Today was the Septuagesima (see later in the report for the origin of this name), the third Sunday before Lent. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a cool 29°F under bright blue skies. Down the hill at church, the temperature picked up to a reasonable 65°F under still clear skies. We had 19 people present for the service:
Pre-Service Music
Nick had a hockey game, so Father Acker and Jack Arnold played their guitars for pre-service gathering or welcome songs:
• God of nations
• How great is our God
• The King of Love
• Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
It was great to have Jack back from Australia and playing the welcome songs. The concept of the gathering or welcome songs is simple, people just don’t seem to show up on time. The tradition seems to have started in Africa where most people walk to church, live differing distances, don’t have watches and are not quite as obsessive compulsive. Seems to work nicely in Alpine, too. The welcoming songs have a nice side effect of getting us all in to a nice “church mood” for the first day of our week. It is a nice way to start out and helps keep up a good attitude. Also, while we have traditional church organ music during our service, the pre-service guitar music helps blend old and new to everyone’s benefit. Take the word of someone who doesn’t even particularly like music.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class – Religious Supermarket, Anglican style – Part Deux
The Anglican Church has been referred to as the Via Media, the Middle Way, straddling Protestantism and Catholicism (Romanism). That is one way of looking at it, but not necessarily the correct way. It might be more aptly put that the Anglican Church has not departed from “That which is believed at all times, in all places, and by all.” As was said by Vincent of Lérins in Gaul in the year 445 AD. We hold no unique beliefs, unless having your theology being based on scripture is unique. Of the truly evangelical churches (that would be those whose pole star is The Word), we do hold to a unique form of worship, in that we are liturgical rather than free form in our worship. Our church, while rooted deeply in the past, is a bridge to the future. Our rich history has not been forgotten. We use ashes on Ash Wednesday that are of stock from generations past, some to previous millennia. While we honor the past, we live today for the future.
In today’s Anti-Christian world people seem to look for more for “me”, failing to understand that God wants more for you. He knows you will not find it by looking out for you, but by your looking out for others.
The Anglican Church is both Protestant and Catholic. Protestant, in that we protest against the errors of Rome (that was where it started, though others since have erred!). We are Devotional and Charismatic. We look both inward and outward. We believe in prayer and meditation. More we value action. We are both Waiting upon God and Evangelical. While we are content to wait for God, we are spreading His Word while we wait!
We are in a unique position. No one has a better time doing what may seem at first “old fashioned” and “boring.” If you join us a couple of times, you will find out more is ancient and interesting in our church than just the congregation! There is help for all.
ONE for all and all for ONE.
It is more than just a slogan for the Three Musketeers. Think about it.
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 in our church 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. The Propers for today are found on Page 118-120, with the Collect first:
The Sunday called Septuagesima, or the
third Sunday before Lent.
The Collect.
O LORD, we beseech thee favourably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
Jack Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from the Ninth Chapter of the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians beginning at the Twenty-Fourth Verse:
KNOW ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
The Gospel for today came from the Twentieth Chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew beginning at the First Verse. Often quoted, this is the very important parable of the vineyard. While it appears to be principally directed towards Christians wanting to be “first” in importance and the like, it has a more direct meaning. It is a fine lesson in “buyer’s remorse” or coveting of jobs or similar concepts. If you got a good deal, it does not change because someone else got a “better” deal. Take what you got, go forth and be happy. Other meanings abound. For a very direct application, what this means is “cradle” Christians are no more likely to go to heaven than this morning’s convert. They just get to enjoy the Christian experience longer. One note, if you wait until the last minute to join the gang, your time here might end before you get around to it.
Sometimes people act like being a Christian is an unpleasant experience that they will do when they get a round tuit. It is not. Christians aren’t perfect, they just have more fun being imperfect and imperfectly trying to improve! Anyway, here is the Gospel according to Saint Matthew:
THE kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Sermon - Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras! The name sounds glamorous, invoking the spirit of party! What does it mean besides a headache on Ash Wednesday? Well, the words are a sort of French spoken in Louisiana, they mean Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras is the Tuesday pre-lenten party for using up all the fat. No doubt there is a religious significance, but the point is most people go there, or party here, searching for happiness, which they have confused with fun, and find neither. Kind of like life in general, eh?
Well, this is a time of year to reflect on what we are really looking for, whether we know it or not, all of are looking for the same thing. We are looking for happiness. We will find it in unity of purpose with our Maker. This should not be a surprise. Like Pinocchio, most of us fail to see we will be happiest when we serve our Maker’s designed purpose. Rather than look to what Geppetto wanted him to do, Pinocchio sought “fun” on Donkey Island, rather than good with Geppetto.
We also tend to look for fun things to do rather than the things God tells us will make us happy. We find ourselves really surprised when the carolers have more fun than the those they caroled to or when we find that we enjoyed sharing our Christmas at least as much as those with whom it was shared. We should not be surprised, but imperfect as we are, we are surprised almost every time. You think we would learn, would you not?
We have much of the key to happiness here in our church. Many people have tried church and did not find God there. With many that is just an excuse, we know that. But, sadly with many others, it is a truth. We must make our congregation a window that the Light of God can shine through to light the world. That is our mission. I think we do well at it, by no means perfectly, but well. And, most importantly, we are trying to open our hearts to the gentle prodding, as it were, of the Holy Ghost to do better.
We have God, a loving congregation, an ancient and true liturgy (that is the service, not a description of the congregation) and great snacks. Our church is not about money, though we do need some to exist. We are a Christian Church, a place to worship the Triune God. Our mission is to train and treat our people so they can bring the Word to the World.
So, what to do? Get out into the world and Spread the Word!
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays or anniversaries today. But, Tuesday is Dru Arnold’s 55th birthday. Just in case Marianne brought a cake to make sure the Ground Hog was appeased!
After Church Hospitality
This Sunday Marianne, Betsy and Dru brought the snacks, but today’s snacks were not snacks, but a highly sumptuous tea. There were two kinds of tea, Irish Breakfast and normal Lipton’s; two kinds of grapes, two kinds of miniature quiches (quichi?); several types of cookies and scones AND a wonderful birthday cake for Dru.
The Long Arm reaches all!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
7 February 2010 Muriel Pappin and Alice Acker
14 February 2010 The Lanes
21 February 2010 Greg and Diane Chase
28 February 2010 Holly Lizak
7 March 2010 Jan Macauley
14 March 2010 Alice Acker
21 March 2010 Opportunity Available
28 March 2010 Greg and Diane Chase
4 April 2010 Easter
11 April 2010 Opportunity Available
18 April 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
Ryan Welter celebrated his 25th birthday last week.
Travel
Ryan is on travel throughout Southeast Asia until May 2010.
Hap is on travel this week.
Anniversary of Passing
Robert
Repose of the Soul
Mrs. Martin perished in the Haitian earthquake while attending a medical conference there. Her son and daughter in law Luke and Sheri Martin live in Pine Valley. You may recall Luke and Sheri have attended Blessed Trinity's Seder meals for the past few years. Please pray for the repose of her soul and her family who remain behind, in particular, Luke, Sheri and their children Maya, Frida, David and Olivia.
Peaceful Transition
Beatrice
Ruth is in home hospice care.
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; the doctors are at a loss on the decreasing cancer cell count except prayer; please add your thanksgiving to the prayers for healing.), 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), Susan, George (reoccurrence of cancer); Maggie (surgery the week of 28 Dec 09), Lillian, Rob, Ken, Marlene, Emma W (Brain tumor), Greg (Bronchitis)
Debbie Hunter has had a tumor in her chest for some time. Recently it has grown considerably. Apparently the tumor is in Debbie’s abdominal cavity and pressing on her lung causing shortness of breath. There are also tumor cells growing in her breast. There is good news in that it is believed this type of tumor does not tend to spread to other parts of the body. And, Debbie qualifies for a clinical study focused on this type of tumor that does not use IV, but rather oral (pills) which is a relief because it will allow her to maintain a more normal semblance of life. Debbie asks that you pray the clinical study works and that the skin on her chest remains healthy. Please pray also Debbie, her husband Todd and their children Jonathan and Carol might let God carry their worry and concern.
John Alexander, III underwent a tonsillectomy on 13 January 2010. The procedure was successful, but the medical team had having trouble controlling post surgical bleeding. After much prayer, they stopped the bleeding. Please pray for rapid recovery and peace of mind for John, his wife and children.
Matt Alcantara, age 15, has Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a very rare and lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options. 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. His recent MRI came back clean, there is still much concern. He will continue chemo for at least another 8 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 at http://www.mattalcantara.com for information. If you want to follow Matt's progress, look at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattalcantara.
Danielle’s neck surgery to remove her lymph nodes and damaged tissue was successful. She completed the radiation and chemotherapy, her swollen throat is decreasing and she is starting to eat, she seems to be recovering considerably ahead of schedule. It is very tough, but she is making it. 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. Dan is home and on his way to a full recovery. 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.
Claude Strauch was in the hospital with congestive heart failure and other heart related problems in Minnesota. Doctors are attempting to get medications under control. He had an appointment on 13 January 2010, to see if he is a candidate for a pacemaker. He is very concerned, as is his entire family. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating him and for Claude and his family, that they might put their care and worry on God’s back so they can do their best for each other.
Mike Wysocki had aortic heart valve replacement and arterial replacement on 30 December 2009. He is now home and recovering remarkably well. He had is first checkup on 21 January 2010, blood pressure, heart rate, EKG etc. are all good. His legs and feet are still swollen so Dr. Stewart is focusing on that for now. Mike, whose real name is Ronald, but who is universally known as Chief, asks you give thanks to God and pray for his recovery, guidance and peace of mind, both for him and his wife Wendy.
Lee Thomas had what appears to be a minor seizure two weeks ago. He was in the hospital for assessment and has not been released home. His wife Sandy is hopeful that being in familiar surroundings will be beneficial and he will regain some of the ground he has lost. Please pray for Lee, Sandy and their children to maintain their trust in God and to look towards Him for guidance. Pray also for the medical team treating Lee that God might guide and direct their assessment and treatment.
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.
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 regained consciousness, and is in a long term acute care hospital. 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.
Obra was released from hospital five weeks 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.
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 had a sudden loss in hearing due to a rare viral infection. This is a critical three week treatment period for her besides being on dialysis, etc. She 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. She loved her carol visit and would like to make it to church, if she can make her way down the rocky road one day. 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 happy for a carol visit from her friends at church. She is getting over a cold, but doing.
Lorraine Winkles has severe arthritis pain in back, legs, and ankles. Please pray she will get relief from the pain which so limits her mobility.
her carol visit and is doing pretty darn well all things considered, some days are better than other days.
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.
Caroline just celebrated her 12th birthday earlier this month. Although she remains free of leukemia after her bone marrow transplant in July 2008, the side effect of the transplant, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), is so bad that she can barely walk and at times cannot even hold a pencil because her joints are so stiff and swollen. Caroline is quite depressed; please pray for her and for an improvement in her condition.
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
Adam, 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), 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, Daniel S, Jan
Nancy G. asks your prayers for her as she starts her new job.
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 A 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.
Megan C is experiencing chest pain and headaches, seemingly due to stress. The reason for them is not clear, the treatment has not been all that successful. An adverse reaction to the medication used to treat symptoms has caused significant problems. Please pray for the drugs to dissipate from her system and that Megan can renew her commitment to God and accept His Love, Help, Guidance and Grace so she can 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 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
Father Keith is looking for additional employment to supplement his part-time stipend at Blessed Trinity. Keith believes his expertise lies in web site development and guitar teaching, both of which he is clearly good at. Please pray the Holy Ghost will enter into his heart and give him inspiration and guidance to lead him to a job which will use his considerable skills to support his family, bless the company he joins and further God’s Work, all together.
Obra, known to us as Commander O, has retired from the Navy after 20 years and now must find employment to support his family. Please pray for him to find a position which will use the skills he has and the training he got from the Navy to support his family and make his new employer more successful.
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), Rachel Ziegler (USAF – in training at Fort Lewis for deployment to Southwest Asia)
Thanksgiving
Jack gives thanks for safe travel to and from Australia this month.
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 pray for the earthquake victims in Haiti and ask God to guide relief efforts there. The country was in bad shape before the earthquake, now the situation is almost unbelievable. Pray for God to enter into the hearts of the people there and for the Holy Ghost to guide those attempting to provide relief for the suffering.
We ask that you pray, please ask God that the Holy Ghost might give you insight into how you might make the lives of your friends and family better. Remember helping others is not just those who you don’t know!
Please join us in praying for inspiration to grow our little church to the glory of God. Our numbers are static, we need God’s inspiration to figure out the next step. Please pray that we will open our heart to the gentle prodding of the Holy Ghost; and not do what we have always done expecting a different result.
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.
What is Septuagesima?
Septuagesima Sunday is the name given to the third Sunday before Lent. The term is sometimes applied to the period of the liturgical year which begins on this day and lasts through Shrove Tuesday (with the following day being Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins). This period is also known as the Pre-Lenten season or Shrovetide. The next two Sundays are labelled Sexagesima and Quinquagesima, the latter sometimes also called Shrove Sunday. The earliest Septuagesima Sunday can occur is January 18 (Easter falling on March 22 in nonleap year) and the latest is February 22 (Easter falling on April 25 in leap year).
Septuagesima comes from the Latin word for "seventieth," with Sexagesima and Quinquagesima equalling "sixtieth" and "fiftieth" respectively. They are patterned after the Latin word for the season of Lent, Quadragesima, which means "fortieth" because Lent is forty days long (not counting the Sundays, which are all considered little Easters). Because a week is only seven days long, not ten, and since even then only six of those days might be counted if the pattern of Quadragesima is followed, Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, don't literally correspond to the periods of time they imply. It is interesting, however, that just about 70 days (68 actually) is the minimum number of days between the octave day of the Epiphany on January 14 and Easter, implying that a season just about 70 days long can always fit between the two.
The 17-day period beginning on Septuagesima Sunday was intended to be observed as a preparation for the season of Lent, which is itself a period of spiritual preparation (for Easter). In many countries, however, Septuagesima Sunday still marks the start of the carnival season, culminating on Shrove Tuesday, more commonly known as Mardi Gras. The Gospel reading for Septuagesima week is the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).
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.
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
7 February 2010 Dru Arnold
14 February 2010 Sandy Patton
21 February 2010 Ben Lizak
28 February 2010 Greg Chase
Annual Parish Meeting
The annual parish meeting opened with a prayer and review of our Mission Statement:
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.
Minutes
The minutes from the 2009 meeting were read and accepted without correction.
Budget
Although our attendance is very slightly up, the pledges are down by 1/3, probably for various reasons. Forecast operating income is $26,550.00. The $26,850.00 budget recommended by the Budget Committee was approved. This is a $300.00 deficit. There are no non-required items. Of necessity, the budget required cutting the priest’s compensation package. This has required the priest to go part time and seek additional employment to allow him to support his family.
Vestry Membership
The Vestry is our church Board of Directors. Member Lieutenant Commander Aaron Huber will be deploying to Afghanistan shortly. The Nominating Committee recommended supplementing the Vestry with an additional member. Marianne Lane agreed to serve. The congregation elected her by universal acclamation. As the result of a one time suspension of the bylaws on this point, all Vestry members terms were extended by one year and the current officers reauthorized. The current Vestry is as follows:
Ben Lizak Senior Warden
Hap Arnold Junior Warden
Jan Macauley Clerk
Greg Chase Treasurer
Don Patton Member
Aaron Huber Member
Marianne Member
Jack Arnold Scribe
Our Parish – Mission, Outreach and Growth
We are progressing on our Mission Statement, that is to tend to the spiritual health of our members so they can spread the Word locally and throughout the world in the manner of Anglicans since the inception of the Anglican Church in the year 37. We have some outreach programs that have been moderately successful, the Christmas Dinner, the Christmas Carol and the FTGC. We discussed methods by which we might build on those and other potential avenues. A sense of the parish was that we would like to have Easter Caroling, or Hymning, as it were; there is a potential for an Easter Dinner, the FTGC might consider a Saturday Jamnic in the park, that is to say a picnic; it was asked that we consider having Easter and perhaps some other services outdoors, preferably in the park.
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Sunday called Sexagesima, or the second Sunday before Lent.
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!
