New Year’s Day, 1 January, is the Red Letter Holy Day, The Circumcision of Christ. These “major” or “Red Letter” days get their nickname from the color their titles are printed in the Book of Common Prayer:
The Circumcision of Christ.
[January 1.]
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The first day of the calendar year brought light Santa Ana condition to Mount Olympus with a sunrise temperature of 53°F. Down the hill at Victoria House, the temperature was 65°F under light thin high clouds with visibility in excess of 50 miles. A perfect New Year’s Day. With five people attending, there were too many for the small chapel and the service was held in the dining room.
Jack Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s letter to the people of Philippia, starting at the Ninth Verse of the Second Chapter. The portion of the letter used as today’s Epistle is relatively short. God has sent His Son to earth and given him a name above all others, Jesus . Paul exhorts his fellow followers to continue to follow the Lord, not only while he is watching them, but at all times. God will give them the will and ability to do good, but only if they do their best to follow Him.
GOD also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, the Second Chapter, beginning at the Fifteenth Verse. Today’s Gospel recounts the angels visit to the shepherds who came into Bethlehem to pay homage to Jesus in the manger. It also documents the circumcision of Jesus, bringing Him under the Law. He who: Is, Was and always Will be, put Himself under the Law, that He might fulfill the Law and be our salvation.
Our salvation from the Law came from the perfect sacrifice one time for the sins of all mankind for all time. It could only come from one who was perfect, to enter in to the Law, one had to be subject to the Law. Thus, Jesus submitted Himself unto the Law that he might in the end have dominion over the Law.
AND it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Sermon - Under the Law
It is important today we are celebrating the Circumcision of the LORD, His obedience, and that of His whole family, to the Law. He was raised in the tradition of Moses like everybody else of Jewish tradition was in those days. He grew up in a pious family. They were definitely observing the Laws of the day because the Saviour came from a long line of fourteen times three generations of people who suffered for the sake of the promise of the Incarnation of the Saviour. All these people were faithful to God even though they were still waiting for the fulfillment of the promise; even though, as the Apostle Paul said in one of his writings, they had not seen what was to come, yet they were faithful to God. In a very important sense, the circumcision demonstrates Jesus’s perfect compliance with The Law that He might stand in for us when we cannot comply. In all things He was perfect, that perfect Lamb of God, that we might have eternal life.
This day is not about giving him a name, for as the Gospel points out, He had that name given unto Him “before he was conceived in the womb.”
Through Him all things are possible!
The Second Sunday after Christmas
Today was the Second Sunday after Christmas and the first Sunday of the New Year 2009. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a warm 54°F with a light Santa Ana wind and clear skies. Down the hill at church, the temperature picked up to warmer 68°F, which by the time church ended came up to 76°F, not a bad mid-winter day. With an incredibly beautiful day, we had 24 people present, one less than last year. Still that was pretty good with the number of people sick and on travel!
Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday
Today was not only the First Sunday of the Month, but also of the New Year. The first Sunday each month, Father Acker’s Free Teen Guitar Class provides all the music. Today, for the first time ever Jack Arnold was not there for FTGC Sunday.
Jack was not gone because he did not want to be at church, but because he is in Perth, Australia! More later in the report. But, in Jack’s place, we had a guest bass guitarist, John Young, a friend of the Arnold family from Birmingham, Alabama. Thus, the Arnold contribution was intact!
Playing today with Father Ironhand were Jonathan Barrett (who normally attends the Friday service, Nick Patton and John Young who played their guitars for the gathering songs, as well as all the hymns, as is our parish custom. Today’s songs were:
• Christmas Offering
• Hark the herald angels
• Joy to the world
• First Noel
• Away in a manger
• We three kings
• Silent Night
• Angels we have heard on high
Thanks again to Jonathan, Nick, John and Father Ironhand.
There is a new class schedule for the Free Teen Guitar Class with new times on Wednesdays. This Wednesday, 6 January 2010 is the first class of the new session, for details go to the FTGC website: http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com/lessons.html
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class
There was no pre-service class as we are on holiday schedule!
Propers
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, with the Collect for the actual Sunday read also. The Propers are found on Page 106-107 with the Collect first:
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dru Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from the Sixty-First Chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah beginning at the First Verse:
THE Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
The Gospel came from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the Second Chapter beginning at the Nineteenth Verse, which tell of the time after Jesus’ birth and subsequent sojourn in Egypt when the angel came to Joseph and told him it was time to return to Israel. As he was coming back, he hear that the evil Archelaus was ruling in Judea in Heron’s place, so he decided to continue to Nazareth to insure a safe place to raise his Son and family. Thus, was fulfilled the prophecy of the Messiah rising from Nazareth. Joseph, while ignorant of the prophecy, nonetheless fulfilled it!
WHEN Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judæa in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
The Last Gospel
During Christmastide, we also read “The Last Gospel”, which is actually the first part of the Gospel according to Saint John, so called because in many ways it completes the story of Christ:
The Holy Gospel is written in the First Chapter of the Gospel of St. John beginning at the First Verse.
IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Sermon - The Twelve Days Never End
This was a particularly good sermon, if it does not seem so from the summary, you should have been there. It was really great!
All the presents are opened. Did you get anything life changing? Today is the 10th day of Christmas, Tuesday is the 12th day, we should take our decorations down on the 12th day. So, you must have checked out all your presents by now. Did you get anything life changing? Perhaps a hint is in order? Does the name Jesus Christ ring a bell?
Are we like the Jews of Palm Sunday, looking so hard for a worldly King (or presents and worldly good) that we ignore the gift of Eternal Life? Oh, yes, and the command to spread the Good News? To share the Word? God put us on this earth not to get things, but to give things. Recall, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Get or give what – Things? Or, Thoughts? Help or Hinder?
In today’s Epistle, one of the Old Testament’s most reliable foreshadowers of the New, Isaiah, writes in more modern terms:
The Holy Ghost is in my heart, the Lord has told me to tell His Good News to the weak of heart, soul and body, to let those who mourn know the Good News of His gift of Eternal Life, to show those trapped in the problems of this world how He can help them, to demonstrate to them how He can turn their lives around, to make ill well, sad happy, and so on, to His Glory.
This, then, is your job. You need to bring His Good News to those who need it. How? One person at a time, that is how. You are not likely to be a Billy Graham, but you can help one person at a time. Just one. If each of us helps one, the world’s problems will soon abate. If you won’t help one, because there are so many, His cause is done.
The job starts with prayer. You pray for guidance, you pray for help. Then, you ask others to pray for you and with you for guidance and help for God’s mission through your life. Bring others in to your plan, to advise, to evaluate and guide your portion of God’s work. Like Tom Sawyer’s fence, soon the world will glisten. Whitewashing can be fun! When you ask others to pray, to advise, to evaluate and to help, you are doing God’s work, furthering His mission here on earth.
Christmas is not about presents. It is about present. God’s present to us.
Merry Christmas!
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today. We were very fortunate to have John Young, the guest bass guitarist from Birmingham, Alabama and his good friend Dave Geraldson visiting with us.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We celebrated Warren Huber’s SECOND birthday without him.
After Church Hospitality
Alice Acker brought the snacks today. She made a lovely quiche, but forgot the hot sauce. Normally, this would be a terrible offence to the Beadle’s senses, but Alice’s quiche is so good that your Beadle would never ever put hot sauce on it. It is by far the BEST! There were also wonderful chocolate chip cookies and Sandy Patton’s cranberry muffins put in a guest appearance. There is no comment on the muffins as they disappeared before it was possible to taste them. One can only speculate they were very good!
There is no picture of the snacks today. Your Beadle apologizes, but he was engrossed in conversation and quiche eating.
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
10 January 2010 Holly Lizak
17 January 2010 Opportunity Available
24 January 2010 Jan Macauley
31 January 2010 Opportunity Available
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
Warren celebrated his SECOND birthday this week.
Lydia celebrated her 9th birthday last week.
Fran celebrated her 67th birthday last week.
Hap celebrated his 60th birthday last week.
Travel
Jack is on travel this week to Australia.
John is on travel this week.
Repose of the Soul
Joan Jeffery passed away the afternoon of 21 December 2009, in Australia apparently as the result of radiation sustained during the treatment of a cancerous lymphoma in her throat. Please pray for the repose of Joan’s soul and for her family left behind here on earth. Pray in particular for her husband Peter, her mother Ada and the rest of her family as they deal with the loss of their beloved Joanie.
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), 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)
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 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 throat is swollen so she cannot eat, but 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. Shock treatment administered on Tuesday reduced the fibrillation and his heart is now beating strongly as is should. Dan was released from the hospital. He seems surprised he feels so lousy; but being so close to the problem, has not noticed his great progress over the week. Things seem to be at least on schedule and he is very happy to be home. 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 is currently in hospital with congestive heart failure and other heart related problems in Minnesota. Doctors are attempting to get medications under control. 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. Please give thanks to God for a successful result and for the great work on the part of the surgeons and their team. 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. And an update on Friday, the First of January, from Wendy:
To our family and good friends:
Mike's surgery went well. It took 6 1/2 hr. My daughter Kimberly was with me and gave me a lot of support. The surgeon told us they replaced the Aorta Valve with a pig valve. One artery was leaking so it was not repaired but replaced. Mike is in ICU will probably be in ICU for a few more days. I am home at the present time, will probably return on Sunday night. This is our home number and would be glad to talk to anyone who would like to call (805) 985-1672. All prayers were much appreciated. We are sure they helped Mike pull through. Our love to all of you.
Mike and 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.
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. She continues to make small improvements. 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 just released from hospital a week 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. The surgery went well was was successful, but her recovery took longer than hoped. But, with God’s grace she was able to go home for Christmas. 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 continued 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. 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 loved 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.
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 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.
After Christmas she will have a Hickman line surgically placed to allow frequent injection of meds that may help resolve her severe GVHD. Caroline sees this surgery as a major step backward and 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), 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, Daniel S
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
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.
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
10 January 2010 Dru Arnold
17 January 2010 Alice Acker
24 January 2010 Greg Chase
31 January 2010 Jack Arnold
Member on Travel
Jack Arnold, our Senior Acolyte, Guitarist and Scribe to the Vestry, is on travel to Perth, Western Australia for the next month. If you would like to follow his travels, he has a site here: http://poshkandaroog.blogspot.com/
While he has been to England, Canada and Australia before, as well as many times to Hawaii, this is Jack’s very first solo overseas trip. He thinks it should be less stressful than last summer’s trip to Wisconsin with Greg. But, who knows? It could be, or it could be that it will be more stressful. Nonetheless, off he has gone to the land of the Posh Kandaroog. If you are curious about the Posh Kandaroog, check out the site.
You can even pinpoint him on a map when he is about using the Sky Puke feature on the right side bar.
Jack will be his good friends the Langstaffs who, coincidentally, are Anglicans. They attended our Easter Service in the park this year while on holiday. You should see something of their service on his site. Anyway, you won’t see him at church until he is back to read the Epistle on the 31st of January 2010!
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Wednesday
Wednesday is the 6th of January, the 13th day of Christmas, so to speak, and more importantly The Epiphany, or revealing, the first exposure the Gentiles had to Christ. Its official title is: The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. The Gentiles we are talking about are the Magi, the Three Wisemen. There will be a Holy Communion Service at Victoria Chapel at 1830 (6:30 pm) Evening Prayer 1815 (6:15pm).
Sunday
Sunday is the First Sunday after the Epiphany, Holy Communion Service at Church at 0830.
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment