Today was the Sunday next before Advent, commonly called Stir up Sunday from the line in Collect for the Day. Perhaps oddly titled to our ears, it is the last Sunday in the Christian Year, we start where we began, focused on Jesus. The Propers are found on page 225-226; next Sunday the year starts again on page 90. The morning brought the increasing temperatures characteristic of a light Santa Ana with its easterly winds. The mercury was up to 34°F at sunrise on Mount Olympus; by the end of church it had climbed to 69°F under bright clear skies. Not bad for the end of November. With a few people sick, some on travel, Donny in England and some just plain missing, we had 21 participants by service start:
Gathering Songs
Today Father Ironhand, Alex Springer, and Jack Arnold played the first of the gathering songs which again gathered Nick Patton, then they all played the rest:
• Forever
• We gather together
• Just a closer walk
• Give thanks all ye people
• Give thanks with a grateful heart
• How great is our God
Gathering songs are a great way not only to allow people to come in a bit late and not to worry, but also to allow us to mix contemporary music and conventional church music in the same service without interfering with each other. Plus, most importantly, our guitarists love to play. Plus, like today, somehow they often draw in people. We started with 13 people and by the time the songs were over we had 21!
Pre-Service Class – The Basics of Christian Faith
Father Acker’s Ten Minutes of Learning is working on Back to the Basics of the Christian Faith. Today he discussed the fact that we have access to God by way of Jesus’ Body.
Jesus was here on earth. He was resurrected from the dead, returned to earth in His perfected body and ascended into heaven. We form His body in the Church, for which He provides the head. We share in His body in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Article Nineteen of the Articles of Religion says of the Church:
XIX. Of the Church.
The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ’s ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.
As the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch, have erred; so also the Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of Faith.
When one speaks of the Church and its authority over the way of our worship, it is important to bear in mind that “Church Authorities” have limits to their legitimate power, clearly limited in Article Twenty:
XX. Of the Authority of the Church.
The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies, and authority in Controversies of Faith: and yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary to God’s Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another. Wherefore, although the Church be a witness and a keeper of Holy Writ, yet, as it ought not to decree any thing against the same, so besides the same ought not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of Salvation.
Thus, our motto:
Scripture • Reason • Tradition
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. Today, the propers for the Sunday next before Advent can be found on Page 225-226:
The Sunday next before Advent
The Collect.
STIR up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they,
plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by thee be plenteously rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stir Up Sunday
Stir-up Sunday is an informal term in the Anglican Church for the last Sunday before the season of Advent. The term comes from the opening words of the collect for the day in the Book of Common Prayer:
Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Through an association of ideas, the day subsequently became connected, especially in England, with the preparation of Christmas puddings in readiness for Christmas. In the Book of Common Prayer of 1662 and later, this collect is listed for "The Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Trinity", with accompanying rubric specifying that this collect "shall always be used upon the Sunday next before Advent". This reinforced the significance of this day as forming part of the preparation for the season of Advent. The rubric is necessary because the last Sunday before Advent does not always fall on the twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity: Trinity Sunday is a moveable feast and the Advent season is fixed, so the number of weeks in between varies from year to year. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer solves this dilemma by marking only 24 Sundays after Trinity and setting this Sunday apart as “next before Advent.”
Alice Acker read the Epistle for today, which came from the Book of Jeremiah, the Twenty-Third Chapter, beginning at the Fifth Verse. Foretelling the arrival of Jesus, Jeremiah prophesied, “I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Foreshadowing the New Covenant, he wrote, “They shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.”
BEHOLD, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.
The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint John, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the Fifth Verse. John relates one of the feeding the masses in the wilderness events. This event occurring long before there was a Thanksgiving Day, seems very appropriate for the weekend and also forshadows the arrival of the Christ at Christmas coming to feed our spiritual needs in the wilderness of this world.
With five thousand men with them looking for food in the wilderness, “One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down…” Reminding us that if the Son of God gave thanks to God for His food, so ought we, “Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.”
Compare to saving our souls and feeding the inner hunger we have for God’s love, feeding a mere 5,000 men is child’s play, but then Jesus said we should accept God and His love through Him as the children do. So perhaps it really is child’s play.
WHEN Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
Sermon – Finished with the Road to RecoverY
Father Acker leapt back on the wagon traveling on the road to recovery today for the last letter - Y. Why? Because.
Realize we’re not in control
Existence of God; He’s in control
Choose to Commit; His care
Openly Confess; Ask His Forgiveness
Voluntarily Submit
Extend Forgiveness
Reverse avoidance
Your story
Finally it is about YOU! Of course, you might know YOU come at the end, in last place, so to speak, and rightfully so.
In his second letter to the people of Corinth, Saint Paul wrote: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
God wants to:
• Use YOU to Help Others
• Bless YOUR Pain making it a Blessing
• Use YOUR Weakness making it Strong
• See YOUR Growth helping others
• Bring Wholeness in YOUR Sacrifice
Finally it is all about YOU and you are in pain. Just your luck! God does not cause pain. God does not test us. Often pain has to do with choices we have made or choices others have made. While He does not test us, He does watch how we do under the pressure. We have to choose how we will handle the stress and pain of this veil of tears. In the words of Joshua: You must choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
So, if it is about you, what is it about? It is about you following God’s will, being ready to admit your imperfection and show others the way to light and life. Through your trust in God and acceptance of His direction, you can light the path for others to come towards Him and life. In the words of Peter, “…with gentleness and respect.” People don’t need to be reminded of their imperfection, but rather their potential for perfection.
Now we are done with RECOVERY. Next week, Father Acker will start on a new word, working out a bunch of handy themes for each letter:
ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM
That ought to be good for about six months of sermons!
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today. We were fortunate to have Jack and Rede Acker with us for the service, however.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
We had no anniversaries or birthdays today.
After Church Hospitality
Alice Acker not only read the Epistle, but brought snacks today. Your Beadle, being on the low carb diet, really appreciated the great egg thing, kind of like a cheese omelet in a cake pan. I do not know the name, but I do know it was all the way gone in short order! Also, there were chocolate chip cookies that are known to be superb! Plus, a surprise visit from some empañadas. Great snacks! Thanks, Alice!
Those plates were overflowing and Alice took ZERO home!
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
29 November 2009 Annie Springer
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 today.
Emilie Springer celebrated her 15th birthday last week.
Don Patton celebrated his 47th birthday last week.
Travel
Stephanie is on travel this week.
Rick and Carol are on travel this week.
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
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.
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, will be having a major, serious and complicated surgery on 24 November 2009. Please pray for God’s guidance and inspiration to the surgical team. Pray also for peace of mind and concentration on faith in God for Faith and her family. Pray for a successful outcome of the surgery and associated treatment.
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.
Ginger Strouse is down with an Upper Respiratory Infection, which she is having a problem shaking.
Tom Strouse has completed 15 days of radiation treatment, then got the same Upper Respiratory Infection that has Ginger down. He has recovered from that, but still feels a bit poorly. Please pray for a complete recovery for both Ginger and Tom.
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 her fourth week of radiation and chemotherapy, 4 ½ more to go. It is very tough, but she is making it. Her sister Stephanie is with her and will stay until her mother Jan relives her. 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 was in the hospital for some time. They have been able to do little for him and have sent him home. It is good for him to be home. His wife can rest now and he is doing better being at home He is lucid more some days than others and can walk a few steps. 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.
Tom S, recovering from brain surgery and continuing radiation treatment.
Maureen had two heart valves successfully replaced and is now home. She sounds great, but has quite a few weeks of recovery from the extended illness and surgery. Maureen and her family really appreciate the prayers and are thankful for God's healing.
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 seems 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. Mrs. Kay asks that everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers. As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.
Nicole Ethridge - age 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.
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
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
Donny Patton gives thanks for a great home leave and safe travel to his PCS station, RAF Mildenhall, UK. He also gives thanks the wallet he lost enroute has been found intact and also thanks for all the help given him while it was missing.
Martha S is recovering from foot surgery. She expects to be in a walking cast for about four 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.
Should I let someone know I won’t be at church?
We have a pretty closely knit church family. You don’t have to be at church every Sunday. After all, things do happen. Sometimes we have to work, other times we will be out of town for business or vacation. But, let someone know you won’t make it so that we don’t have to worry you have been eaten by wolves or something worse. You can always email the Vicar or the Beadle.
Question that only you can ask
What would you like to know about our history, what we believe, what we do or how we operate? Father Acker is looking for material for the continuing education class and the Beadle is looking for Thought for the Day material. Help us help you. Please send your question to the Beadle so we all can get an answer. Just because you don’t know the answer to your question doesn’t mean you are the only one who doesn’t know. But, if you don’t ask, no one will know.
I’d like to get a different point across or announce something
If you have a different point of view, I would be happy to give you room to get your point across. While this publication is my perspective on events, I recognize not everyone may agree and that some people would like to express their own opinion. If you want to write something, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to: thebeadle@mac.com.
Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC – www.freeteenguitarclass.com)
The FTGC is now meeting Wednesdays at SCAIR Center in Alpine, (2218 Alpine Boulevard - across from Alpine Inn), the facility courtesy of Wanda Michaelis and Lona Walsh.
The previous Class Schedule remains in effect:
FTGC New Class Schedule:
Advanced 5:30-6:15 pm
Intermediate 5:00 pm (Beginners shift to Intermediate having learned all 6 strings and get to move on to chords)
Beginning 4:00 pm (A new class & those redoing the material; it’s okay to do both Intermediate and Beginner classes)
For anyone wanting to start again this is the time!
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
29 November 2009 Greg Chase
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
Wednesday
This Wednesday, 25 November 2009, our congregation will be hosting the Alpine Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve service at the Alpine Elementary School (our usual location) at 1900 (7:00pm). We will be bringing together those congregations in Alpine whose Bible based understanding of Christianity is similar to ours. The Free Teen Guitar Class will be providing the music. Father Acker will be running the program. It should be a great time. There will no doubt be a Burrito Ministry afterwards. If you don’t drive at night, call the Beadle (619) 247-3782 so we can work out a ride for you.
Thursday
There will be a 0930 Holy Communion Service at Victoria House for Thanksgiving. If you need directions, please call the church office (619) 722-1772. For those of you who wonder what the church office looks like, it looks a lot like a telephone.
Sunday
Next Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent, four Sundays leading to Christmas. The First Sunday in Advent is the beginning of the Christian Year. Perhaps we will hear a little more about the Christian calendar next Sunday, perhaps we won’t. Have to show to find out, eh?
As you can tell from Advent (next before, anyway), 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 our. Like almost all we do, it will be a great time.
The Christmas Dinner is not yet set in stone, but likely will be held at the Community Center at 1200. Keep an eye here for more details.
Quite a bit going on this week, but 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!
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