The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles
What a long title for a simple thought. The Epiphany is the title of the feast recalling the arrival of the Magi to pay homage to the Lord Jesus. Epiphany means revealing or becoming aware. Our Lord was revealed first to the Hebrews through the shepherds. The first gentiles (non-Hebrews) to whom He was first revealed were the Magi or Wise Men who came from afar to pay Him honor.
Tonight we had a normal Holy Communion service at Victoria House at 1830 (6:30 pm) with 5 members present. You might think that is a small number. Consider the prayer of Saint John Chrysotom that God doth “promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests.” Seems like we had enough. In fact – We had two AND three. Those of you who were there know how wonderful it felt to celebrate the coming of the Lord to us gentiles. By the way, a “normal” service is about 25 minutes, start to finish; shows how much time singing takes up on Sunday.
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. Some days are particularly special, such as the Epiphany, and the Collect is read for eight days (the legendary Octave) The Propers for the Epiphany are found on Page 107-109 with the Collect first:
The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ
to the Gentiles.
[January 6.]
The Collect.
O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout the Octave
Hap Arnold read the Epistle for the evening, which came from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians beginning at the First Verse of the Third Chapter:
FOR this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward: how that by revela-tion he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
The Gospel for the evening came from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the Second Chapter beginning at the First Verse:
WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they depart-ed into their own country another way.
Sermon - A light to lighten WHO?
In the words of Simeon in the temple, Jesus came “To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.” Unlike the Jews, Christians are commanded to spread the Word. We are not to be “good Christians” and live apart from the world, but rather we are to live as good Christians in the world. To be an example to the people of the world, that the light of Christ might shine through us to show the way for them in the dark.
Looking at the altar gives rise to a series of thoughts. If you have a candle and you wish to “keep all the light for yourself” and upend the chalice over the candle, the world will have no light, soon your candle will go out. If you hold your candle high, the world will see the light, if you share the light with others and let them light their candles, soon the world will be bright with light and your candle will still be lit.
Thought for the Day
The Epiphany service was not much different than that first Epiphany. Except this time there three wise women and two wise guys! Most important, Jesus was there! We had a great time worshipping. Join us some time, it is a lot of fun. It seems as if there is always plenty of room in the inn when there is church service going on. Cold outside, though!
The First Sunday after the Epiphany
Today was the first Sunday after the Epiphany and Second Sunday of the New Year 2009. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a warm 50°F under sunny skies with a mild Santa Anna condition. Down the hill at church, the temperature picked up to quite comfortable 72°F. With an incredibly beautiful day, we had 19 people present.
Gathering Songs
Today Father Acker and Nick Patton provided the gathering songs. Jack Arnold was attending church in Perth. The gathering songs were:
• We Three Kings of Orient are
• First Noel
• What star is this?
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class
Each Sunday morning before the service, Father Acker teaches a 10 minute class on a subject of interest after the gathering songs and before the service. Today being the First Sunday after The Epiphany, he talked about the Magi. As the song goes, “We Three Kings of Orient are…” The only rub is that when we look into the Bible, we find:
• There is no record of how many Magi came
• They were not kings, rather scientists or advisors to a Royal Court
• We don’t really know what court
• They were not from the Orient or Far East, rather they were from some place in the Middle East
We do know they brought at least three gifts, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Not content to stop there, legend fills in where facts are short.
Even though we don’t know, legend passes on:
• If there were three gifts, there must have been three Magi
• For some reason, unknown a couple millennia later, their names were:
o Gaspar
o Melchior
o Balthasar
• They were aged 20, 40, 60
• They were Asian, Black, & Caucasian
• They rode a Camel, Horse, & Elephant
Like King Arthur, if they were not thus, they should have been. It is better to remember what should have been.
Legend, perhaps apocryphal, fills in the details which make them representative of the world as it was. The whole world. Jesus on the arrival was no longer a Jewish Messiah, but the Messiah of the World. He did not come to save Jews only, but each and every one of us. In Saint John’s words, “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.”
Father Acker talked a bit about the Star, which lead the Magi. There are numerous astronomical explanations for the Star. If you are interested, come to church and we will show you the slides. Suffice it to say there are several explanations and what lead them to Bethlehem may or may not be one of the explanations.
Think about it, the Magi represent us. Does it matter if they were Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar or Manny, Moe and Jack or even Curly, Larry and Moe? Not at all. They were the first Gentiles to see Jesus, they started out long before He was born, to come and Worship the King. Pretty impressive, all in all. You should have been there! And that is the point, you were there!
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. In this case after the Collect for the Day, the Epiphany Collect will be read. The Propers are found on Page 109-111 with the Collect first:
The First Sunday after The Epiphany.
The Collect.
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect for Epiphany is also read today as we are in the octave, you can find that above.
Holly Lizak read the Epistle for today, which came from the Twelfth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the First Verse. Paul asks not only those long gone Romans, but us, as well, to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” He tells us our home is in heaven. Life here is not the end, rather the stepping off point, either to heaven or hell. Thus were are “not conformed to this world: but to be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that we ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Some of us may be better than others, but all fall short of the minimum standard. Through Christ we attain eternal life. In the meantime, each of us should not “think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Each of us has a place in the church, a reason to be and job to do. “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
The Gospel for today came from the Second Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke beginning at the Forty-First Verse. It tells the story of when Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem after the Passover Feast in his twelfth year. When they were done, the family group, for they likely traveled with their extended family for safety, left together. After the first day’s travel they stopped for the night and could not find Jesus. So, fearing the worst, they headed back at night for Jerusalem. Braving robbers and worse, they made their way back. After looking for three days, they went to the temple, where lo, they found him. He was among the learned men “both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” His parents were amazed and confounded. He asked them why they worried and why they did not understand that he was about his Father’s business. It is interesting to see that Jesus at twelve was able to “hold his own” with the learned scholars of Judah. He was able to out reason those who lived to dissect the Law. “A little child shall lead them,” Isaiah 11:1-10
NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Sermon - Are you smarter than a fifth grader?
At the title I knew I had it made. The real question was not was I smarter? It was meant to rightly be, “Do you know more than a fifth grader?” Clearly I did, but did I know the right stuff?
On to the sermon!
The first thing we found out is that the fifth grader was the young Man of today’s Gospel, Jesus. Right then I knew I had been snookered!
What we need to know Jesus tells us. While I may know more than the fifth grader, do I know the Right Stuff? The Right Stuff is what I need to know to get my kids into heaven, to be there to greet them, to help others to the same and to be happy here on earth. Differential Calculus or Advanced Carbon Nuclear Dynamic Chemistry is not much help there.
When we read the Bible we hear in general terms what Jesus wants us to do, we hear some specifics. When we want details, we need to listen to God. We need God’s help to perceive and know what we should do and His help to faithfully fulfill the same.
The handy thing about the Triune God is we have the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. When Jesus left, He promised the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Comforter and a number of other terms for that Third God Guy. God speaks to our hearts and souls through the Holy Ghost. If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him. Then listen for the answer. Don’t say you cannot hear because the answer is not the one you want. If you listen to God, in the end you will be happy you did.
New Nametags
We had one new nametag today. Nancy Graham of Alpine joined us for today’s service.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We celebrated Warren Huber’s SECOND birthday without him last week (he was sick and we appreciated him keeping the sickness out). This week we celebrated his birthday with him.
After Church Hospitality
Holly Lizak brought the snacks today. Holly almost always makes black olive egg salad sandwiches and chicken curry sandwiches. Today was no exception. They are always exceptional. Today was no exception. She sometimes brings carrot cake. It is always very good. Today was an exception. The carrot cake was way beyond very good. One can safely say the carrot cake was BSTD. That would be Best Seen To Date!
Your Beadle has already made a special request to Holly and Jan that they cooperate the last Sunday of December for his birthday, deviled eggs, black olive egg salad sandwiches and carrot cake. In a moment of weakness or insanity, they both agreed.
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
17 January 2010 Opportunity Available <- MAJOR PROBLEM
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 last week and we celebrated with him this week!
Travel
Keith and Alice are on travel this week.
Jack is on travel this week to Australia.
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; 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, Dru
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. 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 was in the hospital with congestive heart failure and other heart related problems in Minnesota. Doctors are attempting to get medications under control. He has 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 appears to be recovering remarkably well. 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.
Lee Thomas had what appears to be a minor seizure last week. 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. She continues to make small improvements, she is talking and getting frustrated by her inability to communicate more fully. That in itself is great news, she knows she cannot talk as well as she can think. That is wonderful. 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 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 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.
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, Jan
Nancy G. has been invited to come to our Sunday service as a result of our Xmas Day Dinner outreach. She also asks your prayers as she is applying for a new job for which she believes she is well suited.
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
Marianne got the job she interviewed for, she believes she will be a great fit and an asset to the firm. Please give thanks for the guidance given both her and the person doing the hiring.
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 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 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.
Burrito Ministry
At big churches, like Rock Harbor, it is almost impossible to get to know anyone in the congregation. Thus, to have a sense of ownership and belonging, they divide up in to small groups of less than 20 to meet and talk. Well, our church has the same problem. With an average weekly attendance of about 25, we have more than that 20 number. So being the progressive bleeding edge of societal evolution we are, Blessed Trinity meets after church snacks in two separate groups. One group meets at the local café, Janet’s, the other normally meets at the local Mexican food hole in the wall, Manañas. The Mexican food group calls themselves the Burrito Ministry! Not being part of the Janet’s Ministry, we cannot report on the goings on there in detail. We hear good things come from their time there. Perhaps an upcoming report!
We can report the Burrito Ministry is very successful. Before we go on, it should be pointed out the reason for the two groups is that there are some who just don’t do Mexican food for breakfast. Why? Your Beadle cannot say. He always tries to have at least three Jalepeños. They are free and low carb!
Anyway, our visiting bassist, John Young sent a following picture from last week. John is not in the picture, as he took it!
Thanks again to John for coming to play and bringing Dave with him to entertain!
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
17 January 2010 Alice Acker
24 January 2010 Greg Chase
31 January 2010 Jack Arnold
7 February 2010 Mike Springer
14 February 2010 Sandy Patton
21 February 2010 Ben Lizak
28 February 2010 Greg Chase
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
Sunday
Sunday is the Second 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!
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