grace. Please pray for her parents to open their hearts to both God and Megan that they might see the world as she sees it and help her see the world as God would have her see it.
Obra for God's comfort as he mourns the loss of his wife Pauline. Please pray he will put his trust and faith in God and turn his heart outward to the world, remembering God put him here to make a difference. Pray he will venture out, not stay inside and petrify; that he will let his heart be open to God’s grace.
Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.
Noriene for God's comfort as she mourns her mother and for her turning to God for His healing.
Paul S suffers from severe schizophrenia remains stable with his medication, but needs God’s guidance. He gives thanks for improvement in his housing situation.
Linda is traveling to Chile to learn more about music therapy for developmentally challenged young people from a Christian perspective. She is investigating the potential need and environment south of the American border. She asks that you pray for her that she might discern God’s will, her abilities and the need; grant her safe travel.
Hap asks you to pray that he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly.
Guidance and Protection
Christina, Sarah
Economic Guidance and Assistance
Keith has been unable to find any full-time work since his custom home drafting business of 25 years really dropped off last year. He is working as a handyman, doing tile work, painting, home repairs, etc. Their family has a great deal of debt from Susanne’s medical needs. Pray also for God's peace to comfort them and for His leading and wisdom to be very evident to them.
Mark’s business is very very slow, he asks that God point him to new markets and give him guidance in following God’s will that his business might survive and his employees not lose their livelihood.
Toni is applying for a promotion and asks God’s guidance.
Please give thanks for Kevin in the UK who has found a job. Please continue to pray he will find a position that will maintain his family and where he can use his talents to make a positive impact on the world. Please pray also for his family, in particular his wife Beverley, that they might open their hearts and minds to God’s guidance.
To Find Employment
Jack has been laid off from his job as a construction manager in East San Diego County; due to the economy jobs in the field are hard to find. Please pray that Jack will find a job, not necessarily in the construction, that will allow him to use his considerable skills and talents to make his new employer more successful; guide him and his family is this difficult time.
Russell, Kris, Keith and Kevin each to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
Shawna’s father lost his job in March 2009. After 33 years of working, he has been unable to find work. Please pray that he will find a job that will allow him to use his talents to make his new employer more successful. Pray also that he might put his trust in the Lord and look outward; that he might turn his heart away from depression and towards God. Pray also for his family in this very stressful time. Shawna ask that we pray for all those out of work that they might find gainful employment. There is little worse for a person than no work to turn to and no way to support their family.
Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan), Evan (USMC-Afghanistan), Eric (USN-Afghanistan), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan), Airman Donny Patton (RAF Mildenhall, UK), Eric (USN-Afghanistan through May 2010), Bob (USCG), Josh (USCG)
Thanksgiving
Martha S is recovering from foot surgery. She expects to be in a walking cast for about three more weeks. She appreciates our prayers and the nice card. She still has several more weeks of recovery.
Joan Jeffery was diagnosed with cancerous lymphoma in her throat area. After her first two radiation sessions, the tumor shrank significantly and she can breathe readily again. Please join her in giving thanks for the great result and pray for continued success with the radiation and chemotherapy. She has been told the prognosis is good. Nonetheless, please pray for peace of mind for Joan and her husband Peter as she goes through this difficult time. Pray also for guidance for the medical personnel treating her.
Persecuted
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the western world as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
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. Please ask God to guide the class to new opportunities to make Him known to others. Help us to let the love of our Lord shine through us into their lives, putting Him first, so that He might enter in to their hearts and lives.
Advent Calendars
As we have since the parish’s beginning, we have Advent Calendars. For those of you who are not familiar with them, the calendars count down the days of Advent to Christmas. There are twenty-four numbered doors to open as you count down the days until Christmas. Behind each of the doors numbered one through twenty-four is a piece of chocolate.
The calendars come from Germany, where Advent starts the first of December every year, Teutonic sense of orderliness taking precedence over mere liturgical considerations. Normally this works out pretty well, with days left over, but an early Advent Sunday means a couple of days without chocolate (unless of course you saved some Halloween candy).
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.
What is the “Liturgical Year”?
Liturgy based Christian churches who consider themselves catholic, or universal, use a Christian Calendar which has a pre-set annual cycle of liturgical seasons which determines when Feasts, Memorials, Commemorations, and Solemnities are to be observed and which portions of Scripture are to be read.
Distinct liturgical colors are used in connection with different seasons of the liturgical year. The dates of the festivals vary somewhat between the Western (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Protestant) churches and the Eastern Orthodox Churches, though the sequence and logic is the same.
The dates of many feasts vary from year to year (Moveable Feasts) due to the variation in the date of Easter, and all other dates follow from that. The extent to which the fasts and festivals are celebrated also varies between churches; in general Protestant churches observe far fewer of them than Catholic and Orthodox churches, and in particular are less likely to celebrate feasts of the Virgin Mary and the Saints.
The liturgical cycle divides the year into a series of seasons, each with their own mood, theological emphases, and modes of prayer, which can be signified by different ways of decorating churches, vestments for clergy, scriptural readings, themes for preaching and even different traditions and practices often observed personally or in the home.
In churches that follow the liturgical year, the scripture passages for each Sunday (and even each day of the year in the Anglican tradition) are specified by a list called a lectionary. Anglicans and Lutherans have traditionally followed the lectionary since the days of the Protestant Reformation. Since the 1960s, the adoption and use of lectionaries in other Protestant churches (Methodist, Reformed, United, etc.) increased. This has led to a greater awareness of the Christian year among Protestants in the later decades of the 20th century, especially among mainline denominations.
Biblical calendars are based on the cycle of the new moon. The year is from the first new moon on or after the spring equinox to the next new moon on or after the spring equinox, rather than an arbitrary starting point like the modern calendar.
Western Christian liturgical calendars are based on the cycle of the Roman or Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, including Lutheran, Anglican, and Protestant calendars since this cycle pre-dates the Reformation.
Generally, the liturgical seasons in western Christianity are:
• Advent
• Christmas
• Ordinary Time (Time after Epiphany)
• Lent
• Easter
• Ordinary Time (Time after Trinity)
Advent From the Latin adventus, "arrival" or "coming", the first season of the liturgical year begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Historically observed as a "fast", its purpose focuses on preparation for the coming Christ.
Although often conceived as awaiting the coming of the Christ-child at Christmas it also points towards the final coming of Christ.
This period is marked by the Advent Wreath, a garland of evergreens with four candles. Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens. Three candles are violet and the fourth is rose. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. Although the main symbolism of the advent wreath is simply marking the progression of time, the church attaches themes to each candle, most often 'hope', 'faith', 'joy', and 'love'. Color: Violet or Blue. On the third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday, Rose/Pink is used.
Historically, the primary sanctuary color of Advent is Purple. This is the color of penitence and fasting as well as the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King. Purple is still used in Catholic churches. The purple of Advent is also the color of suffering used during Lent and Holy Week. This points to an important connection between Jesus’ birth and death. The nativity, the Incarnation, cannot be separated from the crucifixion. The purpose of Jesus’ coming into the world, of the "Word made flesh" and dwelling among us, is to reveal God and His grace to the world through Jesus’ life and teaching, but also through his suffering, death, and resurrection.
To reflect this emphasis, originally Advent was a time of penitence and fasting, much as the Season of Lent and so shared the color of Lent. In the four weeks of Advent the third Sunday came to be a time of rejoicing that the fasting was almost over (in some traditions it is called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word for "rejoice"). The shift from the purple of the Season to pink or rose for the third Sunday Advent candles reflected this lessening emphasis on penitence as attention turned more to celebration of the season. Churches other than Anglican have changed colors and emphasis on the whole wreath, we remain true to tradition. Maybe we are just slow learners or not so open to change for change’ sake.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival. " The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power. That acknowledgment provides a basis for Kingdom ethics, for holy living arising from a profound sense that we live "between the times" and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God’s people. So, as the church celebrates God’s entry into history in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that history for which "all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption", it also confesses its own responsibility as a people commissioned to "love the Lord your God with all your heart" and to "love your neighbor as yourself. "
I’d like to get a different point across or announce something
If you have a different point of view, I would be happy to give you room to get your point across. While this publication is my perspective on events, I recognize not everyone may agree and that some people would like to express their own opinion. If you want to write something, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to: thebeadle@mac.com.
Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC – www.freeteenguitarclass.com)
The FTGC is now meeting Wednesdays at SCAIR Center in Alpine, (2218 Alpine Boulevard - across from Alpine Inn), the facility courtesy of Wanda Michaelis and Lona Walsh.
The previous Class Schedule remains in effect:
FTGC New Class Schedule:
Advanced 5:30-6:15 pm
Intermediate 5:00 pm (Beginners shift to Intermediate having learned all 6 strings and get to move on to chords)
Beginning 4:00 pm (A new class & those redoing the material; it’s okay to do both Intermediate and Beginner classes)
For anyone wanting to start again this is the time!
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
6 December 2009 Jan Macauley
13 December 2009 Tim Macauley
20 December 2009 Greg Chase
24 December 2009 Emilie Springer (Christmas Eve)
27 December 2009 Hap Arnold (Happy Birthday)
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Monday is the Feast of Saint Andrew, Evening Prayer 1815, Holy Communion 1830 at Victoria House.
Next Sunday is the Second Sunday in Advent.
As you can tell from Advent, Christmas is on the way. Sunday 20 December 2009, after church and after the Burrito Ministry, we will be caroling at three or four of our parishioners’ homes, those who cannot really get out. Like almost all we do, it will be a great time.
The Christmas Dinner will be held at the Community Center at 1200. Keep an eye here for more details.
Not much going on this week, Sunday will still be worth the wait.
See you next week on Sunday!
All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from: thebeadle@mac.com
Church is serious business!
If you don’t believe it, come and find out!
