Today was the third Sunday in Advent, the period including the four Sundays before Christmas; the first Sunday of which is always the nearest Sunday to the feast of St. Andrew (30 November). Advent is a season of preparation and penitence. We prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but we also look forward to his second coming. The liturgical color for this season is purple reminding us of the Kingship of Jesus and that Advent is also a season of penitential preparation. Rose-colored vestments may be used on the third Sunday of Advent, signifying for us a lightening up of the penitential nature of the season as we draw closer to Christmas.
After a very rainy Saturday, we had a damp, but not rainy, Sunday at church. Sunrise temperature was a coolish 41°F on Mount Olympus with light rain. The start of church found the mercury up to 45°F, under a medium overcast sky of grey. Because of the weather or in spite of it, we had 19 people for the service.
Gathering Songs
Today’s gathering songs were done by Father Ironhand, with Nick Patton and Jack Arnold:
• Abide with me
• Days of Elijah
• Just a closer walk
• King of love
While we only had 19 people for church, the gathering songs started with only 13 in attendance, so they did gather a half dozen!
Before you blow off church, think – Hey the guys did not want to get up and drag their gear down there, but they did. They are in position, playing and singing to “gather me”, perhaps I better get out of bed and drag my sorry donkey out of bed and into church.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class – Basics of Christian Belief
Today Father Acker got back to the Basics of Christian Beliefs. It looks like we will be working our way through the Creed, but who knows? You may need to either come to church or read this report to find out. Not being Punxsutawney Phil, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, prediction is not my profession. Anyway, back to the class.
You may wish to review the Articles of Religion, which start on Page 603 of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). If you don’t have a BCP and want one, we have plenty. Articles One and Two say:
I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.
THERE is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in the unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
II. Of the Word or Son of God, which was made very Man.
The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took Man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect Natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men.
The Articles document our beliefs as Christians, but there are 39 of them for crying out loud. Isn’t there something shorter? Well look at Article Eight:
VIII. Of the Creeds.
The Nicene Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles’ Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture.
Well, what is a Creed? The word Creed comes from the Latin, Creedo, or I believe. Maybe they are the short key, so to speak? Yes, they are. So, Father Acker started on the Nicene Creed. Or, at least that is where it seems he is going.
The First Office of Instruction (BCP Page 284) says:
• I learn to believe in God the Father, who made me, and the world.
• I learn to believe in God the Son, who redeemed me, and all humanity.
• I learn to believe in God the Holy Spirit, who makes me holy, and all the people of God.
The Nicene Creed starts out:
I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; …Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, … was crucified … rose … And he shall … judge both the quick and the dead; … the Holy Ghost, The Lord, and Giver of Life…
In his letter to the Romans, Paul says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
So, let’s look at the whole first part of the Creed:
I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man: And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried: And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures: And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father: And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son;
The Creed is a summary of what we believe, it is not a “source document.” It comes from Holy Scripture. It is not something made up by a bunch of people in fancy dresses, it is a summary of what is in the Bible. That cannot be stressed enough.
Jesus is Lord, through Him is eternal 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. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. 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. The Propers are found on Page 93-94, with the Collect first:
The Third Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
O LORD Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent is on Page 90:
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.
Tim Macauley read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, starting at the First Verse of the Fourth Chapter.
Paul calls on those who would be the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God to be good and faithful stewards leading their flock rather than commanding from the rear. He tells them not to be fearful of the judgment of man. In fact, he tells he is not concerned of the judgment of men, or even that of himself, but rather that of God. God knows our hearts and when He judges, He “will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.“
LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, the Eleventh Chapter, beginning at the Second Verse. Now when John the Baptist “had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” John was Jesus’ cousin and the one who baptized Him and heard God say, THIS IS MY SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.” Yet, he and the rest of the Jews of the time expected the Messiah to come into Jerusalem in triumph, sit in the temple and rule, commanding, nay compeling the Romans to leave. No doubt marveling at the question, for it was asked of Him who had performed countless genuine miracles, healing the blind, the deaf the lame, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” As John’s disciples parted, Jesus talked to those about him. He asked them concerning John, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” Because Jesus came into this world, not to be the King of the Present, but rather the King of that to Come.
NOW when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Sermon – Being a Leader
As parents our first job is to insure our children get to heaven. Our second job is to be there to greet them, our third is to prepare them for life in this world. Most of us don’t really need to know what our fourth job is because we will never get past the first three.
Like parenthood, our life here on earth is about leading people to Christ, being His servant, doing His will and begin faithful stewards of His resources. To lead people to Christ, you need to subtly say, “Follow me.” Thus, you need to be headed towards Christ yourself. “He is that way,” said from behind is not all that useful. You need to remember the most important thing is Union with God. We need to live our lives so that our service to God’s work is apparent in our lives. You know if someone tells you during the course of a business conversation, “I’m a Christian,” the next thing that is about to happen is they are going to try to cheat you. If you want people to find Christ through your life, ACT CHRISTIAN. People will shortly find out you are one.
You need to engage people. Monkeries are for monkeys. People serve the Lord by engagement. Bring Christ’s actions to people through your lives. When you have a Christmas Party, have a subtle religious theme. Not in your face, show off, but the party tapestry should be Christian. CS Lewis said, “A Christian doctor or lawyer will bring more people to Christ than a priest ever will. But, when they come the priest has to be ready.” God works in mysterious ways, don’t forget how many people have recalled their religion when in the clutches of a heathen cab driver!
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. v. 16.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We joyfully celebrate Betsy Lane’s 83rd birthday with her today!
After Church Hospitality
Greg Chase brought snacks today. A very nice selection; pumpkin pie, Christmas Bark (chocolate and mint candy), cashews and four kinds of cheese, with crackers to go with the various kinds of cheeses. Very nice. Many thanks to Greg!
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
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.
Birthday
Betsy celebrated her 83rd birthday this week.
Travel
Jan is 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, 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 (Healing from cancer. Betty has completed her chemotherapy after her surgery), Jeannie (testing for breast cancer), Ed, Betty, Karl (Healing of his shoulder injury, but not having surgery), Phil (Thanksgiving for his having received a pacemaker. Phil is suffering from renal failure and other complications), Dave (We had been praying for healing from a tumor. It now may require surgery), Jacque (Healing of her rare form of cancer. It is her second recurrence), Jeannie (cancer tests), Sarah, Stephen, Curtis; Angie, Madge, Veronica, Carmen, Alice, Dave (surgery recovery), Ed S (liver failure), Greg D (leg injury. Greg is making good progress still using a knee brace; Thanksgiving for the progress and requests continued healing) 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, Maurice (in ICU with a congenital disease)
Matt Alcantara, age 15, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in his left hip in March 2009. This is a very rare and lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options. He was admitted to Children's here in San Diego and a course of treatment including high dose chemotherapy and amputation of his left hip and leg were recommended. After much research into possible options, he went to Houston for a second opinion. Although the chemotherapy recommendation was the same, a surgical option of performing an internal hemipelvectomy seemed to be better than what was recommended here. After some very difficult courses of chemotherapy, he underwent surgery in Houston in June for the surgery involving removal of most of the left ilium, all of the hip socket and the ball of the top of the femur. Fortunately, despite all of the risks of complications, Matt was able to get through the surgery. After spending approximately a month in the hospital recovering, he came back home to San Diego.
Due to the high risk of the cancer spreading (even after surgery) Matt continued chemotherapy when he returned. In addition, he is undergoing intense physical therapy in order to learn to cope with his physical limitations. He will continue chemo for at least another 9 months (from now). His physical therapy will continue at least 2 years before he reaches his maximum medical improvement.
His family asks for your prayers for Matt and we ask you to pray also for his family in this time of great stress. Their friends set up a donation account to help defray travel and other expenses not covered by insurance. You can look athttp://www.mattalcantara.com for information. If you want to follow Matt's progress, look athttp://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattalcantara.
Joan Jeffery was diagnosed with cancerous lymphoma in her throat area. She is back in hospital since last Thursday trying to fight off the severe effects of the radiation treatment. There is good and a bad. The good is the radiation treatment got rid of the tumour; the bad is side-effects have been so severe that they have caused a different set of problems. Because of the position of the tumour in the neck the rays have affected the mouth, lips, throat, oesophagus and the skin from the middle of her chest to halfway up her ears. It has been so sore that not only has she been unable to eat, but talking is a problem too. In hospital they have been re-hydrating her intravenously and may put in a central line in order to feed her intravenously as well. She certainly needs building up in order to assist the healing process. The doctors and nurses are all positive she will pull through this problem and have said once the mouth etc. has healed enough for her to eat properly the improvement should be quite rapid, so I am keeping everything crossed. 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.
Danielle’s neck surgery to remove her lymph nodes and damaged tissue was successful. She completed the radiation and chemotherapy, her throat is swollen so she cannot eat, but she is now on the way to recovery. It is very tough, but she is making it. Her mom Jan is with her until later this week. Things are better with Jan there. Please pray a good outcome and peace of mind for Danielle and her family.
Dan Heersema had four way bypass surgery on 7 December 2009, which he tolerated well. Please give thanks for a great result and pray for his continued recovery and that he may live a long and healthy life to God’s honor and glory. Pray for peace of mind for Dan and his family.
Mike Wysocki was diagnosed with a bad heart valve, which seems to require repair or replacement. He had an angiogram on 7 December 2009, which indicates he needs a heart valve replacement and a previous bypass needs to be done. He may have surgery scheduled before Christmas. 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.
Lee had a stroke recently. He is home from the hospital, but he needs continuous care and assistance as the stroke did significant damage. Sandy will have 4 hour of in-home care provided. Lee is aware of his surroundings and family, but he is in need prayer during recovery and rehabilitation.
Jackson Babcock, father of Hope DeLong, has not been feeling well. He ended up in ICU, got better and is now home. Please give thanks for the great turn around and pray that he will continue to recover and thrive at home and live a long and fruitful life to God’s honor and glory.
Mila daughter of Kristen Cramer was born six weeks early. Please give thanks for her successful birth. Mila needs to build her strength so she can be released home. Please pray for her to gain interest in eating and gain strength.
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. She is still not yet regained consciousness, but is in a rehabilitation facility. There are signs of her awakening. Her husband and sons have been by her the entire time, so she has never been alone. 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.
Obra was just released from hospital three days ago. From Shamim - The doctors cannot do a lot with a darling 86 year old man, who suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, prostrate cancer, heart disease, and a variety of other ailments (much like my own father). We sincerely believe Daddy is missing his dear Pauline a lot, and is very down now. Thank you for continuing to keep him in all your prayers. We know God is our only salvation.
Please pray he will keep his trust and faith in God and turn his heart outward to the world, remembering God put him here to make a difference; that he will let his heart be open to God’s grace.
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.
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 increased awareness of those around him and his surroundings. This is a very good thing and a large step back to earth. 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.
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 doing extremely well. She needs to be on oxygen with the altitude and she gets about nicely with the walker. Her goddaughter, Mary, has been doing an 6 week med-school visiting intern stay at UCSD Med. It was a joyful addition to the large family gathering for Thanksgiving. Son, Alan, is likely to be moving to Tennessee with a company required relocation--not great with his sons Alan & Kenny in college and finishing high school here in San Diego area.
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 was in Yuma for Thanksgiving with her daughter. She had a nice visit, but being at home does have advantages--like her Friday visit to the beauty shop.
Lorraine Winkles is doing well all things considered, with some days better than other days. She asks about everyone and is looking forward to a short visit by the Carolers next Sunday.
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. 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. Please pray for God’s grace for Natalie and her family to 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, 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, Jeff, Christiana (God’s grace), Tara (divorce), Patricia & her family, Errin, Elizabeth, Brandon, Steven, Nelson, Ashley, 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 (Relief from stress; Her husband has severe medical problems), Jennifer, Margie, Phyllis, Sam (guidance on direction of his business), Susie (Pray for her successfully passing her school bus driving exam 12/8 or 9), Tara (divorce), Virginia, Darin & Brian (mom’s health issues), Jeanie (upset over her husband's cancer problems), Curt (Still providing care for his wife, Jacque, who is undergoing chemotherapy), Alex, Emilie, Stephen
Hope asks you pray for God’s help in forcing the dissolution an aircraft partnership with two other people. 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.
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, after traveling to Chile to learn more about music therapy for developmentally challenged young people from a Christian perspective, is embarking on a project to actually do something about it. She asks that you pray for her that she might discern God’s will, her abilities and the need.
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 fromSusanne’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.
Brad, Brian, 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 and that all those out of work 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)
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.
Various Special Requests
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.
Pray for our Caroling visit to those of our members who can't make it to church on Sundays will be on December 20th. We'll start after snacks this Sunday and work our way down to El Cajon. Then some of us will make a stop in Descanso followed by an anticipatory Christmas beer (or wetting our thirst after the Vicar has preached on Hell--the traditional theme for the 4th Sunday in Advent). Look for details from Father Acker by mid-week...on Caroling!
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). If you did not already get yours, there are still about 10 in the Church Trailer. Now, you will have extras to pig out on Christmas Eve! If no one claims them, they are going home with Warren next Sunday!
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
20 December 2009 Greg Chase
24 December 2009 Emilie Springer (Christmas Eve)
27 December 2009 Hap Arnold (Happy Birthday)
3 January 2010 Holly Lizak
10 January 2010 Dru Arnold
17 January 2010 Alice Acker
24 January 2010 Greg Chase
31 January 2010 Jack Arnold
Finances and the dreaded Pledge Card
We are nearing the end of this year, thus we must begin to plan for next year. Although we are cautioned to “Trust in God and dread naught,” we are also told to plan and provide for the future and to spread the Word of God. Our pledges for the year expire at the end of this month. Sometime during this month, you will get a note from Father Acker or some potentate with a Pledge Card.
Next Sunday is the start of our Pledge Card Intake. That is fancy term that means we ask members of our parish to make a financial commitment to support the parish. As you know, we are a very small parish. We have no physical plant to support. Our annual budget is just about $40,000.00. All of our extras, like the Free Teen Guitar Class, the T-shirts, the signs, parades, parties and this report are off-budget items funded by individual directed donations. The annual budget is pretty sparse. But, with this little amount of money we have a major impact on our congregation, the Anglican community and the world in general. If we had more, we would no doubt figure out ways to spend it spreading the Word, but money gathering is not the parish mission.
We believe what we said in our Mission Statement:
We will grow closer to God and spread the good news of His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, locally and throughout the world by prayer, word and deed, in the Anglican tradition.
Keeping the church in operation does cost money. We need each of our parishioners to make a commitment to the church for the upcoming year so that we can plan what we commit to do. This is not like the TV evangelist who wants your money to buy his jet. We don’t need a lot and we know the difference between want and need. We meet in a school. We use coupons for everything. We never pay retail, but we don’t beg and we don’t steal. We do not want our members to commit money they do not have to spare. That is not the point. The point is for each of us to make our commitment in support of the mission of the parish to the extent we can. No more. If you can afford a million, fine; if you can afford a dollar, wonderful.
Father Acker sent something like this form in an email to our membership, I pass it along to those of you who may miss it:
My Giving for God’s work in 2010
Church of the Blessed Trinity
With God being my helper, I commit to give to God’s Mission:
Following Anglican tradition, we will grow closer to God and spread the good news of His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, locally and throughout the world by prayer, word and deed.
With prayer and thanksgiving, I give my support:
$____ per ____________ (week, month, year)
Signature: _____________________________
Name: _____________________________ Envelopes: __ Yes
You can send the form back by mail, e-mail your commitment to Father Acker [FrKeithA@AlpineAnglican.com], fax it or put it in the plate on Sunday.
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Thursday
Chase Study Group 1815 (6:15 pm) at the Chase home, Book of Common Prayer and Ordination.
Friday
The Macauleys are hosting their annual Christmas get together at 1830 (6:30 pm).
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.
Thursday Next
Christmas Eve Service at 1830 at the Alpine Elementary School Auditorium (our normal church location).
Friday Next
Christmas service at Victoria House at 0930, I think, anyway.
Christmas Dinner will be held at the Community Center at 1200. Ben Lizak is coordinating the event.
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!
My two mostest favoritist (not a word and I know it) people at church are Betsy and Warren. That is why you see their pictures all the time! Don’t tell anyone.
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